JK Tailgate power lock replaced, won’t open
 

Hello fellow jeep lovers,

Looking for advice. On my 2014 JK, I replaced the tailgate hatch powered lock. I slapped it in, connected the internal rods and circuitry, but the handle no longer appears to engage the locking mechanism to open the tailgate back up. It appears as though the lock properly locks and unlocks. However, when I try to open the tailgate either from pressing the latch button, or going in through the back by prying off the vent cover on the tailgate itself. If I pull on the rod (green in my jeep) and lever which should release the latch, nothing happens. I have to get in with a tiny screw driver to actually push up on the release itself and the latch releases and the door pops open.

did I miss something? Is it maybe an issue with the handle and not the locking mechanism? Any advice would be appreciated.