Hatch not opening?

[ProjectAviator]

My son just picked up a 91 Sport 4x4. The rear hatch won't open, the handle just spins. 1: how do I get it open? 2: What is the Fix?
A search only came up with eliminating the handle. He doesn't want to do that.

Tim

 

[FR-425]

Remove the oval access cover on the door skin next to the lock pull.

You can know reach in with a long screwdriver and push down on a metal tab visible through the hole to manually open the hatch.