1995 4runner tailgate handle not engaging to unlock. now what??

[4for4runner]

if you are paying close attention lol i already am ripping this apart but have not done that yet for the rear glass channel replacement. i also have the problem of the unlock handle not engaging with the center mech to unlock both sides so the tailgate can fold down. i see a whiteish plastic piece in the center of all this. is this the common part to break or wear out ??? or is it something else. i can manually twist it to unlock it and the handle works fine its just the engagement part. if someone knows this situation and is going to tell me yes its that plstic piece of another piece where do they sell it online if they do??? because what im hearing this whole piece comes as one and big bucks. thanks again let me know

 

[cometobanks]

Sorry no one has tried to answer your question yet. Most of us have spent weeks working on our tail gates. Perhaps a photograph of the problem you are having?

Sometimes the rods (or do you have cables) that run from the mechanism to the outside latches can stretch and need a little tweaking.

 

[4for4runner]

sure its 20 degrees right now lol ill get a pic today gonna be working on it tomorrow

 

[4for4runner]

here are some pics. the handle does move the cables but maybe the cables are stretched and not pulling enough. hows everything look in there?

 

[Nick's 94]

The cable may have come unsecured from the tailgate. There is a series of hooks for the cable to be secured in which is immediately behind the regulator assembly. Make sure the cable is properly secured into these hooks, otherwise the cable will not disengage the latch. Happened when I replaced my window motor. No pics, though. Camera will not fit behind regulator

 

[4for4runner]

thanks nicks i have another post i need to replace the tailgate glass channels do you know what steps i need to do for that ?