Interior tailgate/hatch lights - 2017 Limited

[supawabb]

I have a 2017 Limited.

The tailgate/hatch lights do not come on when set to DOOR mode. When in the ON position, they come on, but sliding to the DOOR position, they shut off.

The interior lights on the front, and back seat work in the ON, OFF, and DOOR positions.

Anyone have any thoughts as to why this is?

 

[4runr4eva]

I have a 2017 Limited.

The tailgate/hatch lights do not come on when set to DOOR mode. When in the ON position, they come on, but sliding to the DOOR position, they shut off.

The interior lights on the front, and back seat work in the ON, OFF, and DOOR positions.

Anyone have any thoughts as to why this is?

It might be the tailgate sensor/liftgate latch. there are some post about it here.

Liftgate dome light and door sensor

 

[supawabb]

It might be the tailgate sensor/liftgate latch. there are some post about it here.

Liftgate dome light and door sensor

Thank you. I tried the search function, but didn't come across this post. Will read it.

 

[4runr4eva]

Thank you. I tried the search function, but didn't come across this post. Will read it.

No problem. Good luck I hope you can resolve the issue. Happy Holidays!!! eace:

 

[ElectroBoy]

I have a 2017 Limited.

The tailgate/hatch lights do not come on when set to DOOR mode. When in the ON position, they come on, but sliding to the DOOR position, they shut off.

The interior lights on the front, and back seat work in the ON, OFF, and DOOR positions.

Anyone have any thoughts as to why this is?

I’d suspect the:
LOCK ASSEMBLY, BACK DOOR, WITH COURTESY LAMP SWITCH

You can open your hatch and try exercising the latch with a screwdriver, pushing it to the extreme end to see if the switch engages to turn on the lights. Maybe try to spray out the gunk with WD40. (Press the hatch release button and pull the latch down with the screwdriver before closing the hatch).

Worst case, get a new assembly. Pop off the plastic cover from the top with a trim tool. Three external bolts and removal internally behind the inner hatch cover.
Good luck and give us a report when you’re done.

 

[supawabb]

Last night, I ended up opening and closing the hatch door a few times harder than usual and now the light turns on when in the door position. So not sure what all it was, but I imagine it was something in the assembly that is now good.