help- tailgate latch broke

[Perry]

Any ideas as to how I can get the rear hatch open on my 20004runner would greatly be appreciated. Appears the latch rusted out and just broke. Not sure how difficult it will be to replace but need to get the door open in order to check it out. Window works fine.
thanks in advance
P

 

[rajuncajun]

Are you sure it broke or it just won't unlock? Have you tried opening it with a key?

Mine was sticking all the time when I got it. Constantly had to load it through the window. I got a can of liquid wrench and sprayed quite liberally every change I had into the mechanism and into the key hole. Once it's open as well move the mechanism back and forth, it could just be a buildup of rust.

To get it open, try pushing hard on the door near the latch at the bottom and try to unlock it at the same time. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Well, you might be able to reach up there and grab the bar that the handle hooked to and pull it. Otherwise, you should be able to use a slim jim to open it. Roll down the window and peer in there. I think you should be able to see the bar you need to grab.

 

[Perry]

it definitely broke... pulled the handle and just snapped. Tried opening the window and looking in - not much room to see with the window gasket and how dark it is even using a light. Will poke around but was hoping there might be some trick before doing so.

 

[YotaZach85]

I popped the window felt out on mine and got down in there with a pry bar and popped it open that way, you want to push down from the top. Once you get the license plate surround out you can get the gate open with a screw driver until you get the new handle.

 

[Perry]

thanks YotaZach-will give it a shot. appreciate all the feedback

 

[jasonh3773]

if you cant get it open i can take a pic of the inside so you can see what you need to pull. i have my old one already apart.

 

[Perry]

Jason if you get a chance Id really appreciate that ..having a &^$$^% of a time getting this to open
thanks so much