HELP! 06 4runner rear hatch issue

[Twins114]

I am new to this forum, however have used it several times to assist in troubleshooting issues with my 2006 4runner SR5. I recently replaced my battery, and low and behold, now my rear gate will not open! Strangely it opened 1 time and closed 1 time, now it will not open. I have disconnected the + terminal on the battery and the condition repeats (opens once / closes once). All other functions work fine, rear hatch window up / down and rear hatch window wiper okay. Any thoughts?