Tailgate Popandlock snapped and can't open

So, I have been having issues with tailgate getting stuck. I went on a trip and locked the popandlock. Today while getting starting to get ready for the road trip to take supplies to my family near Galveston, the lever broke and now won't open.

Any advice on how to get it open?

 

The handle you pull on just pries down on the metal lever inside. If it's just the handle that broke, can you just poke a rod in there and pry down on the lever?

 

Can you remove the plastic tailgate cover? I believe there are several T25 torx. If you can remove the tailgate cover, you can access the rods that are connected to the corner latches. Pull these rods.

 

Thanks. Got it open. The lever that you use to open the internal latch just flaps without any resistance. When I look into the tailgate, there is nothing to push down on the metal latch. I guess I have to get a new pop n lock. Any ideas?

 

So, how did you get it open?

Call pop n lock and see if they'll warantee it. Depending on how long you've had it, they might. Supposedly they recently went to a stronger plastic.

 

I removed the top cap and there is a hole directly above the latch. Inserted a long screwdriver, pushed down and it popped right open. I have a '15 and it came installed on the truck, so over 2.5 years old.

 

It's a common issue that the plastic piece that pushes down on the metal breaks. Mine broke and pop n lock took care of me with a new one.
If you get another one, try to apply some lube to that contact point every so often.
So far so good with my replacement one but I it's still the same design with the weak point being the plastic tab.

 

Do a search for Pop&Lock (popnlock?). Problem and possible solutions are discussed in several threads.

 

Thanks for the help. I will reach out to them and see if I get a response.

 

Pop-n-lock is a poor solution to the lack of locks on our Gen of Tacoma's. I went through two (both replaced by PNL) and finally sold the third new, in the box. In for a better lock.