Tailgate Lock Cylinder Repair (walkthrough)

[Bad_Vision]

Gauide to Tailgate Lock Cylinder Repair

I didnt get to all the parts because i needed a heat gun and mine broke but i will show the how to repair by text.

Step one.
Remove the tailgate cover and put your window all the way up.
You then need a 10mm wrench to remove the two set screw to get this piece

Once this is removed you will need to take out the set screw that holds the switch to the lock cylinder

shown here is i had already removed the set screw to show it better.

then you can remove the two screws that hold the switch in place.

Once this is done the switch can be pulled away from the lock cylinder and the black plastic trim can be set aside.

Next if your lock cylinder will not turn you should soak it in a solution of 3 ounces PB blaster and 3 Ounces common paint thinner.

Ok so you will have two parts now, you will need a can of electric contact cleaner. You should spray the contact cleaner inside of the switch unit by using the small hole on the side or the switch cylinder rotating assembly pictured below.

be very liberal with the spray! next use a standard flat head screw driver to rotate the switch back and forth and back and forth and repeat this till the contact cleaner is dry and then repeat this again.

Now if this does not solve the issue stay posted im working on the switch after i buy the heat gun to un-stick the glue that holds the switch to the switch cylinder.

 

[Bad_Vision]

next up is to heat the switch cylinder to loosen the glue once this is done you can use a needle nose pliers to pull the black unit from the cylinder.

 

[Bad_Vision]

Sticky?

 

[Bad_Vision]

this is a how to repair in the works, its cheaper then getting a new one from the dealer. i may hit you up on the parts later this summer.

 

[cometobanks]

NowI gotta start all over, I used 4oz of PB BLaster......

 

[toyotainnova64]

Guys!Excuse me for the disturbance but i know this post has been around for two months though not a dead thread. Know you're still here. By the way im here for a reason and i hope you dont mind answering my query. I've had problems with my tailgate latch(4 runner 02) ever since purchasing it a year ago. Just last tuesday the latch gets stuck in the lock posistion, I finally got the tailgate open and used some WD-40 to clean out the latch which seemed to be very dirty or very dirty grease. The latch is now stuck in the lock posistion with the tailgate open so it will not close completely.Anyone here knows where I can get a replacement latch kit? Or probably a repair shop. Im now residing in Georgia and seeking for one nearby. Any help would highly be appreciated. Thanks a lot and sorry for the long post. Just want to be more detailed.



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[Bad_Vision]

is brake cleaner fluid first to clean all the old dry greese out then spray it with pb blast

 

[illzoni]

I'm sure I'll need this before long. :thumb3:

 

[Bad_Vision]

before anything goes wrong you should spray all your lock cylinders at least once a month with a non solidifying oil like PB blast or wd40.
if you use a silicon grease it will clot and when dust covers it it will dry in a solid mass that will destroy the locks moveability

 

[Nervo19]

Great write up. I find the FSM and stick drawings don't help me much for things like this.

For the guy who was asking what shop would do these types of repairs check with an auto upholstery place. I noticed one local to me that says "electric window and lock repairs our specialty" It makes sense since they disassemble cars so often.

 

[Alpha {MWB}]

Good stuff sir.

 

[qwerty]

Hi I'm new here, some back ground on me. My daily driver for the last 19 years is a tan and brown 85 SR5 - 338000 on the clock now. I had my first big screw up last week in the needles in Utah. Backed in to a tree and now have to replace my tailgate (already have a very nice used one - shell only- and also found a shop that works with enamel ). Looking for tips. 1 how do you take the 4runner badge off w/o screwing it up. 2 can the up/down switch be dismantled so the contacts can be cleaned up ( I know that many of the switches on 1st gens come apart so this can be done ).
all tips welcome.
This thread will help.
Also I have deep knowledge on 1st gen runners and might be able to help on things here.

Thanks - Greg

 

[toyobama]

Great information. Thank you!

 

[rgkharrison]

Since it's already bumped.. thanks from me as well. I'll need to do maintenance and cleaning on the tailgate (including the lock cylinder) soon enough.

 

[87MONSTER]

Same here. The up down switch on my '87 SR5 doesn't work. I think I will have to re-key it though. I think the guy who had it before me got a new, fully assembled, tailgate.