Rear hatch won't open, window/wiper fine

[wolfgang.rumpf]

So I haven't seen an issue quite like this one - my rear hatch suddenly stopped opening. Not a sound when I push in on the release button, no way to open it. The window and the wiper work fine, so it's not a global problem. Any suggestions?

 

[Ausumm]

Love to help, but my problem is the complete opposite.
The rear hatch works fine,
the windshield wiper doesn't.

 

[Jasonredwood]

So I haven't seen an issue quite like this one - my rear hatch suddenly stopped opening. Not a sound when I push in on the release button, no way to open it. The window and the wiper work fine, so it's not a global problem. Any suggestions?

Just went through this. There’s a few threads on it.
I tried everything but ended up having to replace the locking mechanism.
See if you can pull a code.

 

[Bossman]

Some threads on this that might help:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/43212-rear-hatch-wont-open.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/214624-rear-hatch-wont-open-properly-tpm-reset.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/138645-tailgate-wont-open.html

 

[Drummer1]

This just happened to mine as well on Sunday. Getting ready to load up the 4Runner to go out and no response. Pushed the button and no sound or movement. My window and rear wiper also works fine. Guess I'll be ordering a new motor from Amazon! :frusty:

 

[Ralph Blake]

Anyone besides me find the black pad under the rear lifting bracket, is really sticky and comes off on fingers?

since it is sticky i stuck a thin piece of rubber on it to keep the sticky stuff off my fingers.

Just another item of Toyota using the wrong type material.:-(

 

[Supersonic]

Just going to copy/paste from my previous post in this thread;
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/241125-rear-hatch-problems.html

A problem I encountered is water getting into the rear door, not sure if the window was opened slightly or if it has a seal issue. Finally I tried my fingers under the bottom to pull of the door as I pulled the handle too and it opened. It seemed to be making some noise when I pulled the handle but wouldn't open without the extra pull, then water dripped from the latch.

I found 2 drain plugs and pulled them to find sand, wet red New Mexico sand plugging the holes. I cleaned some out with a screwdriver, but it really didn't drain and until I took a drive then opened the hatch and some wet sand had come out the holes, it's getting late, so other than having soaked the latch with liquid wrench, I left the drain plugs out and will look into it more tomorrow. Rear hatch does seem to be functioning normally now.

Going to add this link from the other thread for the handle rubber replacement, seems it might be a good idea to replace it before it gets bad, the current first review has some install tips;

Trunk Switch Button Replacement Cover
The original cover is prone to melting in hot climates and harden in cold.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J4NAGP2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Going to add this too;
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/80823-diy-lift-gate-lock-assembly.html

 

[YetiX]

Had this happen to me on Sunday when I got home from a 3 day trip. Had to unload everything through the side doors, the cooler was a pain in the ass.

Read a few threads on here and tried disconnecting the negative battery terminal for 30 seconds or so. Reconnected it, locked and unlocked the doors, and it worked!! :clap2: (I may have had to re-start the car too...) However, it seemed sluggish. I think it may have gummed up from all the silt we went through. I cleaned the mechanism as best I could with a bunch of q-tips and compressed air and then sprayed in some dry graphite lubricant. Now it seems to be working great again.

 

[wolfgang.rumpf]

I've read about the battery disconnect as a possible reset for the rear computer. I might try to just pull the fuse so that I don't reset everything else (I hate having to rebalance all the windows!)....I'll let everyone know if that works....

Had this happen to me on Sunday when I got home from a 3 day trip. Had to unload everything through the side doors, the cooler was a pain in the ass.

Read a few threads on here and tried disconnecting the negative battery terminal for 30 seconds or so. Reconnected it, locked and unlocked the doors, and it worked!! :clap2: (I may have had to re-start the car too...) However, it seemed sluggish. I think it may have gummed up from all the silt we went through. I cleaned the mechanism as best I could with a bunch of q-tips and compressed air and then sprayed in some dry graphite lubricant. Now it seems to be working great again.

 

[wolfgang.rumpf]

I yanked the fuse in the engine compartment that was labeled ECU – B. After 30 minutes, I replaced the fuse, and everything worked great! One note – that fuse controls all power locks, so make sure that if you tried the solution, you have your key handy to open the door – because your beeper won’t work.

I've read about the battery disconnect as a possible reset for the rear computer. I might try to just pull the fuse so that I don't reset everything else (I hate having to rebalance all the windows!)....I'll let everyone know if that works....