4th Gen Tailgate problem - HELP!

[bxc13]

Hi All,

I recently have had issues with the rear tailgate not opening (disengaging) unless I put pressure on the tailgate and push in slightly.

The "power" lock sounds like it is trying to disengage, but cannot unless I push down on the tailgate. It closes fine and locks correctly. Power window also works fine.

I have took it apart and re-lubed everything, with no success.

Aside from replacing the tailgate lock, are there any adjustments that can be made? Anyone else have this problem?

Thanks in advance,
Bill
2003 V6 Sport Edition

 

[SYNOSIS]

Hi there,

Today, was a very strange day as winter just decided to play its part. TGTTP, my tailgate decided not to engaged by suction. It puzzled me for quite sometime, I've taken off the door lock motor to examine for lack of grease. Grease is plenty, test for power with test light which show no power. Can't find a fuse for this problem, could it be the motor just took a dump? Plan to feed power to motor to test is motor is issue. The strange thing is, one minute its ok and then next stopped. Has this happen to you? Thanks

 

[Even Steven]

Do you guys slam your rear hatch when closing it? The reason I ask is because I was told that I should gently push the hatch down and let it latch by itself, or I would damage the motor/mechanism.

 

[bxc13]

Hi everyone,

I still have this problem, on occassion. No pattern on when this occurs. But it works fine, more than not. I learned just to put little pressure in the tailgate (right below the license plate) before I try to open it and it will. I have not replaced the motor yet.

I don't slam the tailgate, because of the way the tailgate motor "auto closes" when shut.


Regards,
Bill

 

[SYNOSIS]

Thanks,

I'm usually gentle on the tailgate knowing it will auto shut with ease. Is there a reset procedure for the tailgate motor since I've disconnected the motor from the control module. Please advise and greatly appreciated.

 

[Borderfolle]

Living in upstate NY has given me a frozen tailgate latch problem. I took it all apart and free'd up the latch with PB Blaster and then greased it. Now it will only unlatch by using the internal release!

Does anyone know how to check the electronic module or check the gear alignment on the latch assembly?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Borderfolle]

I actually fixed this problem. Once the gears were aligned, I had to re-initalize the rear window. I also needed to reset the ECU by pulling the fuse.

 

[jharris2]

Glad you fixed it. Dumb question of the day -- where's the internal release?

 

[Borderfolle]

If you don't remove the inside plastic panel, there is a square plastic cover on the inside of the tailgate. If you gain access thought the cover, you will need to cut through the sheet of plastic film under it. Near the center, bottom portion of the tailgate there is a plastic enclosed latch assembly. One of the two arms extending from it will open the door.

 

[Gofficer]

Power latch shot

I previously posted about my rear latch mot working. The door would shut but the latch would not stay locked. It in turned out to be the ECM module on the rear door. $240.00 plus $180.00 for the diagnostic. Now the rear latch is hatched. Had it Toyota run another diagnostic to see if it was the ECM again as it is under warrenty. Not so lucky. The rear latch cost is $440.00 throught Toyota. The old latch was pretty rusty. With the way the rear window opens, it gets alot of water inside the rear door, that causes the rear latch to rust. The service tech suggested to remove the latch every so often and make sure that it is greased to help prevent rusting.
New ECM moduel, new rear power latch and diagnostic labour = $1000.00 bucks,
Owning at Toyota PRICELESS........

 

[charles massey]

4th gen 4Runner

i recently had a serious issue with my 4th Gen 2007 4Runner tailgate and through this forum I was able to fully resolve the issue and saved money. It was very easy but my local Toyota dealer was ready to charge me well over $700 plus tax and I was able to fix it for far less. Do your research and give it a try. Or simply ask the right questions on this forum.

Thank you guys for the support you provided. I really appreciate it and I would be willing to help other with similar issue regarding tailgater not opening or replace release switch or the latch.

 

[charles massey]

See my pos regarding replacing latch, release switch and reprogramming it. Very easy to do for far less than $1000.

 

[brockvond]

This auto close tailgate feature was removed by Toyota on the 5th gen. Perhaps there was a more substantive reason for doing so, as opposed to the general gripe you see about Toyota 'cost cutting' on the 5th gen boards.

 

[T4panther]

Rear door latch rusted shut

I have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner V8 Sport
My rear window was smashed last year and when I went to have a new window installed, the hatch wouldn't open. I tried to open it through the inside latch release but didn't budge. We've figured out that it is rusted shut due to water leaking inside. I can remove the inside panel. I was told by 2 auto shops that I will have to take it to a body shop, unfortunately I cannot afford them. Any other suggestions as to a diy? I was hoping by just using a liquid derust spray (liquid wrench) could work.

 

[Dyno503]

Do you guys slam your rear hatch when closing it? The reason I ask is because I was told that I should gently push the hatch down and let it latch by itself, or I would damage the motor/mechanism.

It's hard habit to break so used to slamming trunks shut