MarcBallz

So ive had this problem with my hatch door on my 99 Runner.
everything is fine with it but it dose not open when i pull the handle.

I removed the back pannal an can manually open it but have to jump the seats to get to it, its a hassle.

so i inspected everything an everything is fine except for where the metal rods tie into the locking/pull release mechanism.
if any one is working on there hatch can you take a picture of this part.

It seems to me that its missing some sort of clips that make everything work.

I took a picture of what exactly that i need to see... thanks

Ritzy4Runner

iTrader: (1)

I would do one of a c0ouple of things to start. First, you cold try to download the FSM(Factory Service Manual). Do a search on here for one as I have seen the link inseveral different posts and you may be able to determine what parts you need. Second, go to a local wrecking yard and take one apart! This way you can see exactly what is missing/broken, then get the parts you need. I would recommend finding a pull-a-part yard or open up one that has a damaged liftgate, most places won't let you take parts from a complete lift gate. If the parts are not avialbel, you may be able to either get them from Toyota or once you see what they look like, how they operate, you should be able to make something that would replace those missing parts. Good luck

MarcBallz

thanks an i've already tried all that.. nothing comes up.
an i went 2 about 20 different junk yards but from where am from imports are a plague :o
all there is chevy ford dodge gmc.. thats all maybe a honda from time to time.

o i lied, i found 1 out of 20 but they crushed it 01 ..

i went to the dealership to ask them but they didn't have anything or diagrams showing that specific part.
ive also checked the haynes toyo repair Manuel an nothing also..

let me try the FSM download to see if anything comes up.

thanks, let me check it out

Ritzy4Runner

iTrader: (1)

If I can remember to check when i get home, I'll take a look too. Yeah its a shame trying to find anything anymore, most yards are shutting down to pull-a-parts yards, people ripping stuff off and just cutting up stuff to get something. Maybe we can find what you need. I can check on my next excursion. Good luck

Atomic

I'll look at my hatch tonight and take a picture for you

Atomic

The lever you circled in your pictures is missing a plastic slider, but I don't think it has anything to do with the hatch lever. It does keep the key lock mechanism in-line when the key is turned.

Hatch closed:




Close-up of plastic slider:


Hatch open with key (I had to pull the bottom right metal rod because my key doesn't work in the tumbler):

Atomic

The rear hatch latch pushes this metal bar (the one with the rust on it), which in turn pulls the cable pictured above it. Closed:


Open:


As you can see, the items you circled in your picture move forward (move down if the hatch was closed) and "sweep" through the plastic guide when you open the hatch with the latch.

Hope this helps!

MarcBallz

thanks atomic an ritzy,
yeaa am missing that slider than..

if that slider goes up an down when you pull the handle it should connect the handle lever to the release string lever an must work together.. so i think
there might be something else that its mising but ill try to use some zip ties an go by that slider clip

an dont worry neither dose mine.. i went an got a price at the dealership for 1oo for the key mechanism..\

i was able to get the handle an cable release lever to work when id pull the handle by putting a 1/4 bolt but it wouldnt lock the hatch, so even when i lock all the doors the hatch could be open

i really appreciate it

gpcollen1

How long to take the hatch panel off. Looking to lube mine up as it has been sticking.

Atomic

The rear panel is really easy to take off. There are a lot of bolts though. Unbolt the 10MM bolt that holds the pull strap on, then pop the cover off (clips around the sides and lower portion and it hooks onto the window). Then there are ~8-10 more 10MM that hold a metal cover on. You don't need to unclip the wiring harness either.

MarcBallz

oh an word of advise dont loose that white plastic slider cause you'll be in the same situation as me :o

MarcBallz

So i just got back from Houston today, an found that plastic slider at a junkyard! thats all i needed! am gonna put it in an my new hitch in tomorrow
thanks for the pics