hopelesstohardcore
New member
I have a 2002 4runner SR5 and my rear hatch won't open but my rear window does... Does anyone know how to fix this? What part do I need and what do I do to get it open in the first place?
Hatch not opening
- Thread starter hopelesstohardcore
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Pikeman
New member
umm unlock the door? Actually without being able to see inside the door it will be impossible to tell you what part you need if any to fix it. Seriously though try the lock again(with window up) and open the hatch. Not sure what other trick there is because I am pretty sure you have to have the hatch open in order to remove the trim panel to look inside the door.
Not tryin to be a jerk by saying try the locks. We have had several threads about drivers window working but none of the others will go up or done. Turns out the bumped the window lock switch and didnt realize it. Sometimes it really is the simple things.
Not tryin to be a jerk by saying try the locks. We have had several threads about drivers window working but none of the others will go up or done. Turns out the bumped the window lock switch and didnt realize it. Sometimes it really is the simple things.
pauls4runner
New member
when you pull on the latch from outside to open it, is their any tension on the handle or does it move easily? Alot of Toyota suvs had issues the handles being plastic and the inside portion of the handles that attach to the rod which opens the lock mechanism brakes. it is a pain in the butt but the panel can be popped off with the rear hatch closed, then you can reach your hand into the hatch itself to open it.
Pikeman
New member
It is possible to open with the window down however you should not open wth the window down. The reason is that the glass is not supported properly when down and can break.
Humm...Thank you so much!
bigwalleye
New member
Interior trim removal
Also have a hatch that won't open. Any tricks to getting the interior trim off so I can get to the mechanism?
Also have a hatch that won't open. Any tricks to getting the interior trim off so I can get to the mechanism?
nilson
New member
My rear door's lock has fallen inside of it... I need to pop off the interior trim soon and fix that.
As far as removing internal trim it should be just like most car door trim... use a big screwdriver and begin to pry the panel off to locate where the plastic rivets are, then try to pry axactly where those are located to prvent damaging the panel.
As far as removing internal trim it should be just like most car door trim... use a big screwdriver and begin to pry the panel off to locate where the plastic rivets are, then try to pry axactly where those are located to prvent damaging the panel.
bigwalleye
New member
Hatch/Latch Mechanism?
After some trial and error I discovered the clips holding on the trim were at the lower corners and bottom. So starting from one corner, using a small pry bar, I was able to remove it. Was more difficult since hatch was closed and leverage was an issue.
Does anyone know what part numbers are required to replace the opening mechanism? In my case, the outside latch rusted in an open position making the hatch in-operable.
After some trial and error I discovered the clips holding on the trim were at the lower corners and bottom. So starting from one corner, using a small pry bar, I was able to remove it. Was more difficult since hatch was closed and leverage was an issue.
Does anyone know what part numbers are required to replace the opening mechanism? In my case, the outside latch rusted in an open position making the hatch in-operable.
CaliCal
New member
even with the hatch close you can remove panel from the inside. i used a (L) to get leverage underneath the panel. in this case it was an allen wrench. after that just pull it. i had the problem a few days ago when changing my rear plater holder. to get the hatch open push down the stick towards the latch.
cyrataurean
New member
I am having the exact same problem. the back will not open whether the window is up or down. I really can use some help please and thank you! I have never had this problem before. I haven't wrecked it or anything. the handle does make a catching noise but it just won't budge. Please help
CC
CC
2002 4runner rear hatch
first - get the inside panel off - trick here is remove the bolt that holds the close strap first - if you don't your can still remove all the panel clips (around the bottom edge) but not get it off - this can be done with the hatch open or closed - open is easier but it can be done either way
then take off the metal covers - 10mm bolts hold it on:
1) inside there is a block in the upper left that connects to the outside handle and activates a cable to the lock - pull up on the cable - if door does not unlock - it is a locking mechanism - you will have to go down inside and see if you can release the lock at the bottom of the cable - may need a lot of wd40 or penetrant - once open you can unbolt the lock from bottom of door - watch removing it (mine was rusted and the bolts sheared off when trying to unbolt)
2)see if the door handle moves the metal rod which activates the cable - if it does not it is a door handle or rod problem. The rod connects to the block with a little plastic piece that can break off
3) this is the worst - the handle and rod work, the cable works, the locking mechanism works, but you can see that the rod is not making the cable move - this is where I am at and I believe it is electrical where the rod activates the block which pulls the cable - will get back when I solve this one
first - get the inside panel off - trick here is remove the bolt that holds the close strap first - if you don't your can still remove all the panel clips (around the bottom edge) but not get it off - this can be done with the hatch open or closed - open is easier but it can be done either way
then take off the metal covers - 10mm bolts hold it on:
1) inside there is a block in the upper left that connects to the outside handle and activates a cable to the lock - pull up on the cable - if door does not unlock - it is a locking mechanism - you will have to go down inside and see if you can release the lock at the bottom of the cable - may need a lot of wd40 or penetrant - once open you can unbolt the lock from bottom of door - watch removing it (mine was rusted and the bolts sheared off when trying to unbolt)
2)see if the door handle moves the metal rod which activates the cable - if it does not it is a door handle or rod problem. The rod connects to the block with a little plastic piece that can break off
3) this is the worst - the handle and rod work, the cable works, the locking mechanism works, but you can see that the rod is not making the cable move - this is where I am at and I believe it is electrical where the rod activates the block which pulls the cable - will get back when I solve this one
Sorry to bump an old thread, I just joined the forum(just bought my 4runner 2 days ago) and I can't start a thread yet.
The problem I have been having is that I can't open my rear hatch with the window UP, it's got power windows and locks, all work fine, and when I open the window the hatch opens no problem. I've done some searching around and the only info I can find is when the opposite happens, so I was wondering if anyone had any insight into what is going on with my hatch. I haven't had a chance to pull the door panel off to see if anything is jammed, I'll probably do that in the next day or two, weather depending.
The truck is a 1998 SR5 with power windows and locks, all working fine.
The problem I have been having is that I can't open my rear hatch with the window UP, it's got power windows and locks, all work fine, and when I open the window the hatch opens no problem. I've done some searching around and the only info I can find is when the opposite happens, so I was wondering if anyone had any insight into what is going on with my hatch. I haven't had a chance to pull the door panel off to see if anything is jammed, I'll probably do that in the next day or two, weather depending.
The truck is a 1998 SR5 with power windows and locks, all working fine.
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dogtail
New member
Pull out the hatch door panel, then the cover with the bolts that has the cable running under. Manually pop the hatch by by pulling the cable.
For the cause, could be the little while clip retainer thats on the metal rod, could be knocked loose or fell down inside bottom of door. Lube up the latch, cables, etc. Also the black box mechanism up at key that has screw mount flanges that break off throwing off the alignment of latch mechanisms being able to work - I just zip tied mine. Fairly common on the white clip and screw flanges breaking. Mine works great after fixing the fix I've done on 2 4runners. I'm in my hatch several times a day usually and have to have it working.
rear hatch won't open
I'm new to this thing, but hopefully I can still get some good info from an old thread. I have a rear hatch that won't open on a 2005 4runner. The motor will not engage to unlock the door until I remove and re-attach the battery terminals. This allows me to open it once or twice, then it stops responding again. Any thoughts on what part I need to replace here? Actuator? Liftgate latch? Thanks,
I'm new to this thing, but hopefully I can still get some good info from an old thread. I have a rear hatch that won't open on a 2005 4runner. The motor will not engage to unlock the door until I remove and re-attach the battery terminals. This allows me to open it once or twice, then it stops responding again. Any thoughts on what part I need to replace here? Actuator? Liftgate latch? Thanks,
spartacus
Senior Member
This is 3rd gen section. The rear hatch locking mechanism might be different on yours a 4th gen. This thread might help.
DIY Fix - Rear Hatch Won't Open But Actuator Works
sportscarfan
New member
chapolito
New member
I have a similar, extremely hard to open hatch, but my issue ended up being different than others share here:
Found it was an issue with the lock mechanism—when holding the handle open the lock would still stick in closed position. Issue ended up being that the plastic coating on the internal moving part (the latch) of the lock was frayed/bunched up and causing it to catch. Cut off that little nib of a plastic that formed and the mechanism no longer catches when the handle is pulled. opens like a dream now.
Found it was an issue with the lock mechanism—when holding the handle open the lock would still stick in closed position. Issue ended up being that the plastic coating on the internal moving part (the latch) of the lock was frayed/bunched up and causing it to catch. Cut off that little nib of a plastic that formed and the mechanism no longer catches when the handle is pulled. opens like a dream now.
