Rear Liftgate Issue... Need Help.

[JMat]

1998 4Runner can't get rear liftgate window to roll down, defroster and rear window wiper won't work. What I have figured out is that the sensor that lets you know the rear door is open or not isn't working as well because the rear dome light won't come on, when set to the door position, and the open door light on the dash won't come on when the door is open.

The weird part of all this is if I have the liftgate up and move the rear dome light from the off position to the door position the light for the rear window defroster on the dashboard comes on(but the dome light does not come on) and can only be shut off by turning the ignition to the ON position, same thing happens when I put the key in the liftgate lock and turn it. For some reason turning the ignition to ON resets the defroster light in both cases.

I really need help with this one... My guess would be a relay of some sort but don't know where it's located or how to diagnose. Thanks, John

 

[awpsome]

theres been a few 98s with this problem lately, you might be able to contact them and see what they did to fix their issue. if its your control unit i have a spare from a 98 thats working if you need a replacement.

 

[JMat]

theres been a few 98s with this problem lately, you might be able to contact them and see what they did to fix their issue. if its your control unit i have a spare from a 98 thats working if you need a replacement.

Thanks for the response awpsome!!! I've done a bunch of searches on here but still can't seem to find one that mirrors my situation. The light for the rear window defroster coming on when I try to roll the window down from the liftgate or when I use that rear dome light really is throwing me for a loop because that light won't come on when I depress the defroster button. Can you point me in the direction of some of those folks that have had issues recently? Also, how can I determine if it is the control unit? I suck at chassis electrical issues.