Handle on tail gate of 1998 toyota Hiace van won't open. Looks like a pin maybe broken

SOURCE: 2000 Toyota Sienna tailgate door will not open/broken handle

I hope I can help, I had the same problem on my 2001. I called the dealership and they said 375.00 + parts to fix. Being mechanically inclined I decidet to try it myself. Please understand, this is not exact, but is a pretty good guide. To open from the outside, make sure doors are unlocked(mine relocked after a minute or so) place a screwdriver, long and thin, into the slot that the handle passes through the door on the right side. Raise the handle of the driver, and you should be pressing down on a cable that operates the latch. the door should release. If you cant do that, from the inside, remove the two side trim pieces. Then remove the inner door panel, One screw under plastic cap on handle, one under cap on strap... and pop off all plastic buttons(hidden) between the door and cover, a 1" putty knife will work for this. You will see the cable that used to connect to the handle. Remove the cable by pulling it through the slot(apparent when you get to it) and now remove the two screws that hold the handle on. Also, you have to remove a screw from the passengers side of the cover plate over the handle. the plate will slide(not sure which way now), and it will come off. replace the handle and etc..... inreverse.. Took me 25 minutes, start to finish. Further questions, let me know. remember, mine was 2001 Sienna.

SOURCE: 1996 Isuzu Rodeo stuck tail gate

Remove the interior trim panel which will not be easy since the gate is up ---- you can then access the lock mechanism and will probably find a bent linkage rod or a broken plastic retainer clip.

SOURCE: 1997 Grand Cherokee. Tail gate wont open. Handle

These rear hatches have a cheesy rod and clip setup. You have to remove the panel from inside, you have to loosen the screws around the hatch and pull it away and reach in down toward the latch and open it that way so you can get the 2 screws out of the bottom easier. There is a peice of plastic in these that's a dust barrier, try not to tear it up too badly, and when you go to put it back, I use a spray adhesive to stick it back on while I put the panel back on. after you get it open you will see a rod with what looks like threads hanging there attached to nothing, and a little thing that has 2 notched areas and a clip to hold that rod into those 2 notches. bend the clip down to make it tighter and then force the rod back into place that should fix your problems. If that's all in place then it's the latch mechanism, usually they can't be fixed because parts aren't available, just have to buy a new one and put it in.

Testimonial: "Thanks very much, I'll give it a try. It's a bugger getting the inside panel off, I tried a few times unsucessfully."

SOURCE: 1999 GMC Sierra truck tailgate release latches are

If you remove the ring around the handle you will get a better view of the two rods that connect the handle to the outter latches.The ring just snaps in.I think a flat head screw driver from the bottom works the best.Once you have access to the rods you can push the inward twords each other to pop the gate.If the are broken out twords the tail lights then a thin flat head in the gap betwen the tail lights and tail gate should be able to push the spring loaded latches in to pop the gate,but you may need to borrow a extra set of hands.Well hope this helps.

SOURCE: 2004 GMC Envoy XUV SLT

There is a technical service bulletin regarding this problem with 2004 GMC envoy. Actually there are 3 separate issues with regards to the elecronic tailgate. The reason why the dealers are backordered is the part you want keeps failing after a time of being installed.

For the particular problem you have of the electronic latch not working, the bulletin recommends a inspection of the endgate connector C900. Look for the wires to be backed out of the connector or not properly crimped. To crimp you will need a crimping tool available at any electrical supply shop. The connectors can be had from the dealers.

The other solution referred to intermittent operation of the endgate but can apply in your situation also. For that, look for chaffing at the wire harness connectors for the endgate actuators located at the upper right and lower left latches. They have been found to be pinched up to 8 inches away from the actuators. In this situation it would be ideal to replace the connectors and install in a way so wires will not be pinched.

The other thing to look out for is dusty sensors. For this you will need to remove the tailgate trim panel and locate the 2 optical sensors on either side. You can feel them with your hand, they will be the size of a nickel. Clean all the dust under the trim. In addition to that you should open the switch and use contact cleaner to clean out any dust or debris inside there. There is no mechanical way to open the door once the electronic side has malfunctioned without damaging the door. I hope this helps.