2020 Rear Tailgate/Hatch Stuck Shut

[4runningyeti]

So got an interesting one...2020 TRD ORP. Took it in for annual detail. When I pick it up guy says he can’t get hatch to open. And after trying to mess with it for an hour or two. Neither can I. Wtf?

You can here something electric buzzing/actuating when you place fingers under the lift area and activate the button/electrics but the door will not budge. I popped the panel thats in the center of tailgate on the inside, but can’t see any emergency release or obvious area to go after with a tool or some pressure. Extensive google searching has been fruitless thus far.

Thoughts? Ideas? Fixes? Any emergency release lever somewhere?

I got nothing.

 

[fkheath]

Try looking at the factory repair manual to see if there is anything there that might help: TOYOTA 2016-2019 4Runner Repair Manual RM27F0U

 

[mnofpeace]

on the inside, at the base of the hatch, there is a small doorway that can be opened. once you open it, there is a small white tap that is the linkage to the mechanism. you pull/push on it, and it will open the hatch. After that, im guessing you'll need to have somene look at the electrical relay that opens the door from the pressure pad at the rear.

its at the 4 minute mark
Toyota 4Runner Tailgate Lock Repair Update - YouTube

 

[Mudhorn]

The guy that makes the ultimate camping hack might be able to help you out with the electrics knowledge. I will have to find that post.

 

[crawlingjunk]

Take it to the dealer and have then deal with it under warranty


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Irish Mike]

It sounds to me like something is wedged in the hatch / latch area like arag or something from detailing. We see this alot when rags, mats, gloves etc get stuck in the door and jamb. It usually requires someone pushing from inside and someone pulling from outside to get it open.

 

[2000Sport]

This week I drove off and forgot to bring my coffee. left it sitting in the back corner by the door. Coffee spilled , I cleaned it up ( so I thought) but there was still a little bit of sticky residue in the gasket seam, and along the bottom of the door seal. Lock mechanism was activating, door wouldn't open. Only 2 sugars in the coffee, but was enough to glue the hatch closed.

 

[Sully888]

i had the same issue with my 19' runner. Luckily it was still under warranty but they had to replace the whole latch assembly in the rear. it was broken.

 

[4runningyeti]

Thanks for all the advice. Tried all the tips and tricks. Nothing gave. Took to dealer, they initially assumed had to be something stuck- once they got it opened nothing stuck and we’re able to replicate the issue. Seems like it was something fouled up in the connection between the electric actuator (not sure if right word) and the mechanical latch. A new part or two later and all fixed under warranty. 20k warranty done as well.

 

[flyrv9]

I haven't had this issue; but have had a problem with the hatch showing not closed after I shut it. It latches, but I still get the dash light indicating a door is not closed. Turns out it's the gasket that surrounds the opening. It comes loose at the bottom and flops out a little near the latch plate, and must cause the sensor to think it's not shut. I mention this in case others are experiencing the same issue. 2013 SR5.