Hi,
I have a 2023 4 Runner. Our friend has a 2017 4-Runner she bought as "used" a while back.

She has been having trouble with the rear window control.

The first thing she noticed was that the rear window wiper would not operate, and I learned here at the forum that this is often a symptom of the tailgate window not being fully closed.

We figured out that the window only appeared closed. A small gap remained.

However, when she tried to close the window completely, she realized the tailgate window operation was unreliable.

A few months ago, we removed the tailgate interior trim and cleaned some dirt from the tailgate. However, we could not get the window motor to operate 100%. It was going up partially and then reversing and lowering itself.

After lots of trial and error, we decided to work until the window was all the way up.

Then, she resolved to never use the window control again.

But, last weekend, she forgot about the idea and mistakenly opened the window. Now it is stuck. We plan to pull the whole thing apart again.

During our previous investigation, I became focused on the idea of replacing the tailgate window switch, as it seemed that it was contributing to the phenomenon whereby pushing the cabin console switch upward frequently caused the window to go down and vice versa.

All of this is a long-winded prelude to my question: Can you recommend or confirm the part numbers for replacing the switch?

I looked up part number Switch 84830-35060 Toyota Lift gate control

and think this may be what we need to order. Can you share any details?

Is it likely she needs a new lock cylinder, too? The hardware lock works, but it also seems to actuate the switch. Does the interconnection need to be refreshed?

Thank you.

hmmm

are you sure it is the switch and not the motor/regulator?

does the window work from the controls on the tailgate. if it does, then yes I'd believe it to be the switch. unless someone spilled water in the cab or something down and it fried the switch, I think the switch is the least likely culprit until you've determined the motor and regulator are working correctly

in terms of the door lock. perhaps you need a new lock actuator. I doubt the lock cylinder (the part you put your key in) is not working. lock actuators going bad on 4runners is nothing new, happens regularly

lastly, the window going up and reversing itself could mean the rear jam sensor or whatever needs to be reset:

1. Push Down and Hold the Power Window Switch until the window completely opens.

2. Pull and hold up the window switch until the window closes. Continue holding the switch for about 1 Sec.

in order of troubleshooting I'd start with the motor and regulator and see if you can get them working. if you can, reset the jam protection. if the controls work from the liftgate but not in the cab, then go to the switch. interior switches don't usually just go bad. sometimes when there's an issue with the motor it behaves funny

Hi,
Thank you for considering the question.

FWIW, the switch I am referring to is in the tailgate and attached to the tailgate's lock cylinder with a clip-on fitment.

While working inside the tailgate and inspecting the motor, I noted that the switch seemed unreliable. I detached it from the lock cylinder and operated it by twisting the center dial in the same manner that occurs when the key is turned in the cylinder. Turning the switch would occasionally cause the window to move, but not always.

It seemed as if the contacts were not providing reliable continuity.

The motor was working. The cables and pulley were dirty, so we cleaned them, and I put a little lube on the pulley shafts.

I am certainly open to the idea that the motor is failing, but I don't have any information about how to make a good diagnosis.

In my experience, power window mechanisms fail due to cable distress or pulley wear before a motor fails. I have not fixed many power windows but 100% of them have broken while the motor still seemed strong. I like saving the motors for projects, etc., so I check with 12vDC.

I also think some type of position sensor may be causing issues, but I don't know how or if the 4 Runner might utilize something like that, so this is a question I am asking the forum.

The fact that the polarity of the DC power sent to the motor is occasionally or frequently reversed causing the motor to pull the window down when the cabin switch is positioned to pull it upward, prompted me to imagine that a communication problem with the multiple switch array, caused by a faulty tailgate switch, is the primary source of the issue.

But, I am open to suggestions.

I hope someone who has been through this before can share some insights.

I learned about the rear windshield washer issue here at the forum and found some info about bad tailgate switches as well. I am trying to follow up and learn more details.

Thank you.

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^^^ OK now I understand a bit better. I think that part number is a good first attempt based on your posts. It isn't that expensive and perhaps that resolves the issue.

Hi,
The window was completely stuck in the down position, so we could not really do anything without pulling everything apart, and we did not want to do that without having replacement parts handy.

My friend took her 4 Runner to a shop mechanic, who went through the diagnostics procedure and opined that the motor was shot. He charged her a modest fee for the diagnostics and was kind enough to assure her that a do-it-yourselfer could perform the repair and save hundreds of dollars in parts markup and labor charges. Small-town living at its best!

I helped her locate a genuine Toyota OEM motor and regulator at an online discount Toyota dealer, and she ordered the parts.

We removed and replaced the parts yesterday, and now everything works great.

I was wrong about the rear liftgate window switch.

I bench-tested the old motor, and it was good and dead.

The regulator motor has two power connectors and several extra pin-outs.

I guess the unexpected up/down movements were caused by miscommunications between the failing motor and the car's control system.

Thanks for the helpful suggestions.

thank you for updating. aha though, I suspected the motor and regulator. often times it's a motor/regulator when having these problems. happened to mine, also happened to my rear wiper motor. I didn't bother diagnostics or anything like that. when a door lock, window or wiper is malfunctioning first thing I do is replace the motor if it's still original part on my 2012