Stegall984R

When i bought my runner, the dealer that I got it from told me it was a reposession. I verified this on the car fax report, and it had a clean history, so i didnt give any mind to it. However the key that came with the truck was a replacment cut key. The truck also did not come with a alarm remote, which I got on ebay no problem. The key I have however does not work in the rear tail gate. It wont open the gate or roll the window down. My truck was absoutly spotless so i dont think the latch is broken internanly.

Can any one verify weither or not their regular key versus a valet key will roll down the back window and unlock the tail gate ?

Let it be noted that the key I have will work the ignation, doors, and glove box. It will NOT however work the rear tail gate, unlock or window fuction, nor will it arm the alarm from locking the doors from the key. The alarm and keyless other wise works flawlessly. Also take note the tail gate handle works every time, and it locks/unlocks every time with the switch/keyfob keyless entry. The alarm is also the stock toyota alarm.

In your oponion do I have a valet key , or is my tail gate latch broken ?

94x4

I would'nt think that the latch would be broken, rather I'd think that the rear door takes a different key.

It could be that when they were rekeying it they "keyed" everything except the rear door, or..., the wiring harness connector is disconnected and you need to pop off the rear interior trim panel and take a look.

Stegall984R

no the key wont even turn in the cylinder.
the window works and the door lock works fine as lone as it operated by the key remote, or the switch on the door.

Godzilla

i was planning after work on monday to get a normal flat key cut to keep as a spare in my wallet in case of accidental lock out, so if i get it done ill post up and let you know if it works in the tailgate.

94x4

Then it could indeed be that they overlooked the rear door lock when they were rekeying it after the repo.

I'd say contact the dealer you got it from about their putting you in touch with the locksmith that they used or have it done yourself.

L33T35T 4Runner

I had a couple spare keys made and many times those keys wont work in the back gate. The back gate cylinder is figity some times, doesnt like to work properly. it might just be that a copied key might be a little bit off so it wont work properly.

trd2001

Maybe its a valet key?

L33T35T 4Runner

trd2001, cant be becuase he said it opens the glove box

ugadawg95

Check the VIN on the tailgate and make sure it matches the VIN on the dash. I swapped tailgates and had to swap the cylinder to be able to use the keys I had so it would function with the new tailgate.

jimbojones75

I have a similar issue in my 90, I have a "Toyota" key that opens drivers side and does ignition and I have a copied key that opens shotgun. My tailgate window didn't work until a couple weeks ago when I replaced the regulator and motor, I tried both keys and neither of them turn the cylinder. I left it at that for now because I am happy enough to have a gate window that works at all. I just keep my eyes open for a deal on a lock cylinder with a working key!

dusty98

What was the final resolution on this?
I have the same problem on the 98 I just purchased. I had a valet key so I got two new keys cut from Toyota based on my VIN number. I can lock the glove box now, but no luck with the rear latch. Both new keys will go in, but the lock won't turn at all.
Hatch opens fine when the doors are unlocked and the window goes down fine from inside.

Thanks,
Phil

dusty98

Here's an update on how I solved this:
Tonight I sprayed some silicon spray where the key goes and wiggled it several times (firmly, but not hard enough to break the key) and after a few times it started working. I"m guessing it was corroded or siezed for whatever reason.

I read somewhere on Yotatech about corroded locks so I figured I'd give it a try. Gotta love those easy fixes