2004 Rear Door Won't Close

[PaulSula]

The rear door on my 2004 4Runner won't close. The electrical motor is trying to close the door, however about halfway through it stops trying and releases the gate. Any ideas for how I can manually shut the door so I can drive to the dealership without worrying about the back door opening? By the way, I just got through replacing a horribly dead battery.

 

[Mark86]

The only thing I can think of is try unplugging the battery and then plugging it back in. Maybe aomething got tweeked when changing the battey. If that doesn't work, you could try pulling the fuse (if it doesn't control anything else) and see if you can manually close the door. From what you described, it sounds like the motor is shot.

 

[PaulSula]

I will have to try unplugging the battery again tonight, I hope its not the motor itself. I don't think it is however simply because it is trying to close the hatch itself and not making it all the way. Luckily I live in BFE and the closest Toyota dealership is 45 minutes away and closed today.

 

[Teqeeler]

I will have to try unplugging the battery again tonight, I hope its not the motor itself. I don't think it is however simply because it is trying to close the hatch itself and not making it all the way. Luckily I live in BFE and the closest Toyota dealership is 45 minutes away and closed today.

This is becoming more and more of a problem, your not the only one. Basically you need to replace the locking motor in your hatch. Do not go through the dealer, they will charge way to much for it. You'll pay about $190 through an aftermarket vendor and it is easy to replace yourself.

The first link will tell you what you need to do

2003 4runner back door will not latch - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/63786-tailgate-motor-problem.html?highlight=tailgate

 

[PaulSula]

Thanks, that's exactly what I am looking for!

 

[PaulSula]

Just a quick update, the above links worked great. The dealership wanted $65 an hour and $250.00 for the part. I was able to order the part for $200 shipped and installed in about 30 minutes. If anyone else has this problem, which it seems many will, don't waste your money at the dealership...there are only 5 bolts to mess with and one pigtail plug to disconnect / reconnect.

 

[rstacy]

Sorry to bring up an old post but I am now having this problem on my 04.
I removed the latch assembly for inspection and there just isn't much on there to go wrong.
Has anyone ever tried cleaning the motor? Maybe its getting tired and timing out before the gate is fully latched.

 

[bosshogge]

Can anyone direct me in simply getting the back gate to stay shut? I'm not trying to replace the motor. I have read many threads on how to do that part of the process.