[sanghill]

Sometimes the software gets confused.
You seem to have done most of the following already, maybe a double check is in order?
Probably the computer knows the location of the latch.
With the liftgate open can you push a trunk release button and open the latch mechanism?
Try to button on the dash, the trunk area button and the key fob. Hopefully they all work.
I have never had a problem with the gas strut on a Cherokee.
See if there is obvious leakage on the seal where the rod goes into the cylinder.
Prop the tailgate open and remove the gas strut. Determine if it seems to be working correctly.
Check the status of R67. You should have gotten a postcard from FCA if there is a recall.
The easiest way to see if R67 is done is to look at the left strut where it connects to the body.
There is an extra hole nearby. If there is a rubber plug R67 has not been done. If there is a steel bolt installed R67 has been done.
If there is nothing plugging the hole and water is getting in that is a problem.
If you can get to the liftgate module in the trunk see if it has water damage or the connector is corroded.
Take lots of pictures, at least for your own future reference.

Since you like to do your own repairs you should probably get the Hayne's manual, it seems to be helpful and not too expensive.
I keep mine "horsed up" with hints and tips that I have discovered.

And of course check the car battery, that is always my mantra.

And a belated Welcome to the forum. There is lots of helpful information on here.

 

[sanghill]

Hold the lift gate up with a rod, remove the helper gas strut, and see if seems ok.
Then replace the replace the defective part.

 

[sanghill]

Think you are going to have to visit your Jeep dealer.
There may be some kind of synchronizing procedure the dealer can do?
The easy fixes aren't working. This does not seem to be your lucky day.
There is a sensor someplace that prevents the hatch from closing if there is an obstruction. Maybe it has failed?
Report back when you finally resolve your issue.

 

[sanghill]

Need to fix my mis-information:
The recall is R27 not R67. (this statement is NOT correct)
This is a link to the R27 recall instructions: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2015/RCRIT-15V393-6798.pdf
This should answer most of your questions.
Since you have the bolt, R27 was done. Since you have a 2016 the bolt was installed at the factory.
Figure out how to get FCA to send recall notices to you and not the previous owner.
You can also go to Jeep.com and under Owners there is a link to check recalls. (just tried and it doesn't work)
Now I am really confused. There really is a recall R67.
This is the link to the R67 recall instructions: Safety Recall R67 / NHTSA 15V-826 Power Liftgate Module - 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee | FCA
Both recalls almost say the same thing.
R27 adds the bolt, R67 does not add the bolt.
R27 is applicable to 2014 and 2015 models.
R67 is applicable to 2015 and 2016 models.

 

[sanghill]

For the USA market, only the 2014 V6 Trailhawk with power lift gate uses fuse F23 and is 70 amps. (this is what my TH actually has as OE).
According to my Owner's Manual this is Body Control Module Feed 1.
According to the Hayne's manual F23 is 50A for model year 2014.
My liftgate had this problem once and somehow I fixed it.
So I have removed the plastic cover on the tailgate that covers the latch emergency release lever.
If somebody needs to emergency release my liftgate by crawling into the cargo area at least they won't have to deal with the cover.
Disclaimer: I don't know anything about Australia 2016 Cherokee Limited Diesel.

 

[sanghill]

Try removing the plastic panel inside the hood and make sure nothing is jamming the locking mechanism.
Some of the manual trunks have a loose nut that jams the mechanism.
Make sure there is no water below the trunk floor. I think the power liftgate module is under there.

 

[sanghill]

I had the same issues. Replace the power strut and it fixed the problem. Works perfectly now.

How long did the power strut last? Mine is 9 years old, but I don't use it a lot.

 

[sanghill]

Power Tailgate won't close, Deja Vu.
Opened the tailgate to put groceries in the trunk. Would close but didn't latch. Pushed the latch mechanism with a screwdriver, didn't work, latch mechanism seems to be ok.
So when I got home I looked up what fuse to pull to reset thef PLGM. The NEW cover I put on the PDC shows the fuse locations, but doesn't list what the fuses are for.
For my 2014 TH it is F23 70A in the PDC (BCM feed 1). Looking at the fuse you can't tell if it is blown or not, so I checked it with an ohmmeter. Fuse was good. Waited maybe 10 minutes and put the fuse back in. If you are looking for a Power Liftgate Fuse you will never find one.
Trunk would open and close but still not latch. When I pushed the long rubber button on the lower edge of the liftgate, that fixed it (make sure the Power Liftgate is closed).
Apparently pushing the button tells the software the lift gate 'fully closed' postion.

 

[sanghill]

Happened again today. Naturally I was off road.
Fortunately I put Post #32 in my Hayne's Repair Manual where I could find it.
Turned off the Jeep, got out and closed the driver's door.
The liftgate was closed but not latched. Pushed and held the long rubber button on the lower edge of the liftgate.
The latch made some faint noises. The liftgate finally latched properly. All is good. Didn't need to pull any fuses or do anything else.