I backed my 2004 TrailBlazer into a trailer tongue and dented the tailgate up near the button that releases the tailgate window. Now the window won't latch and stay closed. How can I access the inside of this panel to bang out the dent and get the latch back into position? Thanks!

SOURCE: 2004 trailblazer rear pushbutton for

I have the same problem all the time. Dirt gets caked in mine and gets stuck. I usually just pound on it or slam it shut several times to knock the dirt loose. Be rough with it.

SOURCE: truck latch on 1999 gmc sierra

look under the latch and see if you see a metal rod. if you do, pull the rod and it should open.

SOURCE: need to remove back door panel

first buy a tool from cdn tire or an auto store call "door panel trim pad" ....looks like a large bent screwdriver with a groove on the end ...this will allow you to successfully remove the 4 panel pins you will see after you take off the handle strap mechanism and the two rubber stabilizers on either side of the liftgate...then carefully pry back the panel on the side and you will see the first set of pins ...one per side ....wiggle the pad trim remover in so that it engages the pin above the moulded post on the inside of the panel and prey up on the tool...like a hammer removing a nail ...shouldn't have too much problem getting these off ...further up the panel again going in from the side you will see the other pins ...same procedure ....now all that is left are 5 snap in moulded tabs(part of the actual panel itself ...one on each side of the window frame position of the panel about halfway up the window ...use the tool again as a lever and they will come out easily ...hold on to the panel carefully as the remaining 3 tabs are in top of the frame portion of the panel and not much is supporting the panel now except you...they disengage pretty easily as well ...now the panel is off ...while you are in there put some extra padding on the speakers by dropping them down and putting 1/4 in foam tape on the inside lip of the speaker rim ...these rattle in cold weather ...when you are putting the panel back start with the top 3 tabs and the the 2 side tabs ,one side after the other ...then the panel will support itself while you direct the sabre ends on the pin fasteners into the holes in the metal door ...used my head to snap them in position ...then reinstall the stabilizer rubbers and the back strap ....hope it goes well ...nothing to be worried about after i did it once ,,,David Little Toronto

SOURCE: broken tailgate latch

Remove the paneling from inside. Than you can use a flathead screwdriver to pry the latch rod and latch enough to pop open the door.

SOURCE: 2003 Trailblazer LTZ Tailgate and back window won't unlatch

I am not sure how to manually release the latch....

however,

if it is electronic, i would check the fuse for it.....normally though on the inside there is a little access to things like that, so you can manually open it...would be like a small lever.