Rear liftgate window binding/not rolling up completely

[Koddo]

Well, searched around and I think I might have the first 5th gen with a rear hatch window motor biting the dust. Let me preface this by saying I offroad a lot and with the aerodynamics of the 4runner, and its superb ability to collect dust on the rear window, I think the dust is binding up the window or worn the motor/other components down.

I hit the console button and the window very slowly goes up, binds and stops, and then reverses back down by itself. Months ago I was be able to baby it up by slowly rolling it up in 2-3 inches at a time so it wouldn't auto back down, but now it just stops after rolling up about 4 inches.

I was replacing the weather stripping on the rear hatch, with the thought of keeping more dust out of the rear panel, and was the only reason why I rolled it down in the first place. With no weather striping on the back hatch, it still won't roll up. So I think next step will be to take off apart the hatch, clean the window sliding surfaces and replace motor/other components.

Wondering if anyone has experienced this as well, and possibly if anyone with a 3rd or 4th gen has had a similar circumstance.

Thanks.

 

[Koddo]

bump

 

[Phousedj]

same experience: 2018 offroad pro w/ slipping rear window in cold weather

Same issue here...had a devil of a time getting my back window up on a camping roadtrip (great time huh), in cold weather. I camp/offroad often (once a month) and that back window, and the rear hatch drains onto the bumper, are always filled with dirt. Initially I thought the window was falling, but perhaps it was actually safety reversing like you suggest.

I suspect a defect in the rear window weather stripping, leaving a huge gap on either side of the door where tons of dust can enter.

During car washes Ive spent a lot of time and water trying to flush out that window (prob not a good idea) but neither is dirt, but it's always dirty an hour later.

Took it to the dealer who balked about not replicating the issue but finally cleaned the window tracks which does seem to increase the roll-up speed.

My conclusion, it's a defect that will cause problems, and the only solutions are 1) cleaning it by taking the door apart, or 2) finding some sort of aftermarket weather stripping solution.

Surprised more people dont talk about it on here...as I've noticed this issue (dirty bumper following a wash...and progressively slower rolling) since I got it. And at 80k miles, I'd think many would have far worse experiences.

 

[Humble Leader]

Same issue here...had a devil of a time getting my back window up on a camping roadtrip (great time huh), in cold weather. I camp/offroad often (once a month) and that back window, and the rear hatch drains onto the bumper, are always filled with dirt. Initially I thought the window was falling, but perhaps it was actually safety reversing like you suggest.

I suspect a defect in the rear window weather stripping, leaving a huge gap on either side of the door where tons of dust can enter.

During car washes Ive spent a lot of time and water trying to flush out that window (prob not a good idea) but neither is dirt, but it's always dirty an hour later.

Took it to the dealer who balked about not replicating the issue but finally cleaned the window tracks which does seem to increase the roll-up speed.

My conclusion, it's a defect that will cause problems, and the only solutions are 1) cleaning it by taking the door apart, or 2) finding some sort of aftermarket weather stripping solution.

Surprised more people dont talk about it on here...as I've noticed this issue (dirty bumper following a wash...and progressively slower rolling) since I got it. And at 80k miles, I'd think many would have far worse experiences.

spray some dry silicone lubricant in there and see if it helps at all. I do that a couple times a year. take care to also not roll up and down the window repeatedly, the motor can overheat and stop until it cools down