Hyundai Repair: 2003 santa fe tailgate indicator lamp, indicator lamp, tailgate

Question
the tailgate indicator lamp just mysteriously comes on and sets the alarm off, meaning the tailgate is open  even though ihave checked it locked. itlooks like to me the tailgate sensor is broken, but i cant find it. can you tell me where it is and the best way to fix it

Answer
You'll want to check the tailgate switch, which is part of the tailgate latch.  It should be an open circuit when latched, and a closed circuit when unlatched.  You'll need to remove the tailgate inside trim to access the latch.  Chances are, you'll need to replace the latch.