The Nissan Path

Hi there, I have a 2002 pathfinder and I have a little bit of a problem. The latch on my rear hatch (the main one not the glass) is stuck in the closed position. This wouldn't be too much of a problem except the hatch is open. It started when the hatch wouldn't latch closed so I took a look at it and tried to trip the latch and it locked fine but now it won't open. I can get it open part way but then it stops (like a two stage latch?). I tried locking and unlocking the doors using the remote, door button and the keys but no change. Is there a trick to getting this thing open so I can close the hatch?

Well this morning I took every thing apart and found that the lock actuator wasn't unlocking the latch. I unhooked every thing and put it all back together and now it seems to be working again. Would this indicate that I need a new actuator or should I just lube up the latch real good.