Liftgate won't open

[Friedom]

Hey guys, been awhile since I've checked in.. I towed a warped wall for a friend awhile back, and afterwards I couldn't open my liftgate. I don't think the towing was related, except that maybe someone else closed the LG as we had a lot of help on hand.
So it's not completely latched. I can wiggle it. The latch mechanism activates when I press the button to open it, but it doesn't "let go". Rear window works. I opened up the access port from inside per the manual, cut through the plastic, removed the little plastic guard and got to the manual release lever, which will move but won't let things open.
I tried running a bore scope in there to see what's going on, but can't get it close enough to the latch part to see what's going on.
Door open sensor is not triggered.

Any ideas?

"Fun Wheel Drive"

 

[flyrv9]

Try having someone push in on the lift gate (to simulate fully closed) while you activate the release from the inside. Also look around the gap between the lift gate edge and the opening to see if something is tweaked causing a jam of some sort.

 

[Celbob]

I agree with flyrv9, something may have been shut in the LG causing it to bind, pushing in on it should relieve any pressure.

 

[Friedom]

Good ideas so far, keep em coming!
I want to also point out that it's always loose now. Won't tighten, won't open. Kind of like a side door that's half latched.

"Fun Wheel Drive"

 

[1engineer]

Have someone climb in the cargo area and apply firm pressure by pushing on the gate. While they are doing that try to open it from the outside.

 

[Friedom]

I have a ladder on the back that is a great handle allowing me to push or pull on the gate with lots of pressure. All it does is wiggle though.

"Fun Wheel Drive"

 

[HerT4R]

maybe you need someone to pull from the inside (as if trying to pull it more to the closed position) while you activate the button, then when you hear the "click", or slightly before, have them push on it.

Does sound like something is providing too much tension on the latch to allow it to fully release...

 

[Concon40]

Sounds like a bad lift actuator. Check to make sure it is clear of debris. Toyota also puts a rubber coating on the latch mechanism that can separate from the metal. This causes the latch to not open all the way when the button is pushed. You may need a new actuator/latch.

 

[<<<<]

This may or may not help. Found out last week that metal part of rear latch is starting to rust badly. Before I noticed the rust I had similar issues: pull the handle, gate clicks but do not fully release until maybe after 3rd attempt. I scraped outside rust off, hit the rest with rust converter and lightly lubricated mechanism with silicone spray. No issues with it since then. I think your actuator is just fine but your latch is stuck locked. If you can somehow get it open try to lubricate it with liquid graphite or silicone. GL

 

[Friedom]

Seems like if it was the actuator then I'd be able to get it open using the manual release lever.



"Fun Wheel Drive"

 

[Friedom]

Wifey has a '15 TEP, so I'm going to study hers when it's open to see if I can get a better understanding of how it all works.

"Fun Wheel Drive"

 

[ClydePro]

Need help- liftgate latches but after 10 seconds it won't open

I New here... so please be patient.
I recently purchased a 2006 4Runner SR5 and after a week the liftgate stopped opening. I can disconnect the battery and it will open and continue to open as long as I don't Let ten seconds pass... if I do, it will not open. When I reset by disconnecting the battery.. I open the LG and close it.. the latch snugs up the gate and after 10 seconds I hear the latch Motor activate and the Gate slightly relaxes / eases out and then the gate will not open. I have removed the inside panel and manually actuate the lock. I have disconnected the body control module for 30 seconds and reconnect it but did not solve the problem. If anyone can steer me in the right direction... PLEASE HELP

 

[Friedom]

I New here... so please be patient.
I recently purchased a 2006 4Runner SR5 and after a week the liftgate stopped opening. I can disconnect the battery and it will open and continue to open as long as I don't Let ten seconds pass... if I do, it will not open. When I reset by disconnecting the battery.. I open the LG and close it.. the latch snugs up the gate and after 10 seconds I hear the latch Motor activate and the Gate slightly relaxes / eases out and then the gate will not open. I have removed the inside panel and manually actuate the lock. I have disconnected the body control module for 30 seconds and reconnect it but did not solve the problem. If anyone can steer me in the right direction... PLEASE HELP

You could try rolling your rear window down and back up.

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[Friedom]

Update:
Toyota looked at it, quoted nne around $300 for the locking mechanism and a few mechanic hours to basically break into it.

So I took a few hours today, broke in, went through some dremel cutting wheels, and removed it myself today. The locking mechanism is indeed stuck. I'm not quite sure what made it work, but after cutting off three mounting bolts and two rivets and lots of other parts I was able to lift it out and finally open the tailgate. Let me tell you, that was a nice success after needing to climb in and out of the window every time I needed to get a tool.
Now I'm off to find a better price on the part. Looks like installation will be very easy.
Also, I had to plug it back in and "latch" it shut so the sensor would think it's closed, otherwise the remote won't let me lock the car.

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[Friedom]

Got a new one for around $190 shipped. The part number was superseded, so looks like Toyota updated the design for "some reason".
The updated version has a little yellow string that makes it release :hmm
Installation took a good 4.57 minutes, works great now!

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[007Tacoma]

Got a new one for around $190 shipped. The part number was superseded, so looks like Toyota updated the design for "some reason".
The updated version has a little yellow string that makes it release :hmm
Installation took a good 4.57 minutes, works great now!

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any chance you have pics of the this release string? I am looking to build an internal release for the rear gate for glamping.

 

[Friedom]

any chance you have pics of the this release string? I am looking to build an internal release for the rear gate for glamping.

It's pretty inaccessible once the latch and cover is installed, but I'm working on a plug n play kit to add a button to open from the inside. Very surprised that Toyota didn't give a way.



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[philsey]

any chance you have pics of the this release string? I am looking to build an internal release for the rear gate for glamping.

Pretty sure antman did this ... look through his mods.

EDIT: Google this: "t4r 5th gen hatch release" gets several hits.

 

[Friedom]

Pretty sure antman did this ... look through his mods.

EDIT: Google this: "t4r 5th gen hatch release" gets several hits.

Yup, several have done it. I haven't seen it well documented though. Maybe because when you get in there you discover that it's very easy.
The hard part is deciding on the switch type and location.

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