After unsuccesfully trying to remove panel from inside Jeep I broke down and took it to my mechanic. He determined that linkage was not broken or disconnected-just out of adjustment. While holding handle all the way up he gave the hatch a sharp tap and VOILA she opened! He made necessary adjustments and billed $50 for time and trouble which in our neck of the woods is beyond reasonable. It's great to know a trustworthy mechanic. ( he wont replace parts until he knows they're the cause of the problem) So if anybody has similar trouble lift and bang first and maybe you can open it to do your own work. Thanks for all the ideas.
