How do I remove the lock cylinder from the rear plate light bar? The black plastic piece which says Toyota..

I've got the plastic piece off the tailgate, and have taken out two small phillips head screws, but I can't figure out how to get the lock cylinder out of it. It looks as if the outside chrome ring needs to come off, so the cylinder can pull through the backside.

 

Are you're talking about the lock cylinder that make the tailgate window go up and down?

If it's like my 90 there is a clip on the inside that has to be removed.

 

that is the lock I'm talking about

There doesn't appear to be any clips.. I can't pull the lock through the front because of the shape of the plastic cut out.. I can't pull the lock through the back because the chrome trim ring won't fit through the hole.. I believe I need to separate the two pieces, but I don't know if there is a trick/method to doing this to save me from mangling the two pieces or break the very fragile plastic.

 

NO ...
dont pry or pull ...


just like the ignition cyl .. there is a "pin" you need to depress . But , because this thing has been in the door so long with no attention .. you will nead to soak the crap out of it just to see it . wire brush might help .

once you have located the "hole " for the pin .. you'll need a small drift to "punch" to dissenguage the pin .. then it will come out easy peasy .

the hole size is minuet about the size of a pen refill ..


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Thanks Slacker

I came across that pin, and I thought that must be whats holding it together.. however when it didn't budged I assumed there was more than one of them.. Good to know its just on the one side.. I will soak it with some anti-seize tomorrow, and hopefully this things comes apart..

Do I have to push the pin with a small punch? Or do I have to push, and hold while I separate the two pieces?

 

chances are .. like most I have done .. the pin will be siezed .

hopefully you have a replacement lock ? , cuz you cant save it now . just punch the pin with the drift and colaps it .



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Sorry, I thought you meant the whole assembly, not just the cylinder.

 

Wow, so this is how you take it off...
interesting, awesome thanks!

 

I have a bunch of pictures if you want ? I think



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It takes a bit of work, everything is rusted on my spare one haah.