Tailgate is stuck and I mean stuck closed

My 2006 Toyota Tacoma's tailgate will not open. The passenger side lock will not disengage. It's not the lift handle or the mechanisms in the center of the tailgate, it is the latching part on the drivers side. I have utilized every trouble shooting tip and nothing works. I'm to the point of cutting it off and replacing the parts I have to cut.

 

You should be able to get a flat head screw driver into the latching part on the side and pop it open. Then investigate further after that

 

I just had this happen, but it was the rod behind the handle. You can get in and remove the top cap and loop down a cinch knot of paracord and yank on the rod. Maybe you can stick a coat hanger down there and release as well. There are holes along the top that the plastic cap clips into, so you have access. Good luck.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-stuck-closed-help-on-opening.309137/
Try this

 

Screwdriver didn't work tried it multiple times, tried pulling the actuator that the rod pulls with a lot of force, it moves but nothing happens inside the latch housing.

 

You’re probably going to need to do what @AllTacosFloat said and pull the panel
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-stuck-closed-help-on-opening.309137/#post-7946447

A screw driver won’t work. You literally have to trip the locking mechanism.
My bet is the plastic retainers broke and one or more of the rods has fallen out.

 

While tugging on the linkage rod, slam on the tailgate trying to close it more. Might be jammed up inside the latch. Just a thought.

 

Did you try asking it nicely to open?

 

Mine got stuck and wouldn’t open before. So I ignored it and it randomly started opening again a few days later. Hopefully you’re lucky and that happens

after that I started maintaining the hinges springs etc lubricating with WD-40 but it may be a bit too late since they already look rusty

 

The lift handle is working fine, all rods and clips are in working order as I previously stated. The first thing I did was get access to the inner parts of tailgate by removing the panel. I can clearly see the driver side tumbler working properly from the handle down the rod to the lock mechanism itself. looking at the passenger side everything is working properly from the lift handle down the rod and then no movement at all as far as the tumbler or catch within the housing which is part #65780a

 

I think if you can get the piece circled in blue to pull back. You can then pull out on the tail gate.
I think that piece circled is the lock/catch. Does that piece move on yours?

 

Yes it does but with no effect.

 

Try spraying lots of lube (WD40 etc ) then release latch and pull out tailgate

 

Dang, I’m running out of ideas.

I mean,I have an idea. But it kind of one of those “not so good ideas, but I’m going to try it anyways.
Which would be, pin the rod back/open. Get in the bed of the truck, lay down on my back and kick the shit out of the tailgate. Like I said, it isn’t a good idea. But when all else fails. Beating the shit out of it sometimes works. Lol

Notice I said pin the locking bar open. That’s because you don’t want anyone holding it open.
If it comes open, someone’s getting a broken wrist.

 

Not a "not so good" an idea as a sawzall or cut off wheel. Hopefully it won't come to that!

 

Lubricate, patience, lube again and easy does it in baby steps not gorilla style.