When I have the truck locked and I try to open the back gate, the gate release handle gets stuck in the open position and doesn't spring back anymore. When I unlock it, it works fine and the gate opens and the handle springs back to the correct position.

Any ideas here? Again, what I'm saying is, when your truck is locked and you try to open the gate from the handle above the license plate, it gets stuck in the open position, and you have to push it back (the handle).

 

mine does it too.. locked or open. either take it all apart and clean it or just spray some lube in there. i think i'll go the lazy route

 

Ok, just put a little 3&1 oil on the spring and the pin it rocks on, and FIXED!!! Don't know why I didn't think of that before. 2 second fix.

Now I just need to figure out why the rear domelight doesn't light up anymore when I open the hatch, and the bulb is good.

 

Nope, it's just that spring under the handle that got rusty and tight. Oil that spring and the pin that goes through the handle on right side. You can see them both with teh gate up I wish I thought of this sooner too. Thanks akaphilly

 

 

I have the problem with my handle stick open when I use it. I lobed everything and it's just too bad to oil and fix. I took the panel apart at the back and the only way I'm going to be rid of my issue is to replace the handle. It's eventually going to get to that point.

 

Alright! I just read this thread, went outside with some Remington Gun oil, lubed up the spring under the handle and now mine works again too!

This thread totally made my day!

 

I went through that and ended up replacing the handle. I got it used from somebody who was parting out a 4Runnner.

 

I think to fix the domelight issue you have to remove the latch and mess with the switch that is inside the latch.

Mine is doing the exact same thing. Works sometimes, sometimes not.

Let me know if you fix it.

My truck needs a rear axle seal and stabilizer end links, so I gotta fix that first

 

Well since you figured it out I'll ask a sort of related question. Anyone know why the rear hatch won't always release when trying to open it? Some days the release works perfectly, others I have pull on the release handle and then push the tailgate inward pretty hard...then the release will pop. If something gets wedged between the tailgate and frame I have the problem, but it happens a lot when nothing is in the way. This is the second 3rd gen I have owned that this happens to.

 

Same issue here bootown-my dog moves around the movers' blanket I keep in the rear cargo area. It pinches just enough in the rear hatch seal that the handle does not quite engage to open it. I push and tug to finally get it to engage and release it.

I will try the lube idea above-thanks very much Jason for bringing up the discussion.

But I believe the final solution for us is to be sure nothing is able to be closed in the rear seal.

 

On a related note, depending on where you drive and the amount of dirt and dust you are in that crap can build up at the bottom of the rear door where the latch is. There are two plugs one on either side of the latch that are made to let the water drain out, they can get plugged up and the water, dust mixture doesn’t drain out and that will eventually create a problem. I pop mine out once a year, flush the plugs and while they are out flush water down the rear window so it flows down in there and cleans that crap out, then just put the plugs back in.

 

It still happens when nothing is near or wedged in the seal.

 

It sounds like the spring may be 'sprung'. Does it have good feel as you squeeze the handle or is it all loosey goosey?


fotorunner that is good info I will look for those plugs and that sounds like a wise maintenance type item to check on regularly appreciate that info

 

The handle is perfect. With the tailgate open, the handle has good resistance when pulling and snaps right back when you let go. The handle just does not like to pop the tailgate free unless you push the tailgate in while pulling the release handle....with absolutely nothing in the seal...mats, etc.