Year, make and model would help.
when my 89 mighty max did this I had to push the tailgate in while I opened the handle. Once open adjust or graphite the connections
To open the tailgate you have to use the key in the tailgate lock. If it is like mine, it does not always release immediately and you just need to push on the tailgate while the key is turned. You should be able to hear the latch release and then you just lift the tailgate up. If the shock absorbers for it are worn out it will be a slow hard lift to get it to open completely. l
make sure the tailgate is unlocked. while squeezing the release handle, push HARD on the bottom center of the tailgate, just above the bumper. then pull the gate out. this has never failed me and ive seen it about 50 times. once you get it open, replace the latch and the handle. they almost always need both.
1. Open the tailgate.2. Remove the two Phillips screws from the base of the tailgate handle.3. Remove the small plastic cover located on the panel, at the base of window, four inches from the center.4. Remove the Phillips screw attaching the metal tab to the tailgate.5. While facing into the vehicle, grasp the base of the handle, and pull down-and-away; the handle should pop out of the tab-slot.6. The panel is held onto the vehicle by a series of plastic retainer tabs. Start at the top and work your way around as follows:7. While sitting on the tailgate and reaching up to the outside edge of the panel, pry away the four tabs placed equidistant across the top.8. Again working from the outside edge, pry away the two side tabs located about a foot below the top of the window.9. Open the rear window.10. Slide the entire panel up-and-front. The remaining tabs will all slide up, freeing the panel from the tailgate.
The tailgate on a 2004 Dodge Ram pickup can be removed by removing the gate from the hinges holding it in place. Open the tailgate halfway and remove the slotted hinge from each side while holding the gate up. Then open the tailgate all the way and slide the tailgate off.
its locked while window is down.
If the tailgate is dropped hard it can toggle the locking mechanism. If you don't have a key to unlock the tailgate, you'll have to remove the plastic side of the tailgate (the inside) and flip the locking lever back to the unlocked position. While you have the cover off you might as well put some drops of oil on all of the metal moving parts inside the tailgate.
Not all Jeep CJ7 models came with a tailgate. While many CJ7s were equipped with a tailgate, particularly those that had the option for a rear seat or cargo area, some earlier or more basic models featured a simple rear panel without a functional tailgate. The presence of a tailgate often depended on the specific trim and options chosen by the original buyer.
I assume that the latch is broken? You can get a stiff wire and poke it in the hole on the right inside section of the handle - hook the release lever and pull down while pulling outward. If this doesn't work or the hole is blocked by part of the handle, then you'll have to pull the paneling off from the inside. Look on the Toyota Sequoia boards - there are tons of explanations on how to do this and some even provide pictures. You probably will need to replace the rear handle - not that hard a job. The dealer wanted $400; I did it for $15 with an eBay knockoff.
While pulling on the handle as if to open the hatch, take a screw driver and pop the locking mechanism/latch to the open position. It should work no problem.
To realign a tailgate for better opening and closing, first, check the hinges for any visible damage or misalignment. Loosen the bolts securing the tailgate hinges and gently adjust the tailgate's position until it fits snugly against the truck bed. Tighten the bolts securely while ensuring the tailgate opens and closes smoothly. If necessary, inspect and adjust the latch mechanism for proper engagement.
Have a helper pull the release handle while you look at the release mechanism. This will tell you if the cable is broken or if the problem is in the trunk mechanism.