I had a customer just email this. Maybe you guys can help:

"I just bought my first 4Runner (98 SR5 V6 Auto, Desert Dune)
and the entire rear hatch is dead (rear wiper, window & license plate
lights). The fuse is good and everything else in the car works
perfectly. I'm trying to find the connection between the hatch and the
body but can't seem to find the plug

Any ideas?"

I'm trying to get him to sign up on here, but in the meantime, anyone know?

 

I'm the guy with the dead hatch

I've already tried the 'jiggle the wiper' thing and the fuse is good. The taillights & rear dome light work but no hatch. The dealer wants $90 just to look at it. I'm determined to figure this thing out and keep my cash for some Burtman clear corners!

First off, does anyone know where the connection is to the body and hatch? I want to make sure it's plugged in snug but can't even find it. There's a pic below for reference.

 

I figured it out!!

I decided to pull the trim panel off the hatch and discovered a few plugs. Sure enough, one wasn't seated. Turned on the car and everything works perfectly.

Here's a picture of the white plug that I clicked in. It must be the master connector because it was the only thing that needed to be seated to make everything work.

 

Well, good deal. If you didn't figure it out, someone on here would have for you.