Thanks for the help, everyone. I had put some lube on the post though the inch it would raise but it did not help at first. I secured it closed and took a short ride. The lube must have worked it's way to where it was needed because it opened up on the first try upon returning. I will have to check the adjustment by the latch.

(My son posted the original message for me while I was out with the car, that is why the posting names do not match.)