Hi guys... posting this up for a buddy. I'll probably end up doing the work!!

I'm a 2nd gen'r -- the good ole tailgate. His 4runner is a 1997. Recently, ther rear cargo hatch quit working for him. The window still functions but the lever mechanism won't engage to open up the hatch.

Anyone experienced this before? I searched for a while, but couldn't find anything worthwhile.

I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but I think we're going to be facing a challenge getting to the mechanism with the hatch stuck closed!!

 

It may be the electric servo that unlocks the door. If locked it'll feel like the lever is disconnected.

Try to unlock the hatch using the key in the hatch lock.

If this doesn't work, it's going to be hard getting into it.
You will have to pull the plastic inner panel, it's just held on by plastic pop pins. I'm not sure if it'll come off with the hatch closed. It also hooks over the window edge. IF you get that off then remove the metal panel. Now fish around and release the hatch.

Good luck!

 

I've seen a few threads so did a quick search, which turned up several of said threads...here's a start....
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/3...r-latch-58644/
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/h...runner-185218/
I like post 5 here... https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/3...nt-open-50159/

 

happen to me before it was the bolt holding the cable came off need to open it fro inside take out plastic and pull the cable

 

Before taking anything apart spray a liberal amount of WD40 from below into the handle and the mechanism. The mechanism had grease in it at some point, which now probably turned into dust/grease sludge. Spray, let it sit, then tap with your hand. It might come loose enough to unlock, then you can take care of removing the sludge.

 

Great... thanks for the help guys. I think we are off to a good start.

 

if you still have problems getting it open go to a local body shop most are willing to help at no charge but a tip is always nice

 

You know, the hatch door on my '97 frequently stops opening when it's extra dirty, or when I've been off-roading. This trick always works for me - push IN on the license plate when you pull the latch. Sometimes it's shut tight, and the old lock parts bind up and won't operate.

After I wash the truck and clean the mechanisms, it stops happening again.

STICK

 

My 97 4runner latch is broken. You squeeze it and feel no resistance. I took it to a mechanic before that said there the latch is attached to the door is rusted, and it could be an expensive fix. I asked him for a cheap fix, and he temporarily attached it somehow. It is now broken again. What can I do cheaply to make it easy to open when I need to. I don't care if it is ugly.

 

Without knowing just what is wrong Who knows??

Did the latch just rust away or did the cables break??

Someone on here could be parting out just what you need pretty cheap.

If your Mechanic said it was going to be expensive perhaps he was figuring on a brand new hatch Who can say.

 

Rear cargo latch handle stays in, does not open hatch. I took off the trim panel and top rubber strip, looked down between the glass and the outside metal, and can see that the vertical bar does not move when I move the handle. What do you recommend?

 

Pull the cover off from inside once the window is down pull the cables on either side and open it.

You might need help or a vicegrip to hold one side.

Unless the lock is still engaged keeping it from pulling the cables.

 

The outside handle won't open the rear hatch on my 97 4runner Limited, regardless of the key position or glass position. Squeezing results in no movement of the handle. Taking off the rear panels allows me to pull on the cable and open the hatch. The latch and striker seem OK. What should I do?