I have read many other entries here and in other forums about the problem in the title. The solutions offered have worked for many but not for me.

I can operate the tailgate window fully up and down with the key inserted in the rear keyhole. However, the tailgate window up/down switch in the cab does nothing. In addition, the rear window defroster is inop and the rear window wiper/washer will not work.

I understand that these things are all tied together. Is my problem a switch in the rear panel, a relay in the rear panel or something else all together. The electronics must think the window is not all the way up when in fact it is. Appreciate any assistance including a wiring diagram if anyone has one.

 

Well wondering if you have figured this out yet?

There is a sensor that detects the position of the rear window. The fact that all the accessories are out at the same time leads me to believe the sensor thinks your window is down when in fact it is up-just as you state.

You seem to have searched a bit about this-I don't know the location of that sensor exactly but others have written about it. See also T4R.org for other 3rd gen 4Runner specifics.

 

You may want to check the fuse in your J/B labeled Power, as well as your Power Window Master Switch.

 

My 98 Limited just started that this morning. I could hear the "something" click when I tried to lower or raise the rear window. This happened a few months ago when my water bottle rested on the button keeping it pressed in the window up position. I thought I burnt up the motor but it just started working the after awhile. I know now that I have a problem. I will be following.
Thanks
Lance

 

Kilozulu, did you find a solution? I have the exact same issue. I was told by a tech at the dealership to try using the key in the rear door to go all the way down and back up again. This didn't work for me. He also said 99% of the time it's the rear window position switch. Please let me know if there has been a resolution.
Thanks

 

My problem is similar except whenever I start my truck the back window goes down. I have to use my key in the tailgate to get the window back up. It sucks because it's 107 today in Tucson.

 

Try these schematics. They are interactive and very resourceful. Let me know. Good luck!

http://tacoma.site40.net/4Runner_96-02_Repair&Wiring/techinfo.toyota.com/ileaf/ewdtmc2/ewdtmpdf/ewdsourc/2002/024runne/systemci/043pwrww.pdf

http://tacoma.site40.net/4Runner_96-02_Repair&Wiring/techinfo.toyota.com/ileaf/ewdtmc2/ewdtmpdf/ewdsourc/2002/024runne/systemci/053rwdmh.pdf

 

Kilozulu, did you find a solution or does anyone else know how to troubleshoot this position switch? The issue described in this thread is exactly my same problem. I can move the rear window up and down using the rear door key hole but none of the dash controls work including the rear wiper. Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks,
Alex

 

Same here! Just started last week. '99, too. Also, my rear dome light is part of this mix as well. I can turn it on by hand setting it to "On", but when in "Door" mode, it doesn't go on when I open the hatch.

Tried the infamous reset/re-learn mode trick on the rear window, too, to no avail.

Does ANYONE know how to fix this?

Thanks,
Dave

 

I finally fixed my issue. there where two broken wires that had to be repaired. It took a few hours of troubleshooting but finally resolved the problem. The schematics definitely helped.