So my 2004 4Runner started having some trunk issues last year. Every so often when driving the latch would half cycle and the trunk would 'open' not all the way but just the initial part of the cycle.
This went away for a while when I removed the mechanism and cleaned it also lubricated it with silicone.
Then the lock died. pulling on the latch did not cycle the lock. I did find that if I put the rear window down all the way then the ghost half latch release would occur whilst driving. But I could not open the hatch.
It was only by reaching in the little glory hole hatch they left for us and tripping the bottom lever that the door would then open.
Well - I noticed that if the top lever and bottom lever moved in tandem during specific portions of the cycle then the latch would work.
So after a few attempts and materials (wire, twine) I settled on these two links of chain which connect thru existing lil holes in these two levers. So far no ghost unlatching and the door works perfect.
Saved me the $200 part for now.
This went away for a while when I removed the mechanism and cleaned it also lubricated it with silicone.
Then the lock died. pulling on the latch did not cycle the lock. I did find that if I put the rear window down all the way then the ghost half latch release would occur whilst driving. But I could not open the hatch.
It was only by reaching in the little glory hole hatch they left for us and tripping the bottom lever that the door would then open.
Well - I noticed that if the top lever and bottom lever moved in tandem during specific portions of the cycle then the latch would work.
So after a few attempts and materials (wire, twine) I settled on these two links of chain which connect thru existing lil holes in these two levers. So far no ghost unlatching and the door works perfect.
Saved me the $200 part for now.
