2006 sport edition v8, 150k.

Rear hatch was working fine this morning. Went to get the groceries out of the back and the rear door wont open. I read through most other threads but my symptoms seemed different.
So here is what I noticed.
Rear hatch wont unlock with the FOB or key.
No noise from the actuator in the back, but all the other door actuators are making noise.
Window will roll down from inside the car and using the key on the back hatch.
Rear hatch wont unlock using the door button on the driver seat.

Ill try disconnecting the battery but if that doesnt work, what do you all think is next?...

Try locking and unlocking the car with the switch on the driver door. I feel like that fixed mine when I installed my back up camera

This hasn't happened to me "yet" (probably just cursed myself) but from the other threads I'd say either the switch or the actuator just died.

The rear hatch isn't like the doors. The doors have the internal/external handles connected via a linkage to release the latch. There really is no lock/unlock on the hatch (no little lever gets flipped like on the doors). This is because there's only a switch to open the back (the one on the hatch itself).

So all unlock functions are initiated from that little junky switch. When the vehicle is locked I assume that it just disables power going to the actuator so hitting the button does nothing, thereby "locking" the back hatch. At the same time there's still power going to the other hatch functions (defrost, window motor).

You might push in and/or pull out on the hatch while you try and press the switch. The hatch might be in a bind (any chance you've accidentally closed something in edge?). At this point I think your only option is to pop the little cover on the back hatch (assuming you can access it from the inside). There are some threads on this procedure here somewhere. Once you can get the hatch open again, clean and inspect the actuator. You can also use this diagram to help troubleshoot:
http://4runnerclub.com/i/4r_files/fs...r/05100910.pdf

If the actuator is functional then it's likely the switch. You should be able to test it pretty easily with a meter or test light.

Another troubleshooting link:
http://4runnerclub.com/i/4r_files/fs...err/051004.pdf

Good luck

Thanks for the info. Inspecting through the little panel today although a lot of the electrical language is alien to me.

I have had this happen to me....

Make sure the carpet trunk liner is not jammed into the trunk lock. If that is not the problem. Make sure the the window is all the way up, I find that my truck asks funny when the window is not all the way up for some reason.

OKAY.

I got the panel off and manually opened the hatch. The latch moves free and easy. I also unplugged the door ecu and car battery for about 20 minutes while I made some breakfast. Plugged it all back together and same symptoms.
Complete silence when trying to open the door from the outside.
Window rolls down and all the way up from the outside and inside.

Process of elimination Im thinking its the ECU, sound right?
I dont have a multimeter but I think I can borrow one.

I put everything back together and reset the rear hatch computer again. Still didn’t work. Then two days later the rear hatch started opening from the outside. Now a couple weeks later it decides not to work. What gives?

Rear hatch is working intermittently. My neighbor brought out the mother of all obd readers and it came up with “B2221” 4runner back door jam protection sensor.
Having a hell of a time finding that part though.
Anyone have a suggestion?

Sorry as I just dealt with a similar issue, but it was my actual locking mechanism. While I don’t know the sensor I worked with Conicelli Toyota Parts center and they were more than helpful and with shipping halfway across the country they were still over $100 cheaper for the part than the local stealership.

Mine sounds like yours. replaced the actuator now its all good

I think the code is kinda generic across the toyota brand and the defective "sensor" is in the locking mechanism.

"actuator" is the same thing as the locking mechanism yeah?

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Toyot.../dp/B005VWRAIC

You mind as well just change the whole thing than that "jamming sensor" kill two birds with one stone.

I just changed mine awhile ago. so glad I don't have this problem anymore.

Yeah part just got here this evening. Changing the whole unit in the AM

fixed.