Rear hatch won't open

RAYJS

MEMBER
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Electrical problem V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 98,000 miles

Does not seem to be a manual way to open rear hatch. When handle is squeezed (switch) a noise is heard, then after a few seconds, kind of a click, door does not open. Disconnected battery as per owner's manual, all that did was now the hatch window will not work with the key (still works from dash). Removed inner panel. Removed plastic that was glued on. Wondering about the white plastic cover that seems to be over the latch, can I remove that without parts flying out? One shop manual said that Toyota redid the ECU, but won't pay if out of warranty. I don't think that is the problem. If your answer works thanks. So, how do I fix it?

2 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Hello,

You can remove the cover its just for water. Then replace the latch it sounds like there is a micro switch inside that is not working we just had one of these problems in the shop.

Here is a guide and the door lock wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works. Also check the fuses just in case.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

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