Hi everyone,
Just bought a 94 4runner about 2 months ago - certainly, a fixer-upper. However, I have one big lingering problem with the tailgate and the tailgate window not going down. Hopefully, the more-experienced can offer their suggestions.

Prob 1: The tailgate window won't go down.
Prob 2: If I directly power the tailgate window to go down, then replug the cables to the motor, I can't unlock and open the tailgate (perhaps the bigger problem).

The former owner said the window sometimes worked, and sometimes didn't - suggestive of electrical problem?

What I've tried (several things from this wonderful website: 4Runner Rear Window Cheap Tricks

1. Jiggling/setting the rear wiper (no luck)
2. Door child safety locks on the rear doors (no luck)
3. Powering the motor directly (it works, both ways)
4. Once I lower the window, I reconnect the correct wires to the motor and try to unlock the tailgate (just lift the locking tab on the tailgate?) but it won't unlock
5. Using the center console switch, I can raise the window the entire way
6. Oddly, when raising the window w/ the center switch, playing with the interlock switches (door unlock, rear wiper not in place) did not stop the window from rising

Is there some weird interlock that would allow the window to go up but not down?

Thanks!

I had the exact same problem with mine...turned out to be the relay which is located just in front of the left rear light...you have to remove the large side panel to get to it. After you have the panel off, there is a cubby box that you have to take out too. I bought a relay at the local junk yard for $10 and that fixed it all.

The window has to be all the way down for the lock to unlock...take a look at the linkage and you'll see where the window kicks over a lever to allow the lock to open...I had to tweak mine a bit to have it work smoothly. I also liberally sprayed white grease over all the moving parts (MAKE SURE THE WINDOW IS UP!!! Doh!)

The key on the rear gate only rolls down the window...you have to reach inside to unlock it after it goes down.

Hope this helps.

I have a 2000 SR5 4Runner doing the same thing. Is that relay on mine as well and is it in the same location ?
Mine is making a noise at the motor like it is trying to run but only when I use the remote. The rest of the switches won't operate.
Thanks !

In case the motor is blown, you can buy one from here..

RockAuto Auto Parts


Buy the motor for the drivers side rear door, it's the same motor, but cheaper ;)