Thanks. The left side of the panel is loose at the top and bottom. I can see/feel spots where plastic upholstery plugs hold it tight, but they are gone. I think the problem is that unnamed others slam the tailgate. I suspected this could be a problem when I noticed tailgate repair items for sale on ebay.

I've pried and pulled on the inner handle indent, but was afraid I'd break it. Does it just come straight out? Is it just a pressure fitting? I was thinking that if I pulled the panel the rest of the way off I could cut the wire to the switch and be done with it.

Thanks again. Thanks, too for the advice on ABS modules. I pulled mine and sent it to Victor for repair, then reinstalled it without incident. I cleared all codes and have had my car safety inspected.