Rear door freezing shut?

[dsieber]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here, and just recently bought a '99 4Runner SR5. I just had the delightful experience this morning of having the rear hatch be frozen shut.

Any suggestions on preventing this? Is this a common problem? Silicone spray around the back, maybe, or...??

 

[A.Wilson013]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here, and just recently bought a '99 4Runner SR5. I just had the delightful experience this morning of having the rear hatch be frozen shut.

Any suggestions on preventing this? Is this a common problem? Silicone spray around the back, maybe, or...??

Welcome!

I am fairly certain that silicone spray damages the rubber seals... I wouldn't go that route. Perhaps a true rubber conditioner?

Make sure that the seals are clean. Dirt absorbs water, water freezes. Cracks in the seals will also allow water to get in and freeze.

 

[dsieber]

Welcome!

I am fairly certain that silicone spray damages the rubber seals... I wouldn't go that route. Perhaps a true rubber conditioner?

Make sure that the seals are clean. Dirt absorbs water, water freezes. Cracks in the seals will also allow water to get in and freeze.

Thanks for the note on silicone - I'll look into better options. I'll also check to see how clean the seal is - that's a good point.

 

[Chuckles89]

Thanks for the note on silicone - I'll look into better options. I'll also check to see how clean the seal is - that's a good point.

303 Aerospace protectant is the stuff to use. It's a bit pricey, but it is awesome! It can be found at most boating places.

Amazon.com: 303 Products 30350 Aerospace Protectant - 32 oz.: Automotive

 

[tyr0981]

i had the exact opposite happen to my runners hatch last month in some sub-zero temperatures, the latch mechanism froze open, i had to use some rope and tie it closed since i was in the middle of no where!
:lookout:

my new latch from CamelBack should be here this weekend....

 

[dsieber]

Well, in my case, the latch opened - as evidenced by the fact that the hatch moved slightly, and I got to stare at the 'door ajar' light until things warmed up enough that I could open it properly, and close it again.

I'll check out the 303 Aerospace stuff - I'm okay with spending a few extra bucks if it's going to keep me from having problems when I go skiing this winter...

 

[JayRolla]

Ive had this happen and it turned out the rubber seal was actually torn/cracked. After a sunny day and snow melting then water freezing at night it would freeze the latch shut. After fixing the seal never had an issue.

 

[Chuckles89]

Well, in my case, the latch opened - as evidenced by the fact that the hatch moved slightly, and I got to stare at the 'door ajar' light until things warmed up enough that I could open it properly, and close it again.

I'll check out the 303 Aerospace stuff - I'm okay with spending a few extra bucks if it's going to keep me from having problems when I go skiing this winter...

We put the 303 on all our cars and never have had a rubber seal rip anywhere: 1986 Civic, 1989 4Runner, 2000 Celica, 2004 4Runner, 2008 Scion xD