The spring mount in my tailgate latch broke preventing the latch from popping open when you just grab the handle. Try pushing in the tailgate (like you are closing it) at the same time you grab the handle. Seems counterintuitive but on mine, pushing in the tailgate takes enough pressure off the latch mechanism to let gravity pull it down into the open position. And since I'm reluctant (ie too cheap)to pay $189+ for a whole new latch, I've been been using this technique for the past 2 years with no problems.
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Scott - '98 V70 T5M