2004 Pontiac Aztek tailgate will not open. Rods are functional, but won't release/open the latches when pulled. Is there an electrical override/lock that can keep the latches locked? If so, How ca

Can you open it with your remote key FOB? If that does not work you can try this.

several things come to mind, how long since opened? if very long time might be latches rusted up, other is that connection inside has come loose. remove the inner liner of tailgate and look inside and try pulling the latch rods by hand and free up tailgate. fix rod if disconnected and /or clean latches with wd-40 and brush, spray clean and spray with lithium grease.

one of the plastic latch linkage clips has slipped off one of the rods.
You will have to remove the inside panel with the door open the access the rods.

HIt the unlatch button twice, sometimes three times. As it was explained to me
it has to be tight in the winter so it doesn't fly up in the summer. You could also try cleaning the damper rods on either side of the hatch, and make sure that the
mounts for them are still tight. It's the nature of the beast.

You'll have to get the trim piece that goes around the latch off. It just snaps off. If you push up on the bottom while you're pulling out on it the retainers should disengage. Push down on the top while pulling out should allow you to remove it. If you look in the tailgate under the latch you should see two rods one going left and one going right. They are held on the latch with plastic clips. The clip for the right rod is probably broke and the rod disconnected. Assuming that is the case you can lift up on the latch to release the left side while reaching a finger in under the latch to push the right rod left. This should allow you to open the tailgate. Once it's open you can remove three bolts on the inside of the tailgate and diconnect the left rod allowing you to remove the latch. I was told by a GM parts guy that those clips are only available with the complete latch. I found one at a parts store (Carquest) that I could make work. The GM dealer had a similar clip but I couldn't make it work plus the clip was over $5 wholesale. Hopefully that will work for you.

the plastic trim around the handle pops out easily there will be two rods going outward towards the latch [the clips are known for breaking] these rods pull inward together to release the latches

remove the bolts from the forward side of the tailgate but be sure to keep control of the handel itself to give you access to the rods to pull the locks inward to release........Hope this helps.

I had the same problem. I figure that dirt/rust may have accumulated inside the latching mechanism. I was able to fix it using the following steps.
1 - Remove the plastic cap that covers the top of the gate.
2 - Remove as many of the remaining torx bolts from the inside cover (you will need to do this to get inside the gate).
3 - Next, try and get some WD40 on/in the latch mechanism.
4 - Using a large screwdriver, you will need to pry the lever attached to the cable in order to release the latch.

Not a pretty process but it seemed to work. I give the latches a good lubrication frequently now, until I get around to replacing them.

You will need a long flat blade screwdriver. From inside the bed of the truck look between the bedside and the tailgate and you can see the latch. take the screwdriver and gently ,but it will take some force, and pry the latch from the striker plate until it releases. If you push the tailgate open just a little on that side the latch will stay released. An extra hand comes in handy for this. Then do the same to the other side and you have an open tail gate. On the outside if you gently pry the lower part of the cover that surrounds the handle the bottom comes loose and then gently pull the top down and work it out of the opening. This is a little tricky but be patient and it will come out. If you break it it is about a 10 dollar part. There will be 2 rods in two plastic clips where your handle is. The clips lock over the rods. Flip the clip up and the rod will slide out of the clip. You most likely have a broken clip or a rusty handle. WD-40 works wonders.