(Disclaimer) yes, I have been using the search function. Ive found a little help, but Im mostly going in circles
... and yes, the drivers window lock is unengaged.

'97 sr5 218Kmi

Issue: The I noticed the rear tailgate window down all the way, while I was driving to work.. I dont recall lowering it myself.

-When I hit the rear window switch I hear a relay clicking on the up position, but NOT on the down position.

-Both the rear wiper and rear defroster are non-functioning as well

Ive read a lot about this issue, but 99% of the scenarios are with the rear in the close to shut (up) position; where mine is the opposite.

PLEASE, anyone, offer any advice; Central PA this summer is getting a lot of rain and I cant afford to drive around with no rear glass

Thanks and cheers

make sure the window lock button is not pushed.

True statement. Worked for Toyota for a bit and this was 90% of the problem when people came in with the rear window stuck down.

lol when this was my dads truck we went skiing and it got stuck open. the defroster and wiper are disabled when the window is down, as well as the fluid. haha, that would be great if you had some friends in the back and whenever they would lean out you could squirt them, then hit em with the wiper.

First thing is to check all the wires in the harness that goes between the liftgate and the body for broken wires or insulation. Liftgate weirdness usually starts there.

Yes, it's not the window lock!

OK, as @TheDurk stated, check the harness where it comes out of the body and into the rear door. Also, am I to understand you think it was suddenly down but you didn't lower it? Could it have fallen off of the regulator? I know it's unlikely based on the design. Here is the blow up of what's inside.

http://tacoma.site40.net/4Runner_96-...acdoo/comp.pdf

Also, what happens if you try using the key at the back door?

Well sure as shizz...

I manually powered the liftgate motor and it closed the window. I also checked the wiring harness but found no snags or splices.

When I hooked the motor back up it started to drop the window... I assume its a bad switch, but at least I'm able to raise the glass manually.

Thanks to everyone for your help

Same thing happened to mine and I had to put the window up the same way.

If you take the panel off again, locate and remove the short section of wiring between the lock cylinder and where it plugs into the harness. I believe the short is in the green yellow piece that snaps onto the lock cylinder. I intended on replacing mine, but the switch inside still rolls it up/down and I don't miss the key activated feature...it's been about 3 years without it now.

Thanks, I thought of every possible thing EXCEPT that

Hello I am having the same problem.

How did you manually powered it up?

I’m guessing he used some 12v leads