Lift gate latching mechanism

Thanks loads, yes, I probed it with a small screw driver several times but could not get leverage. I gave it one more try last night and had a brainstorm: Where as the original lock actuator was one piece with rod attached, the replacements units usually come with several 'control rods' which you can snap on depending on which door you are installing the unit in. So. I took a hack saw blade, inserted into the tailgate interior and was able to cut off the original rod near its 'hook' end making it able to be 'looped out' of the anchor hole in the latching mechanism. Then I was able to slip in the new appropriate rod and then snap I to the new actuator motor, Installed, and then fastened back all the bolts I took out of the mechanism. Mount, adjusted window catch for proper fit/interface with the glass and re installed the interior trim. Job completed without ever removing the entire lift gate latch mechanism. Mind you, I practiced the "think technique" and several sessions of reading, videos, probing the tailgate and such before I was confident and pulled the trigger. Thanks for your input.