I have searched and did not find a solution. I think someone messed around with it trying to break in.
When I pull on outside latch handle, it won't grab and release the latch.
Inside, I do have the very small hole in the plastic cover removed, and have tried to dig around to get the latch manually opened.
I have been digging around here youtube and have not found the trick to getting fingers or tools in the round opening and where I should be pushing or pulling.
Much appreciated. I had seen this one and had tried. No luck yet. Not sure if the latch is different. Nothing that is as easy as he does with one finger
That hole is for emergency release. If the lock actuator or latch is stuck in the locked position, you'll have to use a hammer and punch to open it, then obviously replace the latch assembly.
My 05 lock got cranky one time. I hope you can release it, and even more hope it's as simple a solution as mine was. And yes there are a an entire line of plastic screws alongside the latch to release the tailgate trim.
in my instance the bolts holding the latch came loose so it either failed to latch or failed to unlatch.
On vacation of course, which provided a perfect excuse to get more tools....
The latch itself is help in position with two bolts. If they loosen the latch goes out of alignment alignment. Removing the trim around the latch released one loose bolt and the other hanging on for dear life. A simple but space limited repair.