Is the 5thGen rear hatch door swap a thing?

[rmbertoldi]

So I noticed yesterday while driving home past another dead-sexy 4runner, that they had the rear hatch with the arrows/buttons/rear window controls on the back next to the "4Runner" logo. As I have a 2013 SR5, I bask in early 5.1 simplicity without my XREAS, aluminum trim panels, blacked-out roof rails, 3rd row seats, navigation-capable factory radios, etc, etc (not my thing) call me a K.I.S.S owner if you'd like.

However, I really liked the idea of having the additional window controls on the outside, as well as the factory back-up camera that integrates into my new radio upgrade...and there are a few available from front-end collisions for a decent buck, considering adding an after-market camera is already running $200ish. My question is, has anyone tried this, is it even possible to retrofit into the existing plug or is it more of an ECU issue in that the (2013) trucks system won't recognize the buttons? Just wondering, as I've seen plenty of "adding power rear door to 4Runner" threads but nothing about trying to add these rear window control buttons.

All input appreciated, thanks all!

 

[mtnbiker49]

Just use your key. Read the manual.

 

[TrkyMfns]

It's definitely possible. But doing it the OEM way might be cost/time prohibitive. You would likely need to source the correct harnesses and run them front to rear. The last time I had my hatch disassembled, there was no wiring for a backup camera or the rear window buttons. Nor was there any control module in the front to tap into for that.

The rear garnish is (obviously) different, as the one with a backup camera has a cut out on it. But, that's not a big problem to switch out. You just need to remove the hatch door panel and some weather proofing to get access. As far as ECU's, I don't have the answer to that.

Personally, as I had already upgraded to an aftermarket head unit, I just added a backup camera that way. The one I purchased looks similar to OEM and doesn't stand out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015R58F0O/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The rear window (and all of your windows for that matter) can be controlled with your key. On the push to start Limited's, which correct me if I'm wrong, are the only ones with those hatch buttons, the key fob is what allows function to those buttons when in range. So that would be a whole other issue.

/walloftext

 

[rmbertoldi]

It's definitely possible. But doing it the OEM way might be cost/time prohibitive. You would likely need to source the correct harnesses and run them front to rear. The last time I had my hatch disassembled, there was no wiring for a backup camera or the rear window buttons. Nor was there any control module in the front to tap into for that.

The rear garnish is (obviously) different, as the one with a backup camera has a cut out on it. But, that's not a big problem to switch out. You just need to remove the hatch door panel and some weather proofing to get access. As far as ECU's, I don't have the answer to that.

Personally, as I had already upgraded to an aftermarket head unit, I just added a backup camera that way. The one I purchased looks similar to OEM and doesn't stand out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015R58F0O/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The rear window (and all of your windows for that matter) can be controlled with your key. On the push to start Limited's, which correct me if I'm wrong, are the only ones with those hatch buttons, the key fob is what allows function to those buttons when in range. So that would be a whole other issue.

/walloftext

Thanks a lot for the insight, I haven't even had mine apart yet..just noticed that it was a Limited option, but I also had no idea I could do it from the keyfob so that gives me something to toss around too. The dealers were really CRAP in showing me the features of the truck when I bought it, thank god for this group! And also for the aftermarket camera link, I had debated going OEM or aftermarket for awhile but this option does look like a good one too, no problems then with that camera I suppose? What headunit did you go with, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[MeefZah]

The buttons are a Ltd only feature and they work in part off proximity to the fob. Since your lower trim truck doesn't have the correct fob, there's more at hand than just installing the trim piece with the buttons and wiring them to the rear door ECU. Frankly I think they look gaudy and it's not like it's really hard to just use your key to roll the window down.

 

[mtnbiker49]

From outside the vehicle (vehicles without a smart key system)

Opening/Closing:Turn the key fully and hold it.

 

[drewsro]

From outside the vehicle (vehicles without a smart key system)

Opening/Closing:Turn the key fully and hold it.

Wow, you are so helpful...

He's not just looking to swap for external access for the rear window (which I'm sure he knows how to do), he's also looking for an integrated rear camera.

 

[mtnbiker49]

Wow, you are so helpful...

He's not just looking to swap for external access for the rear window (which I'm sure he knows how to do), he's also looking for an integrated rear camera.

And your post sure does a lot to help the OP.

 

[Jhalko]

I have the buttons and rarely use them to roll down the window. On occasion I use the button to lock the doors. Don’t waste your time or money...

:lol:

 

[IanB]

As others have said, you can use your key in the keyhole to roll the window up and down from the back of the truck, the OEM Ltd. buttons rely on the smartkey to power them, and you'd be reinventing the wheel trying to sort that out, it will not be plug and play to swap over.

As for the camera, I haven't priced them out, but I'm pretty confident you can figure out a way to add a third party camera to a headunit that supports it for well under $200. Maybe you could get just the camera and wiring from a wrecker instead of the entire hatch?

 

[TrkyMfns]

Thanks a lot for the insight, I haven't even had mine apart yet..just noticed that it was a Limited option, but I also had no idea I could do it from the keyfob so that gives me something to toss around too. The dealers were really CRAP in showing me the features of the truck when I bought it, thank god for this group! And also for the aftermarket camera link, I had debated going OEM or aftermarket for awhile but this option does look like a good one too, no problems then with that camera I suppose? What headunit did you go with, if you don't mind me asking?

I have a Pioneer 4100NEX. The camera has given me 0 problems and has a good picture even at night. Very useful.