Rear hatch opening problems

[statman24]

Hi,

I have a 2004 4Runner Limited. When I unlock the doors, then try to open the hatch, I can hear the mechanism turning, but the door won't open. If I let it sit for 3 seconds or so afterwards, I hear the mechanism moving again. Then, I attempt again, and it's fine.

So, I can only seem to open the rear hatch on every other attempt. I read somewhere that there is a reset method for this, but cannot find it in my owners manual. I tried disconnecting and reconnecting the battery for a bit, but that did not resolve the issue either.

Any clues? I'm selling the vehicle and would like to get this fixed soon.

Thanks!

 

[oblivionis]

I have an exactly the same problem with my 04 SR5. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[shuly]

How long has it been doing this...for a long time or recently (6 months or 2 weeks)?

 

[oblivionis]

Mine has been doing that for a few years now. Sometimes it takes 2 tries to open the hatch... sometimes it takes 4 or more. It's really annoying when I'm in a hurry. Anybody have a solution for this?

 

[hiker108]

4runner rear hatch doesn't open

I have same problem with rear hatch not opening on my 2004 4runner. I can hear it trying to work. I found a tip on one of these forums that works for me. Press hard on the outside of where the latch release is. While pressing, pull latch and voila, it opened. Now the question is "What does that mean is wrong !! ??"

I'd appreciate feedback.

Thanks

 

[scrooster]

It seems to be a common problem that is often ignored in this forum for some reason ... or someone will come along and type, "use the search engine" which we do only to find more threads where the question is not answered.

Perhaps we can pool our minds and come up with a definitive answer that can be forever logged.