anyone else have the hatch opening switch melt?

[corradovrt]

my hatch has been extremely difficult to open since i got it. finally last week i noticed that the switch rubber was essentially melted. so i ordered a new one and put it in tonight. now it opens with the slightest touch, so much better

 

[CXS]

did you see this: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/96835-rubber-melting.html

 

[corradovrt]

did you see this: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/96835-rubber-melting.html

i never did a search. sucks its happening to so many people, i only paid $47 for the switch and it took like 15 minutes to install. i only noticed mine was melted because i had a customer with an rx350 come in the day before because theirs was also melted

 

[msjaarda]

Replace Rear Hatch Opening Switch

I just replaced my rear hatch opening switch on my '07 Limited today. I found a new part on ebay for $48 with free shipping (Part# 84840-35010). I referred to the post How to: Replace Rear Hatch Opening Switch - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum for info on how to replace it. It worked great.

In that post, they mention there might be a removable cap to get at the nut on the driver's side - there is. Also, I had a bit of a hard time getting the top of the exterior trim with Toyota Logo loose - if you look inside and up high just above the wiper motor you'll see the end of a square white clip/tab with a round metal piece in it; take a long Phillips screwdriver and put the tip of it on the center of the clip and tap lightly on the handle of the screwdriver and it pops right out; there other two additional clips/tabs that need to be pried out with a trim removal tool that are located right behind the license plate lights.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

To be honest with you, its not a isolated problem with Toyota.

I see this more commonly on BMWs, Mercedes, Lexus, VW, ect. Mine on my '04 has been nice and smooth like the day it left the factory. But I think over time (possibly in saltier, dustier, maybe even more humid areas) corrosion of one form or another starts to create resistance and/or break down the rubber material.

 

[mallard]

Glad I saw this. Mine melted and now that it is cold is like a brick. Add this to the list of things to do! Good stuff!!

 

[peebee]

Yep, mine melted as well. As corradovrt mentioned, it's a quick and easy install. It sucks to have to pay $50 though.

 

[having fun]

Pretty sad that the switch doesn't normally go out, only the rubber.
And when you have to replace and a dealer only part, they don't sell the rubber only.
The parts guy don't understand that logic either.

 

[LTDSC]

Pretty sad that the switch doesn't normally go out, only the rubber.
And when you have to replace and a dealer only part, they don't sell the rubber only.
The parts guy don't understand that logic either.

youd be surprised how pissed people get when i told them you cant just buy the piece, its an all or nothing deal. Then im called everything in the book. "but i can take it off as one single piece". :yell:

 

[having fun]

youd be surprised how pissed people get when i told them you cant just buy the piece, its an all or nothing deal. Then im called everything in the book. "but i can take it off as one single piece". :yell:

Oh I know, that's why I made that comment. I wasn't to pleased, that's for sure. Still haven't fixed it.

Considered sending a tweeker for one for a $20.