The answer to "How did that happen?" is that it's a 13.5 year old car and schnitt happens.

I don't think it's the cable as it still works.

I'm also on the FB Florida group. Sounds like there's a clip on the back side it probably got un-clipped from. So I need to take off the panel and take a look. Be sure to disconnect the battery for at least 10 min to not trigger the air bags before taking the panel off.

If it's not that, I'll be back. What is a bit depressing is realizing the car is that old and some part are not available anymore. And stuff that's plastic gets brittle with age so buying a used one makes no sense as the plastic would be just as brittle.