2003 Rear Automatic Hatch

[Tran1975]

Hello, I just bought a 2003 sport edition and had it for only about a month when I noticed the automatic closing rear hatch door is making a bit more noise than I remember. When it automatically shuts, it sounds like the door motor is straining to shut the door. It makes a clicking sounds right before it closes. I guess I'll bring the issue up next time I go for an oil change at the dealer, but just wondering if anyone experienced the same problem (well, not a problem yet, but with my luck, the door will fail/stop working when my warranty is up)

Thanks!

 

[jharris2]

No problems that I have noticed. Hope yours is OK, too. Please keep us posted.

 

[CLewis]

Did you ever find anything out on this? It looks like I have the same noise on my 04 4Runner.

 

[jharris2]

I have found that if you just barely latch it, the motor seems to be a bit louder than if you close it firmly. Does yours behave that way, too, or is it something else?

 

[CLewis]

I checked that this morning and it must be something else. The door shuts and locks, but it almost sounds like there is a problem with the motor inside. Do you know if there are two motors (one for each side) or just one?

 

[jharris2]

Do you know if there are two motors (one for each side) or just one?

Not really sure -- I assumed just one.

 

[Toy-Man]

The manual shows just one motor for the latch assy. Of course there is another for the window but that does not seem to be your area of concern. There are a series of tests that can be performed to check out the latching mechanism but you will have to get get inside the back door to do this. Best to leave that to Toyota while the Runner is still under warranty. It may be that yours need a minor adjustment.

Please keep us posted on how this plays out.

 

[toyogirl]

Since this subject seems similar, I have a quick question I've been meaning to ask, Is it bad to close the door hard with the new automatic closing thing? I haven't done it myself, but whenever someone else closes my back hatch they slam it shut like you would on a normal suv, and I cringe every time. Also it makes a noise now every time I go over a speed bump, almost like it's not completely closed? Anyone know more about this? TIA

 

[Toy-Man]

I close mine gently letting the motor "pull" the door in, but normal closing shouldn't hurt, I note that there is no warning or mention of this in the manual, leading me to believe that normal solid push closing should be okay.

Perhaps someone else can shed some more light on this.