Hi Guys,

Got a 1990 4Runner (22re, 5sp man). Love the truck, but my rear door locks do a weird thing. They slide down a bit when I pull the door handle to open the door. So, after a couple of opens, they've slid down into the locked position and I have to open the front door, reach in and unlock it. It's become a real PIA.

Does this happen to anyone else? Any idea how I can fix it?

Thanks,

 

Nope, i havn't had that happen.

Im sure someone will post some info helping you, i would guess it has to do with the linkages inside the door.

 

Check the child locks.
Bigblock

 

and make sure all the linkages are not rubbing against each other.
you may have worn bushings on the linkage somewhere allowing them to contact one-another.

 

Doesn't seem to be the child locks. Does the same thing whether they're on or off.

On the linkages... sounds like something I'd have to remove the panel to get to? Is that difficult?

 

you will have to remove the panel
be carefull not to break plastic pieces

It isnt difficult if you have the right tools and are competent

 

http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1990-1995...o/reardoor.pdf

it's not difficult, just fairly involved. start at the middle of page 2 in the PDF file I linked above.

 

Got in there today, with the help of the rear door disassembly instructions (thanks abecedarian). There weren't really any bushings, and nothing was rubbing together. However, the latch and lock assembly are all connected near where the door strikes the striker and the movement of the door handle was causing movement in the lock arm. I WD-40'd everything including where the door handle and lock arms slide on a plastic guide about mid-way between lock knob and striker end.

Bottom line is that the door is now working as it's supposed to . Thanks for all your suggestions and help!

 

Do you know if these are still available anywhere? I'm facing a similar problem and cant seem to get at the rear door handle from the inside because of a plastic plate in the door getting in the way.