After installing a little switch on the inside of the tailgate of my 2Gen 4Runner to open the rear window from the inside I documented the install for future reference (maintenance, etc.). It was suggested to me that the little write-up might contain useful infos for others working on their tailgates, so here is a link .

 

I LOVE IT!!! Nice and stealthy too. Thanks for the writeup.

 

Lokks like a sweet mod. I like the super stealth aspect too. happy St. Patricks day Aviator

 

very nicely done!

 

That is a great mod. Many of us sleep in ours for the same reasons you mentioned and the problem has always been the rear window. I had thought about doing that and now you have inspired me to do so. Thanks for the writeup. I am sure alot of others will be doing this in the near future.

 

that is a sweet little mod, looks like another job gets added to the 'honey do' list! this one i wont mind doing!

lee

 

Great mod!

 

Does this method still allow the function of the interlock switch when the tailgate is open so the window can't function?
When we camp, the tailgate is a major part of operations serving as table, bathroom sink, kitchen, watering hole, dressing area, repair area and all that. It wouldn't be too unlikely for something to fall into that pocket with the tailgate down and activate the switch considering how much crap we tend to pile on it.
I've thought about doing the same mod with a cover something like this

and the switch installed in one of the side pockets or all the way up by where there are spaces to put tweeters for the stereo in the roof above the back window. Pretty unlikely area for a switch to get knocked around up there. That or go with a 3-position rocker switch similar to the factory one in the console and put it up high as well.
You've certainly inspired me. Maybe I'll finally get around to doing it myself someday.

 

Thanks for the kind words everyone.

Fahrenheit 451: Yes, the interlock still works. The switch taps into the wires comming from the key switch in the gate and you get exactly the same behaviour, i.e., a beeping sound when trying to move the window while the gate is open.

 

this is sweet. defently added to the to-do list.. after fixing my tailgate so the window will go up and down w/o hand assistance

 

Great! I figured coming from the back switch like that that it should still work, but wanted to know for sure. Thanks for the info.

 

bump for a great idea and write up.. i am doing it this week

 

Unfortunately, the switch will only work when the key is in the "ON" position in the ignition, am I correct? That's how my switch works in my '92 anyway... Still, a cool mod! I might have to do something similar in the 4Runner, but bypasses the "ON" position issue.

EDIT: Never mind, you spliced into the key, not the switch... DER

For now though, I got a power window controller to plug into my Viper alarm, so I can press the "aux" button and the window rolls down or up I just need to install it (lazy).

 

Great mod! I will have to add that to my to do list.

Another mod I want to do, for those of us who do not have a remote control keyring, is put a switch to unlock all the doors near the rear window. When you open the rear window with the key, it would be nice to have a button/swithc to unlock the other doors so you don't have to use the key in the drivers or passengers door.

 

Thanks. You will like it. We've used it on half a dozen trips by now and still love it.

 

done tongiht... it was pretty easy.. i'll post pics of where i mounted the switch when i have a chance... easy to do, great write up!

 

Many thanks to a Great MOD. I have always wanted this function, just not alert as you to add it to the truck.
Keep these mods coming! I am going outside to do it right now!

 

OK, I am finished - Great MOD again. THANKS
I would recommend the following. My switch is not long enough, but it works just fine - maybe too stealth. - I would recommend looking at a different switch placement. I am a little concerned about the back of the switch so close to the moving rear window. I also lost 10 lbs sweating while drilling that close to the glass through very tough steel - the piece of wood gave me no rest - but many thanks for the great write up.
As a bonus I was able to get out all the rusted metal fragments so no more slidding noise every time I lower or raise the gate. Guess water got in past the vapor barrier plastic and is rusting away at the glass bracket.