5th gen liftgate glass switch question...

[Johnate0]

Hello all,

On my '11 SR5 the liftgate handle/ finish molding assembly has the key-operated window switch for moving the back glass up/down while standing at the gate. On a few other 5th gen 4Runner's I've seen there is a up/down button in the same spot, rather than the ignition key option. I assume that button assembly will only operate the glass when the truck is fully unlocked. I don't know if anyone else has had the same issues as I have with both my '01 and this '11 4Runner where after a while, the ignition key no longer reliably works in that liftgate glass lock cylinder. I am wondering if I could simply buy a handle/finish molding assembly that has those up/down buttons instead of the lock cylinder type, and if that would even work without having to completely overhaul the wiring harness? I manage an auto body shop and I have no problem doing this type of stuff myself but I'm wondering if anyone else has done this on their 5th gen and if so, what's involved in it. If it won't be compatible I'm just gonna scrap the idea, but I would love to have those buttons instead of the key-operated type.

 

[sweaty]

Hello all,
...I assume that button assembly will only operate the glass when the truck is fully unlocked....

The buttons work if a person has the proximity key on them and standing by the rear door. It also works for a person without the proximity key if the truck is fully unlocked--I am not 100% sure about this scenario but I think this is how it works.

So the up/down function has a dependency on the proximity key.

 

[Johnate0]

Ah I see. So it may not work properly if I just buy the handle assembly that has the button switch in it.

Perfect scenario for me would be if a model with that option came in to my shop with gate damage and I had to disassemble the gate anyhow, so I could test it out on my truck. :heh:

 

[sweaty]

... So it may not work properly if I just buy the handle assembly that has the button switch in it.
...:

I think so. You can roll the glass if the truck is unlocked either by the proximity key, or the mechanic key. If you have the button harness but you don't have a way to unlock the truck you won't be able to move the glass. I think that is why in your 11's you need to stick your key in it to operate the glass.

This is giving me a headache already

 

[Johnate0]

Lol yeah I gotcha. Probably not worth screwing around with it.

My other option would be to buy a new lock cylinder and key set just for the gate glass operation, if the ignition key ever stops working altogether in the gate lock cylinder as it did in my '01 4runner. By the time I sold that truck the ignition key would only work the ignition. It wouldn't work in either front door locks or the liftgate glass. So if my key fob battery died I was screwed. :/

 

[philsey]

No. The feature you describe is only available on the LE model 4R, which has the proximity key, push button start, etc.

Your 4R does not have the internals to support this option. Turn the key Mary.

 

[HerT4R]

... I don't know if anyone else has had the same issues as I have with both my '01 and this '11 4Runner where after a while, the ignition key no longer reliably works in that liftgate glass lock cylinder. ...

have you taken it apart to see if the plastic piece that latches onto the cylinder is broken? Take the rear hatch molding off, then pull that plastic then get up in there and check the piece that attaches to the cylinder that the key goes in. Its likely its just been dislodged or one of the plastic "arms" (when you get in there and look at it you will know what i am talking about) has broken off creating a bad contact with the cylinder.

 

[Johnate0]

have you taken it apart to see if the plastic piece that latches onto the cylinder is broken? Take the rear hatch molding off, then pull that plastic then get up in there and check the piece that attaches to the cylinder that the key goes in. Its likely its just been dislodged or one of the plastic "arms" (when you get in there and look at it you will know what i am talking about) has broken off creating a bad contact with the cylinder.

It's not a problem of the lock rod connector or the rod itself. What I believe happens is I don't use the key in the liftgate lock cylinder nearly as often as I use it in the ignition obviously so over time the key wears from use, but the pins inside the liftgate lock cylinder do not. Same thing happened on my '01. That's why I am thinking of just putting in a new lock cylinder with basic keys (not fob keys) to use just for the back glass up/down. That way they will wear in at the exact same rate and eliminate the problem of the key eventually not working for the back glass.


Philsey: That's what I figured. Not gonna work if that's the case. Phuck it. Thank you for the reply though Sally.