2002 Tundra tailgate latch new twist

Not the main latch but the passenger side won't unlatch. Took off center panel and installed new main latch. Worked fine for awhile. Then wife used it and now won't unlatch. There is no spring pressure against the right latch. It flips back and forth easy. Tried fishing inside the latch as far as could with a small screw driver but no joy. Not enough room to stick the sawzall in and cut the anchor point loose.

 

I hope someone can help with your issue.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)! If you post some pics there may be someone who could give you some ideas.

 

This is the latch on passenger side inside the tailgate. The orange is attached to the lever that attaches with a rod to the center latch. That lever moves freely and doesn't open the latch to let the tailgate drop. The nuts are spot welded to the latch body and not removable. I have found a series of pictures on fleabay to get more of an idea what one is looking at but not sure if allowed to link that here.

 

Is that orange piece plastic? It may be broken or slipping.

 

How tough is the body of that thing. Wondering if you can just rip it apart enough with a small crowbar or whatever to get the tailgate down and then undo bolts from the other side.

 

Yes it isa plastic clip that holds the rod in position. It was doing it's job until I preyed against it. It popped out and is down inside the tailgate now.

 

Could also drill the rivets. That would suck.

 

Done tried that already. Broke off a large screwdriver in th process. Bigger pry bar wouldn't fit. I need a way to trip it from the inside then can pull it apart better to try to fix it.

 

Yeah I agree I just don’t see how you’re going to get in there. Wheres all that light in there coming from. Can you get a flat blade directly on the latch piece?

 

Don't think can get behind it as ust the middle section allowing access. Light is from cellphone taking the picture. Looking more like sawzall time and try to cut the stirrup that mounts to the bed. Doubt can do that without some damage to the paint though.

 

Welcome from NY.