Rear hatch won't lock

[37mountainguy]

Been reading and reading and have found no solution. All locks work fine, all windows work fine, everything works except my rear hatch lock. It does make noise when I hit it. I've taken everything apart and lubed it all. I can manually get the lock to move and unlock but there seems to be no power going to the locking mechanism. It stays latched also without issue. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I believe there's a relay in the rear hatch that might be shot.

Also, if you put the key in the lock and turn and hold it to one side (forget which side), does the window roll down? Also, what year is your 4Runner?

 

[earthdweller]

I just noticed my rear hatch doesn't always latch completely. I think my hatch struts are pretty much shot and I am looking to replace them. On mine, I think the struts may be causing a misalignment if I don't put even pressure on each end of the door. That is to say, it doesn't always latch correctly if I close it with one hand.

 

[octanejunkie]

Been reading and reading and have found no solution. All locks work fine, all windows work fine, everything works except my rear hatch lock. It does make noise when I hit it. I've taken everything apart and lubed it all. I can manually get the lock to move and unlock but there seems to be no power going to the locking mechanism. It stays latched also without issue. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

What [MENTION=115347]gamefreakgc[/MENTION] said, but also there is a connecting rod from the solenoid to the latch/lock cylinder that if it becomes disconnected you can't power lock or unlock the rear hatch - regardless of whether the lock cylinder rolls down the window or not.

 

[kolelt]

My rear hatch also gives me issues. When you open it up. You need to physically pull the lever back into position or it won't shut when you go to shut it.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I just noticed my rear hatch doesn't always latch completely. I think my hatch struts are pretty much shot and I am looking to replace them. On mine, I think the struts may be causing a misalignment if I don't put even pressure on each end of the door. That is to say, it doesn't always latch correctly if I close it with one hand.

The struts don't align the door as much as slow it down. Even without struts it should align fine. Has your 4Runner been in a rear accident? Sounds more like the hinges are bent or something like that.

Of course though, if the struts are shot replace them. Have you also tried shooting some grease in the latch?

 

[pluton]

Sticky Rear Hatch Latch

This may or may not help---
Problem: My hatch would shut, but the handle couldn't open it. You'd squeeze the handle, you could feel the mech pulling, but it couldn't "go all the way" to the click and unlatch. If you pushed inward on the hatch with one foot while squeezing the handle, it'd open.
Solution: Spray flushed the latch for a few seconds with evaporating cleaner, in this case MAF sensor cleaner I had on hand. When dry, sprayed with molybdenum disulfide spray(CRC Dry Moly Lube).
Result: Latch un-latches correctly, easily.

 

[earthdweller]

The struts don't align the door as much as slow it down. Even without struts it should align fine. Has your 4Runner been in a rear accident? Sounds more like the hinges are bent or something like that.

Of course though, if the struts are shot replace them. Have you also tried shooting some grease in the latch?

I just purchased this vehicle a few weeks ago. Yes, there is a dent in the back hatch. Like someone backed into something. No scratches or paint removal like you would expect with a high energy impact. Yes, I think this would be my issue. Thanks Gamefreak.

 

[naturerunning]

@OP, did you ever solve you latch issue? I'm having the same described problem as yourself.

 

[RustyGrizwold]

Rear Hatch Latch Assembly

I just purchased this vehicle a few weeks ago. Yes, there is a dent in the back hatch. Like someone backed into something. No scratches or paint removal like you would expect with a high energy impact. Yes, I think this would be my issue. Thanks Gamefreak.

Good morning. I'm a new member and not able to post yet. I just bought my son a 99 Limited and the rear hatch doesn't work. We sprayed WD40, penetrating oil, etc. No luck. took apart the rear hatch interior and latch assembly. Notice that there are two "disc" looking mechanisms that spin maybe 1/4 turn off of the latch cable. The one has a single tooth that seems to be bent. Does anyone have a photo of this part of the assembly so I can compare? I can't quite figure out which way it needs to go.

 

[Humango]

Connecting rod to rear latch

I’ve just purchased a 98 limited and the rear latch isn’t functioning. After disassembling I can see that the connecting rod from the relay is disconnected, but the relay is covered with a metal shield that looks riveted on. Anyone know if how to get under that shield, thanks.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I’ve just purchased a 98 limited and the rear latch isn’t functioning. After disassembling I can see that the connecting rod from the relay is disconnected, but the relay is covered with a metal shield that looks riveted on. Anyone know if how to get under that shield, thanks.

I've only disassembled the rear hatch once (completely) and I wish I had a tip. I was only looking to take the glass & bezel out so I was rather forceful with the rest since I also could not find a simple way to remove it. I suppose drilling out the rivets is an option, then putting the rivets back in when done.