my 1996 explorer's rear hatch won't open. how do i fix it?

I have to point out the obvious first but is it locked? If not and the glass nor the door will open your going to have to take the inner interior panel off when its closed and grab the linkage from the inside and open it...Its a pain but can be done. Also if the glass isnt shut all the way the hatch wont open because it thinks you have the window open.

Got one. Here's what you do. Climb over the back seat and remove the plastic beauty cover on the bottom half. Once off you can access the lock with a hook, or something handy to pop it open.

CANNOT remove the plastic beauty cover on the bottom half. The two little screwheads under inside handle are STRIPPED can ANYONE help this old lady??

Just had this problem due to collision. No way to save the interior trim panel. Must be broken to access the push rods that unlock the side latches. Once removed, feel inside the large holes either side of the center and push the cloth covered rods OUTWARD toward each side. Once open you can access the locking and release mechanisms. A new trim panel can usually be retrieved from a damaged tailgate at a salgage yard from an exterior damaged tailgate.