Rear hatch will not open (not latch related)

[Steve240]

So my hatch will not open anymore Just started yesterday, I went to pull the handle, it moved to the open position but the hatch did not open. The handle is also stuck in the open position.

I got the tools out and took the inside panel all apart to get to the latch release cable and door lock rod mechanism. If I pull the cable the latch releases without a problem and hatch opens up. Also if I pull on the door locking rod, which activates the cable, the hatch opens. So the problem must be the connection between the handle and the door locking rod.

Unfortunately as many of you know this is all behind the window mechanism which makes it difficult to work on or see. I've spent all morning searching for a solution but everything I find is latch related. I'm looking for some help/advice before I start removing components to get at the handle mechanism.

 

[Dinabox]

Mine did the same thing. The fix for mine was the black plastic piece on the left if you're looking at the hatch from the back. It's connected by 2 or 3 screws and one of the brackets broke so when you pull the latch handle it rotates and doesn't engage. I wish I had pictures and my explanation probably isn't that good. Just take off the inner plastic on the hatch and the paneling inside of that and you'll see what I mean, make sure you're rear window is rolled up and you'll have access to it. It's a pain in the ass to get to and you have very little room.

 

[Steve240]

^ Thanks very much for your post, it certianly helped. I finally got it all out last night, those little plastic tabs are a serious pia. Either way sounds like I had the exact same problem as you. Once I got the license plate plannel removed one of the two studs just feel to ground due to all the rust. It doesn't look repairable so I called toyota and they said they do have the part but its a 110 bucks. Kind of sucks for just a handle. Was wondering what did you end up doing? can you find this part anywhere other than a stealership?

I'll take some pictures of all these parts tonight

 

[Dinabox]

snagged the part at a local junkyard for $25, I have no clue what it's called though.

 

[bergeron37]

My hatch has been pissing me off lately as well. The latch is stuck in the closed position so the door just slams off the hook that is supposed to catch it. Have it bunjie strapped to my back seat.

Already wd-40 and worked it all summer, i think its officially gone.

I think I'm just going to try and find a junk yard

 

[Steve240]

I decided just to buy the handle assembly. I'm in ontario so the parts in the junk yard are probably in worse shape than what was on my truck.

Part # 69023-35010

Its the handle, return spring, and mounting plate assembly for anyone thats interested.