'03 T4R Rear Hatch/Tailgate Won't Open -- Wiper Doesn't Work

[200 hp]

So before I get flamed, I've done a search on this topic and came up with the following threads:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/87913-help-rear-hatch-wont-open-2.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/45026-tailgate-will-not-open-2.html

These users issues seem to have been related to the locking mechanism itself and sometimes the issue was solved by disconnecting the battery for a short period.



My issue is different however. Not only will my tailgate not open but my rear wiper will not work. The window will only work manually when a key is put in to the rear keyhole on the tailgate. I have replaced the locking mechanism and the problem was not solved. It will close just fine when I open the tailgate manually from inside via the lever behind the plastic panelling, but it will not open when I try to use the handle from the outside of the vehicle. I have checked the fuses and they are fine as well.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[zonianbrat]

I had an issue similar to yours. In my situation though absolutely nothing worked on the tailgate so that is where ours differs. My problem turned out to be that a previous owner rolled down the rear window and it somehow snagged the loom containing all the wiring for everything in the tailgate. It snapped a main wire. After fixing this wire and securing the loom all is well.

 

[200 hp]

I had an issue similar to yours. In my situation though absolutely nothing worked on the tailgate so that is where ours differs. My problem turned out to be that a previous owner rolled down the rear window and it somehow snagged the loom containing all the wiring for everything in the tailgate. It snapped a main wire. After fixing this wire and securing the loom all is well.

Thanks for the reply, I inspected the loom last night and it is in good condition. I am nearing the point of scheduling to take it to the stealership ugghh.

 

[zonianbrat]

You might want to actually get into the loom and visually inspect each and every wire. Or get a voltmeter or even a test light. On mine the loom was flopping around but all wires inside looked ok. The broken wire was actually just before the wires go into the tailgate at the very top. I know it is a very irritating situation as mine was also. I just hope you can exhaust every possiblilty before having to get raped at the stealership. Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[Brutalguyracing]

did you try the hold the switch for the rear window down for some time
worked for me
and my rear defroster did not work either
fixed them all

 

[Entourage]

Sounds like it needs to be reinitialized. If the rear door ECU isn't initialized it will not allow auto up/down feature, wiper operation, and the door won't open. Since the ECU doesn't know of the window is up or down or somewhere in the middle, it disables all operation.

To initialize, simply press and hold the rear window switch in the down position, hold for 5 seconds once it reaches the bottom. Then press and hold the switch up and hold for 5 seconds once at the top. You should be good after that. If you still have issues it may be a rear door ECU or an electrical issue.

 

[200 hp]

It's very odd because I can open the tailgate manually with the lever and it will close normally; the motor engages the tailgate and electronically brings it in. Therefore I know the motor works.

I tried to initialize the rear window by holding the switch but it won't retract even an inch.

Sounds like it needs to be reinitialized. If the rear door ECU isn't initialized it will not allow auto up/down feature, wiper operation, and the door won't open. Since the ECU doesn't know of the window is up or down or somewhere in the middle, it disables all operation.

To initialize, simply press and hold the rear window switch in the down position, hold for 5 seconds once it reaches the bottom. Then press and hold the switch up and hold for 5 seconds once at the top. You should be good after that. If you still have issues it may be a rear door ECU or an electrical issue.

did you try the hold the switch for the rear window down for some time
worked for me
and my rear defroster did not work either
fixed them all

 

[Entourage]

It may be a rear door ECU problem, it is a common issue through our dealership. That's the next main thing that all those components share.

 

[Pir8hippo]

Might be a dumb question, or it could be a dumb answer.... but your window lock button on the driver's side door.... could that possibly be engaged... when that button on my 03 is engaged, it halts all operation on that rear hatch... no wipers, no window up or down... no nothing, besides open and close...

 

[Brutalguyracing]

Just some info
I recently had something jammed in the rear hatch
And door would not open
Well i removed obstruction
Was able to open and close gate a few times but the she stopped opening
I removed the battery for 15 and reconnected and reset the window and now she seems to be working properly
Hope this helps someone

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Just some info
I recently had something jammed in the rear hatch
And door would not open
Well i removed obstruction
Was able to open and close gate a few times but the she stopped opening
I removed the battery for 15 and reconnected and reset the window and now she seems to be working properly
Hope this helps someone

There is a re-initialization process for when you install a new unit. You're supposed to pull the 30amp "Power Door Fuse" (its the large 30amp fuse under the dash) for a minute or two and that should reset the actuator. Disconnecting the battery also works.

 

[LOCOBEAR]

I had a problem with my rear wiper not working and finally realized that you can't rely on the auto window switch to completely seat the window up, have to press the switch
manually and you should hear the window slide just a little bit more and then wiper worked. File it away in your brain if you can cause this is the 2nd time-yrs apart-till it slowly comes to mind, oh yeah !