2002 Toyota Sequoia handle is broken on the rear hatch

OLIEPOPE

MEMBER
2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA

2002 Toyota Sequoia V8 Two Wheel Drive 189000 miles

2002 Toyota Sequoia 8cyl

The outside handle is broken on the rear hatch of my 2002 Sequoia SR5. I How do I open the hatch to replace the handle? There is no electic release or handle on the inside. My rear window is out of service and my keys will not operate the hatch or the window. I am not able to open the hatch from the inside to remove the hatch door panel.

1 Reply

BOBR196

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Purchase a paint roller tool where the roller part is only about 4" or so long. Tear off the soft roller. Bend the bar another 45 degrees so the angle from the handle to the part that had the roller on it is about 135 degrees. Make sure all 4 doors are unlocked.
Get on your knees and look on the right side of the handle where it goes into the door. You will see where you will insert the paint roller. Now stand up. Facing the door hold the paint rollerhandle in your right hand so it is sticking straight out from the door horizontally. Insert the business end into that hole vertically. You will then feel for the "pad" which you are going to depress inside the door. When you feel it, turn the handle you are holding to the right slightly because you are now gong to push on that pad towards the front of the car. In order to do that, you need more clearance and that is why you are moving the handle. Use your left hand to stablize your tool at the bend. At the same time put some of your weight on the door as if you were pushing it closed. You will hear it unlatch. Lift the door as if the door handle worked. Voila. The door is open.