Did you get it from ebay? Be careful of the $20 ones, those are usually knock offs. A genuine Toyota one should run you at least $75.

I don't think the tailgate is the CJB connections, you'd have bigger issues if those weren't seated fully.

I assumed there was a fuse but turns out there isn't one. Try holding the lock and unlock buttons on the dashboard at the same time, the manual says that's an emergency way to open it.

When you try to open it from the outside, so you hear the solenoid click or is it just fully dead.

 

I got it through Amazon, paid $100 for it. Will send it back soon.

The manual way to open it does pop the release. The buttons on the trunk however do nothing. I can hear a tiny little click when I push the button but no actual solenoid click. No power seems to be getting through…or maybe it’s the solenoid itself?

I was able to fix the remote door locks by re soldering the green/white wire connection in the passenger door sill a few days ago. Could this be related? Or maybe another wire in the footwell that needs repaired?

 

Through holding the lock and unlock button at the front console I was able to get the top half of the tailgate to pop open. Then when I push the button for the lower half of the tailgate that does work and it opens just fine.

Does that indicate the switch itself for the top half is likely the culprit since it would seem the back is getting power? I see those are replaceable for 20 dollars or so. Any way to test that switch?

 

If you could get it open that way then I'd say change out your rear top handle/button.

If after that it still doesn't work from the back then youre gonna be stuck hunting down wire damage. But go with the easy solution first and swap in a new switch

 

You need a new actuator panel for that top glass before you get locked out. They get weak and wear out. Mine acted just like you are describing and I almost waited one day too long but managed to get it open one more time to do the replacement. The new one clicks over nicely!