My Lift Gate latch doesn't work with the outside handle, but it works fine with the Fob or the drivers overhead switch. A quick search of the forum only showed one other similar question from several years ago, with no responses. I'm hoping someone has had a similar experience. There was a Lift Gate Service Bulletin for earlier years, but I don't think it applies here -

I removed the latch, and found the handle does nothing but activate a microswitch mounted on the latch assembly. By activating the switch, you get that motor-assisted latch opening (that I used to have). This is an '07 Limited, so I'm not sure if they're all the same. The wiring for the microswitch disappears in a harness that is tied tightly to the latch assembly, but I was able to use wire coloring to check for continuity of the microswitch at the main latch connector. The switch is working, but not with continuity - it has 4.7K ohms with the switch made. The electrical path must run through the motor windings or something. I can find wiring schematics for the door lock and such, but it won't go down to the level of the latch assembly.

I'm ok changing a whole latch assembly if needed, but I want to make sure before buying the assembly, and finding out it's something else.

You can see the red clip in the picture. This is the only place a mechanical input is received. Everything else is electrical. The rod from the handle attaches with the red clip. A rod will pull the lever, and the cam will activate the switch when rotated.

Thanks.

 

A late follow-up...
All I did was put everything back together shortly after posting the original message here. It all worked again. Not sure why...