Removing the inside panel on Rear Gate of 4 runner

MrBob · 07-25-2003, 01:01 PM

The lock has shifted on my rear gate on my 97 4 runner and I wonder if anyone knows how to access it so I can reset it back in the slot...sounds confusing ,eh? the slot I insert my key into has come loose from the body of the rear gate and I need to get to it to re-attach the lock in it's position...how do I get into the panel space to access the lock mechanism to repair it? it is located on panel above the rear license plate..............

Bob_98SR5 · 07-25-2003, 03:21 PM

MrBob,

Ask Jacksonpt. He recently did some repair work on his rear tailgate about 2 montsh ago.

Bob

butnut · 07-26-2003, 12:04 AM

A small PITA. It's all done from inside. Pry off the tiny panel cover from the pull down strap. Unscrew the handle. Pry the plastic panel (inside) off the tailgate. Lift up to release the rubber top trim. Shimmy it out easy. Now, you'll see a big metal panel...all those screws come out. You can access the garnish and guts from there. There will be a few wires/connectors stuck on the metal panel. I just hung the panel off the tailgate with a long bungee. Good luck.

07-25-2003, 01:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
MrBob Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8	Removing the inside panel on Rear Gate of 4 runner The lock has shifted on my rear gate on my 97 4 runner and I wonder if anyone knows how to access it so I can reset it back in the slot...sounds confusing ,eh? the slot I insert my key into has come loose from the body of the rear gate and I need to get to it to re-attach the lock in it's position...how do I get into the panel space to access the lock mechanism to repair it? it is located on panel above the rear license plate.............. __________________ "Only a biker understands why a dog hangs his head out of a car window"

07-26-2003, 12:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
butnut Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Aloha State Posts: 989	A small PITA. It's all done from inside. Pry off the tiny panel cover from the pull down strap. Unscrew the handle. Pry the plastic panel (inside) off the tailgate. Lift up to release the rubber top trim. Shimmy it out easy. Now, you'll see a big metal panel...all those screws come out. You can access the garnish and guts from there. There will be a few wires/connectors stuck on the metal panel. I just hung the panel off the tailgate with a long bungee. Good luck. __________________ Brian B like dat den... 2006 DuB CaB Tacoma Speedway Blue TRD Sport

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07-25-2003, 03:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Bob_98SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 10,115	MrBob, Ask Jacksonpt. He recently did some repair work on his rear tailgate about 2 montsh ago. Bob