1987 4runner tailgate and rear window issues

[03T4RGG]

Hello collective genius of T4R.org,

I recently bought a 1987 4runner. What im working on currently is getting the rear window and tailgate to work. The passenger's side latch is missing which i know is an issue for the window's operation but what i cant seem to locate is a really good photo or group of photos that show mechanically how the window and latch work together. Right now the window is stuck in the down position. Despite this the handle is not working to release the tailgate, i must manually pull the cable. There is a lever activated by the window being in the down position which allows the handle to release the tailgate. If anyone has a picture of this operation so that i may see the problem i am facing i would appreciate it! I also have a couple of loose wires which i am not seeing a home for, i will post those when i can get some pictures of them.

Thanks!

 

[PRdubi]

check both sides of the tail gate lock mechanism. Mines did the same until I cleaned it out.

 

[fourwd1]

I had that problem to.
Took the tailgate cover off, removed the cables, and thoroughly cleaned and lubed them. Works great now.

 

[03T4RGG]

These are the two wires I was referring to, any idea where the go?

 

[shawski]

These are the two wires I was referring to, any idea where the go?

I can double check when I get home. But without looking at my tailgate, it looks like someone rigged something in there. I believe the red and black that are also in that same picture (looks like they're plugged together, but tough to tell from that angle) are the opposing male/female you're looking for. ...something doesn't look right there...

 

[03T4RGG]

I can double check when I get home. But without looking at my tailgate, it looks like someone rigged something in there. I believe the red and black that are also in that same picture (looks like they're plugged together, but tough to tell from that angle) are the opposing male/female you're looking for. ...something doesn't look right there...

did you ever get a chance to check it out?

 

[Outatime5169]

The black and red wire looks like they go to the rear window defroster.??? Look at the back glass on the drivers side, near the window track.

 

[Nervo19]

All the rear window stuff is Greek to me. I'm posting 4Crawler's page on trouble shooting it:

4Runner Rear Window Cheap Tricks

My only problem with mine was it would go down, but not up from the console switch. I pulled the switch and cleaned it and it works fine now.

 

[shawski]

did you ever get a chance to check it out?

Hey, I did but I forgot I already glued down the new plastic cover that goes between the metal on the tailgate assembly. I can't peal that off easily, sorry. And, I could've sworn I took pictures of the tailgate when it was unassembled, but I can't find those. So that sucks. Sorry.

 

[03T4RGG]

Hey, I did but I forgot I already glued down the new plastic cover that goes between the metal on the tailgate assembly. I can't peal that off easily, sorry. And, I could've sworn I took pictures of the tailgate when it was unassembled, but I can't find those. So that sucks. Sorry.

Haha. Well thanks for trying anyway man I appreciate it.

 

[slacker]

those wires are for the rear window defog


.

 

[03T4RGG]

Thanks! Pretty sure I can see where they connect at the bottom of the window.

On a side note, I was able to run 12 volts to the window motor to test it and the motor works. Now i have to dig into the various safety switches i suppose. Turns out that the window wasn't down all the way even though it appeared to be. This was why the tailgate release was not working.

 

[penbergm]

Do you know about the 1 bolt that makes a switch on the drivers side rail? It is one of the bolts that hold the removeable top on. A lot of people don't put all the bolts back in. I believe it is the second from the back on teh drivers side. If it is not making the switch, the windown will not work.
There is also a control board that is notorious for going out. It is located behind the panel on the drivers side below the double sliding windows. A lot of times if the window will work from the teh tailgate key and not the inside switch, it is this board.

 

[RAD4Runner]

Cover Top- Off Switch Bolt

 

[03T4RGG]

Well i did some work on it yesterday and discovered a couple things.

The PO had disconnected the power window and washer relay and had never reconnected them. I reconnected them and can now hear the relay engaging when i use the switch. I know that the motor works.
[MENTION=122865]penbergm[/MENTION] It was one of the first things i checked. I removed the switch to check that it worked and ensured that the bolt was fully engaging the switch.

the wiper is up, i connected the defogger wires (thanks again)

I am going to check the door lock switch on the left side latch and see if it is working.

 

[03T4RGG]

Update:

Ran battery power to ports 1 and 3 at the relay connector, the motor did not budge, however if i run battery power directly to the motor it runs. Checked voltage at motor with key in "up" position yielded 0.03 volts. This to me means there is a large quantity of resistance in the harness coming from somewhere. I inspected the connector going from the relay to the tailgate... Large amount of oxidation on all connections. Attempted to clean them and the motor worked a few times and then tripped the breaker. i reset the breaker and attempted to use the window again and the relay is clicking again but the window is not moving.

The connector is pretty bad, i am going to continue cleaning it hoping that this is the final problem

 

[03T4RGG]

Well it seems to be fixed. I am now able to roll the window up and down with the key and with the console switch. The connector at the tailgate was a huge issue (combined with the relay being unplugged of course) :biggrin2:

Thanks for the help!