2006 Toyota Tacoma tailgate latch stuck. Have the whole thing apart, but can't get the latch to release to open. I've tried everything from brute force to trying to get a screw driver to push it, but I can't really figure it out.

I've never even seen a Tacoma but usually these things work with thin steel rods inside the panel. Is the catch releasing on either side or not at all? If you can undo or prise off something to access the rod then hopefuly you can wriggle it enough to get the catch to release. Lashings of WD40 isn't going to hurt, just wipe it off the paintwork afterwards

Oh no... Your best bet is a screw driver and try to slide in between the tailgate and the cover to get it to unlock

try lubing the latches with lubracating oil or push up against it and then open hope this helps

try to spray some lubricant on the latches and let sit for awhile and try opening if those are working push up against the tail gate and open.if it has a lock make sure it isnt engaged just some things to try i hope this helps

My "Release Rod" clips came apart on my truck in the center, and it was a relatively easy fix. Just remember to put the clip in the hole, then put the release rod in and then clip it. When the clip came apart out by where the latch is at the side of the tailgate, this was a little tricky. I got lucky and was able to snag the latch using the release rod as a tool held with a small set of vice grips. When I took the thing apart, I realized the latch can be sprung from the outside with a long slim screw driver. If you look at the latch in the where it holds onto the lug, you'll see a little crack when looking down from the inside out under where the lug is held by the latch. This crack is a tripper holding the latch closed, if you jam your screw driver into that crack and separate it, it will unlatch the tailgate thus allowing you to remove it and replace the plastic part that holds the release rod in the latch release. You can buy the clips for $3 at any auto parts store. No need to buy the whole handle thingy ma bob.

This sounds like gravel got into the latch, you will need to remove any debrie you can see use a screw driver to clean it out, hit the release and try to unlatch the latch at the bottom .

try sliding a thin prybar or screwdriver into latch area just to put a slight amount of pressure on the latch then try working the handle.

Some gravel has gone down the latch holes on each side. Take the tailgate out and place it on something that won't scratch it like an old blanket. Turn it upside down each way and gently tape on it with your hand to dislodge the gravel while operating the latch.

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.

I have a 2002 Chevy 3500 and the same thing happened to me. It turns out the latching mechanism on the left side would not release when I pulled on the latch handle. I stuck a small screwdriver in there to release the latch handle (as I pulled on the latch handle) and it popped open. I then squirted some WD-40 on that latch mechanism because it was hung up. I didn't have any problems after that.