HELP! Tailgate Handle Disconnected

I installed the KTJO tailgate lock kit almost a year ago. I tried to open my tailgate the other day it won't open. The actuator sounds like it's still moving the lock, and the key will allow the lock to unlock/ lock (I can feel resistance). However, when I pull on the handle, the tailgate won't open.
Does anyone know how to remove the plastic piece that covers the lock with the tailgate closed? I removed all of the T30 screws (16 of them) but it's still wedged in by the rubber bumpers, and the top cap prevents me from even trying to lift up.
Any ideas?

 

Any pics? I see, so the tailgate is stuck closed but you cant remove the inner tailgate cover because it’s blocked by the bed. Damn man. That’s a bummer. Have you tried one hand on the handle while the other hits the button on the fob? If it’s completely disconnected then I got nothing. I have the same set up and when I was installing I emailed her because the actuator is on angle and I worried about it breaking over time. I think the OEM setup is at a 90º angle to the locking mechanism which would be better. Sorry I can’t help ya.

 

You should be able to get to all the torx bolt/screws up top and remove the cap, from there you should be able to bend the lower panel of the tailgate cover and take a look.

 

I was thinking taking the top cover off would be the easiest point of access. I'm just worried about breaking the clips. If they're similar to the ones on the bumper cover, I broke half of them attempting to remove it.
Does anyone have any tips for removing that top cap without breaking the clips?

 

bedrail caps are just pull and actually quite loose so hard the break. I assume the tailgate cap is the same.

 

Can you unlock it with the key??

 

Lol really? This is the equivalent of the knowledge I’ve brought to this forum.

 

Just wait, Its early still

 

It took me forever to get around to it, but I got the tailgate apart and found the problem. The back of the lock cylinder (with the c-clip that connects the locking mechanism to the cylinder) has one of the studs broken off.
I attempted to contact KTJO about this issue over a month ago via the website and received no response. I suppose that's no surprise based on the driver's side grab handle thread though.
Any chance anyone has any recommendations for a repair, or do I need to go through Toyota and probably pay out the ass to have a new lock cylinder matched to my current key?

 

If it were me, I'd buy a new lock cylinder & take it to a locksmith & get him to rekey it to your key.

 

Thinking more about this, I'm probably going to add a disconnect switch in my power tailgate lock circuit. I haven't thought out exactly where to I'd want to splice into the wiring or where I'd want the switch, but every time I drive the truck, the auto lock is operating the tailgate solenoid. Surely the same thing will happen sooner or later that happened to the OP.

 

Is this the factory lock, or the aftermarket one? Installed by the factory? The reason I ask is that it will be warranted longer depending on the circumstances.

 

It's the OEM kit and should be identical to the Port installed kit.
After still a little more thinking, I believe I'll obtain a male and female connector the same as used at the tailgate to body harness, then make a harness to a switch somewhere. If there's ever an issue, I could remove my harness and the modification would be my secret.

 

I’m confused, I thought you said it was the KTJO locking kit? Now your saying it’s oem. What did I miss or miss understand?

 

This hardly seems like a KTJO issue to be honest, I wouldnt expect any kind of warranty from them. Looks to me like the lock started binding and the KTJO kit might of just snapped it off. Either way, your out of toyota warranty, you've installed a aftermarket item (that worked just fine for a year) so any warranty you may of had there is gone.

Just buy a new lock and call it done.

 

That was the OP with the KTJO issue. I'm just here thinking out loud about the impending doom if my OEM broke.

 

When I took delivery of my 2021 TRD OR DCSB, I had ordered the factory lock. I was told that for whatever reason they could not put it in at port and it would be dealer installed. At first I debated paying full price, instead purchasing it from a discount parts outlet and installing it myself. However, when I confirmed that it would be subject to the entire term of the Vehicle warranty rather than the much shorter parts warranty, I had the dealer do it.

 

I rewired mine to only open when the back doors are clicked. it now is used only %10 of the time.. so a 2 times button click not one

 

I just checked mine and it only unlocks on two button clicks but locks every time I put it in drive.