I looked for a similar thread but none were the same? I bought an 03 4runner sr5 v6 and everything seamed to work as it should until the rear window wouldn't go down any more, and the rear wiper wouldn't work or the rear defrost. So i looked it up in the owners manual. it said it wont work if the window lock button was on, on the door .So i tried it and sure enough the window worked ! (twice) then never moved again. Sept the wiper works now and the defrost? But no window? So i got out and tried the key on the back door for the window and the dam wiper works with the key in the rear door lock? And then i try the key chain window button and same thing the wiper go's on. Now i am no expert but I'm pretty sure that's not supposed to happen. Is there a way i can reset the windows switch without unhooking the battery and having to reset everything ?

There's an ECU in the back lift gate. Pop off the plastic cover and pull the bottom right connector and count to 10. That should reset the ECU. The only caveat is while I know this resets the door locking motor, I can't remember if the ECU controls the other items on the liftgate. I'm pretty sure it does. Here's a thread on removing the interior panel from the lift gate AKA rear gate AKA rear hatch.

Thanks i will try and reset the ECU and see if that will do it.

I am curious to hear if this works. My problem is a bit different, but think there is an ECU problem. I first noticed my tail gate will not open with unlocking with key remote, but will open if I press unlock button in DS door. When it won't open, the rear trigger is just dead (no click, nothing).

Then I started to dig a little. The key hole won't operate the rear window either. But, the rear window works fine from the dash button. Also, the wiper blade works fine (from the steering column control).

So, nothing works on the tailgate, from the remote or key. But things do work from the controls in the cockpit. (The remote still opens and locks the 4R's front four doors.)

I am assuming I need to replace the back door ECU, but still have hopes it could be a simple connection issue. If it's the ECU, does anyone have a price they paid from the Dealer, for part and install?

KingZ I am having a very similar problem with my 03. I can't open the trunk or move the rear window with my key fob, and nothing on the trunk works if the engine isn't running. Once I get the engine running, I can press unlock in the door and it works fine. Also, the wiper and defrost don't work until I move the rear window.

I talked to a friend at a dealer and he says that the ECU shouldn't need to be replaced because they would either work or not. This is the first that I have heard about "resetting" the ECU though and I will try it out hopefully this weekend.

I'll post back up here if it works or not.

I have the same problem. Key must be on and window opened even slightly, then everything works...until the key is turned off!
Let me know what you find

Update: Problem has developed to include a non functioning defrost, wiper, and window. I have an appt with dealership on Wednesday and will post the findings.

It seems even the little issues are turning into a few hundred dollars for repair. The latest 4 months ago was a $600 charcoal cannister, which was tripping my check engine light. Both in that case and with this tailgate issue, the truck still runs great...but these expensive annoyance repairs are killing me. I still love the truck though

I was working so my wife brought the truck to the dealer. He explained if the rear window is open even a millimeter the accessories like the defrost and wiper will not work. He opened the window from the dash, then closed it, and the defrost and wipers work again. Thought the problem was fixed, so that's all they did and my lady drove away.

Unfortunately, that did not solve the problem. I still cannot open the tailgate with the fob. It can only be done if the vehicle is on, and you hit unlock from the door.

Called dealer and will reschedule for later this week or next, and will post results.

I reset the rear ECU and this still did not fix the problem. I talked to a buddy who works for a dealer and he thinks that the issue might reside with the electronics to the rear wiper. If something got screwed up in the wiper's electronics and it doesn't think that the wiper is all the way in the "rest" position, the rear electronics may not work. I'll repost anything new.

Any updates ?

i am having similar issues on my 2000. anybody figured how to fix this problem?

Your 2000 uses a slightly different setup than the 4th gen 4Runners.

oh ok thanks for letting me that man. much appreciated.

I have the same problem with my 03 V8 SR5 does anyone has an answer

Thanks

I haven't fixed mine yet. How old is your battery? Also, I recently noticed that my rear window closes very sluggishly near the top. It may be something to do with the window close signal.