98 4Runner Tailgate wont unlock

[kvncortez]

The tailgate on my 98 4runner stopped unlocking about a week ago... Its starting to really drive me crazy since theres no way to open the lock manually.. Any ideas of what can be happening.. I checked wiring all seems good.. The rear window rolls down no problem with the key and the front switch..

-Kevin

 

[K McVey]

I'm having the same problem on my 97. I keep thinking...how am I going to fix this if I can't even get the door open?

 

[fireteacher]

spray wd-40 in where the handle on the outside is (RAG) and try to loosen it up. do it a few times and you should be good. drive it over somespeed bump kinda quick to.

 

[lee]

likely it is getting stuck.

wd-40 will help, but grease is a long-term solution.

 

[kvncortez]

Anything else obvious that could cause this, WD40 didn't help at all.

 

[lee]

make sure the handle itself isnt stuck in the "open" position (pulled toward you)... if it is, push it back to the start position, then spray wd40, and move it back and forth a bit