01 tailgate / glass hatch config., can hear actuator from rear button and dash button but glass hatch wont release. There has to be a procedure to open short of breaking glass. I guess I could remove exterior hardware covers and unbolt, then drop tailgate and disassemble but was wondering what other procedures may be out there.

 

There is an access opening near the inside handle. You can use a screwdriver through the opening to release the glass. However mind did the same thing as yours as I can hear the actuator working. The plastic part on the end of the actuator had broken so the screwdriver did not work. Fortunatly I had another one here to look at so with the glass open I could look in and see what happened at the latch when the actuator works. Then I took a bent coat hangar fron the inside and was able to trip the release.

It is hard to describe so find someone that will let you look at theirs so with the glass up you can see what moves when the actuator works.

You have to buy the whole actuator from chevy for $80.00 or so. But NAPA has just the plastic piece for a couple of $ for 2 of them and it looks stronger than the original.
Do a search as I posted the part # a while back. If you can't find it I have the part # at home.

 

Have you read through this thread?

 

NAPA part # 735-5970 You get 2 plastic fittings that go on the actuator. I think it was $2.00-3.00

 

I ran a search and found your thread, thanks for the response as well. Will have it apart when the teenager leaves it home long enough...