Rear tailgate door not locking. New OEM or REMAN on lock actuator?

[Boognish_Forever]

So I noticed it takes a few tries on hitting the lock button, before the rear door will actually lock. It won't beep unless it is fully locked, which is how I found out about this problem in the first place. I was confused why it wasn't beeping when hitting the lock button on the fob or it would beep 2 seconds later from the car trying to lock it again and working.

From little research I found on this issue, it's the Liftgate Trunk Lock Actuator ("Back Door Remote Control Assembly"). Should I buy the new OEM or is this REMAN thats on ebay reliable? I think aftermarket and used is out of the question. Unless the aftermarket is the exact one toyota used.

Or if I'm wrong on this issue please let me know. I have a 1999 Limited.

Below are links to both new and reman.

Toyota Back Door Remote Control Assembly #69690-35030 | Autoparts.toyota.com

96-02 Toyota 4runner Liftgate Trunk Lock Actuator OEM 69690-35030 for sale online | eBay

 

[2TH4IST]

It's more then likely the actuator, but also check the wiring in the boot in the top left of the hatch, the wires like to crack and break there. I too rebuilt my rear actuator.

 

[Boognish_Forever]

It's more then likely the actuator, but also check the wiring in the boot in the top left of the hatch, the wires like to crack and break there. I too rebuilt my rear actuator.

I can hear it’s still working, but can check the wiring while I’m in there.

So is the actuator held in by rivets?

 

[2TH4IST]

Correct, I think it's 3 rivets. They are a wide head rivet, I could not find anything fancy rivet so I got them from toyota for a few bucks.

The wiring I'm talking about is in the accordion boot from the body to the hatch. It's a know issue in these older 4runners. I had 4 broken wires. I followed Timmy's vid on how to rebuild the rear actuator. There's quite a few things to take apart to access the actuator.

A year ago or more I finally rebuilt all 4 door actuators as the drivers door failed to open. 3 were successful and the passenger rear failed so I replaced it with a aisin unit from rock auto for 60 or so bucks.

I can not find a new rear hatch actuator on rock auto.

Eta - I'd avoid the ebay actuator. I'd try a rebuild first, if that doesn't work but from toyota. It lasted 20+ years.

 

[Boognish_Forever]

Correct, I think it's 3 rivets. They are a wide head rivet, I could not find anything fancy rivet so I got them from toyota for a few bucks.

The wiring I'm talking about is in the accordion boot from the body to the hatch. It's a know issue in these older 4runners. I had 4 broken wires. I followed Timmy's vid on how to rebuild the rear actuator. There's quite a few things to take apart to access the actuator.

A year ago or more I finally rebuilt all 4 door actuators as the drivers door failed to open. 3 were successful and the passenger rear failed so I replaced it with a aisin unit from rock auto for 60 or so bucks.

I can not find a new rear hatch actuator on rock auto.

Eta - I'd avoid the ebay actuator. I'd try a rebuild first, if that doesn't work but from toyota. It lasted 20+ years.

I was wondering if that actuator could be made by Aisin. I’m not really comfortable trying to take that actuator apart and rebuilding. Especially being you have to take apart so much of the tailgate to get to it.

Normally I don’t like buying car parts off eBay, but this one states it’s all OEM parts in the rebuild and I have to send back a core.

 

[brillo_76]

While in that area, I would check your wiring in the boot in the rear hatch. Granted its working now, your may save yourself for having to go back and work on it in a year or 2 ... I would give it a look over. However, like always that is entirely up to you.

 

[2TH4IST]

I hear ya. But to change that actuator you need to take apart the tailgate anyways. It's either a replace or repair. Ebay listers can say what they want, it doesn't have to be true. But why a core? Unless they are rebuilding them and reselling them.

I won't be the only one to say be careful or stay away from ebay oem parts. Unless it's a last option.

 

[Boognish_Forever]

I hear ya. But to change that actuator you need to take apart the tailgate anyways. It's either a replace or repair. Ebay listers can say what they want, it doesn't have to be true. But why a core? Unless they are rebuilding them and reselling them.

I won't be the only one to say be careful or stay away from ebay oem parts. Unless it's a last option.

For sure. That’s exactly what they’re doing, rebuilding and reselling. I guess I can send back my core on there dime for a lifetime warranty.

 

[Boognish_Forever]

I hear ya. But to change that actuator you need to take apart the tailgate anyways. It's either a replace or repair. Ebay listers can say what they want, it doesn't have to be true. But why a core? Unless they are rebuilding them and reselling them.

I won't be the only one to say be careful or stay away from ebay oem parts. Unless it's a last option.

Do you know if this job can be down with the tailgate shut? I would take the plastic cover off first and then work on it from the inside.

 

[2TH4IST]

I want to say you can, as the access cover is smaller then the plastic panel. Only thing would be being able to open the hatch if you want to open it during working on it.