The latch broke on my 2000 dodge caravan hatch,

Here is a diagram for the 2000 caravan.

LATCH IS TRIPPED TO OPEN POSITON, YOU CAN MANUALLY TRIP , BUT IF YOU DO AND SHUT HOOD YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN IT .YOU NEED A NEW RELEASE CABLE ASY

If, when closing the rear hatch, it hits "hard" just before it reaches the closed position; it is very likely that the latch mechanism in the hatch is "stuck" in the latched or closed position already. This is a fairly common occurrence and takes less than a few minutes to fix. Literally.

In order to allow the latch to close around the mating piece on the car body, it will need to be opened first. To open a closed latch mechanism, you will need to simulate opening the hatch from its normal closed position. With the hatch open, look at the latch mechanism. It will align with the bar on the opening of the car. Adjust the hatch / your view to see how the mechanism would be wrapped around the bar on the body - keeping the hatch securely shut. Once you see an opening in the mechanism described above, slip the shaft of a sturdy screwdriver into the opening. Apply a pulling pressure outward - away from the latch on the screwdriver with one hand, and with the other hand (or with the help of an assistant), operate the handle / lock of the hatch the way you did when the hatch was closed. Immediately upon operating the handle / lock, the latch mechanism will unlock, and the pulling pressure of the screwdriver simulates the hatch being pulled away from the bar on the car - and seemingly magically - open allowing the screwdriver to be pulled out.

Next, you'll need to determine and correct the cause of the latch being in the wrong position. It could be something as simple as someone pushing the mechanism shut when the hatch was open; or it may be caused by a poorly lubricated mechanism that is not snapping into a fully open position. When this happens, it is likely the the closing motion of the hatch actually snaps the mechanism shut when it is stuck on the leading edge of the latch - instead of in the "throat" of the latch (where the screwdriver was). A liberal amount of a dry lubricant such as silicone or graphite applied to the mechanism and "worked in" through repeated opening and closing motions of the hatch would be a good start. Resist the temptation of using a wet lubricant like oil, grease, WD-40, etc. as these attract dirt and dust - which can interfere with a nice, fluid movement of the these latching parts. If there is already a lot of dirt, dust or rust, build up on the latch mechanism, it should be cleaned as good as possible before applying lubricant. Use an electrical contact type cleaner as these clean, degrease, dry quickly and leave no residue.

If you are unable to to get the latch to work - have your mechanic or auto servicer look at it. They should be able to quickly diagnose and free the latch. Most will not even bother to charge you to do this - if this is the cause of the problem.

I hope this helps & good luck!

It needs a latch...I am chrysler level 2 tech and have changed before with same problem...
It also happens to certain jeeps with rear hatch...although it isnt a recall yet but it should be.
The internal release mechanism wears at the pivot eventually wont open at all but should have a emergency release button at inside center..........Hope this helps Metalpoet

is it unlocking? Bad lock acuator in hatch? maybe bad latch or linkage. Have to pull innside panel to get to it. I would fix it before it breaks all together or you will never get the panel off to fix it.

you have to remove the door panel from the inside and replace the handle or open the latch.

Pull on the rods that go tothe latching mecinisam and it will open then fix your problem when you get it open.

HELLO YOU NEED TO ALIGN UR STRIKER THAT MOUNTS TO THE BODY ,,,AND COULD BE THAT GRIME IN THE LATCH ON THE HATCH SO GET SOME LITHIUM GREASE AND PUT SOME ON THE LATCH AND SEE IF THAT HELPS..

ok, then the lock actuator is most likely seized, if you need instructions to repair, let me know, you have to get the part first, this will be a dealer item most likely. Then it's pretty simple. Remove the interior panel on the liftgate, you will see the latch and lock assembly, and a rod coming from it,the rod leads to the actuator. remove the rod, the retaining screws for the actuator, the electrical connector and then reverse for installation. Any issues let me know.

Good luck.
R

YOU HAVE TO TAKE OFF THE DOOR PANEL ON THE INSIDE OF THE HATCH, IF IT WONT OPEN YOU HAVE TO DO IT FROM THE INSIDE, THEN THERE ARE 3 10MM BOLTS YOU TAKE OUT AND THE HANDLE AND PLATE LIGHT BRACKET WILL COME OUT AND YOU CAN REPLACE THE HANDLE... FYI MOST TIMES THE HANDLE BREAKS BECAUSE YOUR ACTUAL LATCH IS RUSTED OR FROZEN SO YOU MAY NEED TO REPLACE BOTH!!