How to replace a liftgate latch on a 2003 Toyota 4Runner

[@jeffpoppen7807]

I watched this video on Sunday, received the part Monday ($65 Amazon) and had it installed in 20 minutes! Boom. Don't cut off the string that comes with your new latch b/c if it doesn't work (electrically), you'll need to pull it to open the latch until your on-board computer recognizes the new unit. Simply disconnect the car battery, count to 10, and reconnect the car battery. Presto....the auto locking rear latch is now recognized by the computer and you can now cut the string off. Easy! Thank you for your video.

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome.

[@matthewhooks452]

What year model? I thought it was just my push button but it’s not. Replaced it and it still doesn’t want to open. I can get it to open a few times and suction back down but it sounds like something in the computer side of it is clicking to make the actuator engage but it doesn’t want to engage I put some penetrating oil on the springs and open and close it a few times it’s still doing it so I guess I just need to replace the actuator

[@angelo.campbell4403]

The latch is probably bad but you can try to disconnect the battery and reconnect and see if that helps and check your connections .

[@KenanKazazovic]

Where have you found this part? Can you send me a link?

[@angelo.campbell4403]

I went to the Toyota dealer .

[@deany5709]

Great video. You are the only one that clearly explains replacing the latch mechanism. Yeah, keeping that string on was important. Had a moment of panic when the electronic lock wouldn't pull the liftgate close, then wouldn't unlock after I slammed it close.

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome I'm glad you got it fixed .

[@sawyerbillings]

Thanks so much for this Angelo! This was a perfect guide. I followed this step by step and was able to replace my latch exactly as demonstrated. The only thing I had to do additionally was reset the ECU which just required I disconnect the negative side of the battery for 10 minutes and then reconnect it. Everything worked like a charm after that.

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome .

[@daniellekephart]

So I just changed it out but now it's not doing anything at all... does that mean I have to reset mine as well?

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Where did you get the new latch? You can try to disconnect the battery for about thirty minutes and see what happens. I've been told that the after market latches don't work Sometimes.

[@daniellekephart]

@@angelo.campbell4403 oh no... ordered it off of Amazon. I'm going to try n unhook the battery now and see what happens thank you!

[@angelo.campbell4403]

I have had people order from Amazon and not had any problems . Electronics some times can be a little harder to deal with .

[@robertpersely1722]

Thank you. I just replaced mine right now with your helpful video.

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome .

[@ricardoledesma6753]

Excellent explanation, thank you so much.

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome

[@chevyvega6622]

always like watching the old school vids well over the ones that kids make today

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Thanks, and your welcome.

[@edwardkersey2771]

Thank you!! Very concise and clear.

[@davidmoore2851]

Thanks. Followed your video and all works fine now.

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome

[@jmoon94994]

Great instructions. Easy to replace. Thanks...

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome .

[@Grapplerfan]

Thanks helped a lot!

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome

[@julianritchey8300]

Thanks for posting the video. I followed your instructions and replaced the whole mechanism. didn't disconnect the battery. The alarm went off one time and I stopped it with the key fob. Once totally assembled/replaced it does not work. It does not synch down like it used to when you close the hatch and the latch no longer triggers the lock. Before I replaced the bad one, I could hear the motor engage to open the latch but it never opened the lock. Now I don't hear the motor engage at all when I close it or when trying the finger activator. Any ideas?

[@grinninferret]

thanks for the info, I just bought a 2003 4Runner with a bad latch like this.

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome .

[@no.me.mires.como.cara.d.pndej0]

Wow nice video 👍 thanks 4 video more video 👍

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Thank you and your welcome .

[@senketsu8786]

My hatch won’t open but I reset it by removing the fuse and it works but only for a day or two. I can hear the motor and everything work fine but should I just replace it or what else can it be???

[@angelo.campbell4403]

You will probably have to do some more research . But I have been told by a few people that they disconnected the battery for about thirty minutes and that worked .

[@senketsu8786]

@@angelo.campbell4403 I ended up doing that yesterday and it worked. This morning I tried opening and it went back to not working. Thanks!

[@ejjjy510]

Hi, do I need to disconnect the battery terminal first before I work on replacing the actuator?

[@angelo.campbell4403]

I would to be on the cautious side .

[@josemarquez86]

Thank you sir for great video.

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome

[@jonathanguarin9531]

Thanks for the tip.

[@angelo.campbell4403]

You're welcome .

[@Ryan-td3td]

thanks for helping save me some money!

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome glad it worked out for you .

[@broletsdiginasmr5366]

Can you access the license plate screw there? I want to lock my plate down to prevent theft. Thanks!

[@angelo.campbell4403]

I would think so but I can't remember . Some go through the door and a few don't .If you pull the plate off you will probably be able to tell .

[@drbyers6239]

Why did you replace the latch assembly? My rear hatch has started squeaking but the latch still works.

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Because unlike yours mine was actually broken and didn't work anymore !

[@scottsime5197]

Hi I was wondering what issues or symptoms were you having..I have the same issues on mine I don't hear the rear hatch lock or unlock and it won't open but when I manually open the latch on inside it'll open

[@angelo.campbell4403]

The problem I had was it wouldn't latch when I closed the door it would just come open again . Check your fuses and check and make sure you have power to the latch . If you have power to the latch then most likely you'll have to replace the whole latch assembly unless you have something else out of the ordinary going on . If it opens manually then it sounds like you have something electronic going on the electronic part of the latch is probably shot .

[@verachen8671]

Are you interested in installing afterpower tailgate lift to new model toyota 4runner?

[@angelo.campbell4403]

I don't do liftgate installs sorry .

[@verachen8671]

@@angelo.campbell4403 thanks.

[@lindsaykeki4164]

How much does a new latch assembly cost?

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Sorry I don't remember .

[@deany5709]

Bought a genuine Toyota latch on Amazon about 4 months ago for a 1994 4Runner for $176. Our local Toyota dealership listed one at around $300. EBay Motors has "bogus" ones for about half the price, but the reviews convinced me to buy genuine parts. Already had a bad experience buying a a gas cap that wouldn't stay tight, causing the Check Engine warning.

[@frankbaker3494]

What is the string for

[@angelo.campbell4403]

After you get the lock in place pull the string to activate it. If I remember correctly.

[@Justadudeman22]

Thanks man.

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome .

[@DillyDogSays]

I have 2004 and hatch won't open. I can manually push the button above the license plate to open hatch and I do not hear anything. Is this a bad switch or the latch assembly?

[@angelo.campbell4403]

If it does work manually then the electronic part of the switch might be bad or you might have a blown fuse. I can't remember if there was a button or latch release inside the vehicle if they're not working but the manual part is working then you have an electronic problem Maybe actuator .

[@DillyDogSays]

@@angelo.campbell4403 By manually you mean take the inside hatch cover off and see if I can open the door? Thanks

[@angelo.campbell4403]

It won't hurt to look at it and see but I'm pretty sure if one part of that latch is bad then you have to replace the whole thing anyway .

[@jschannelm7912]

@@DillyDogSays did you ever fix this? If so what was it?

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Had to replace the switch .

[@HeadStocks]

People do great videos and forget to tell the Part#s of the items they replace.

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Thank you .

[@pastisi]

Where is the fuse location

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Below the dash on the left side of the steering column .

[@angelo.campbell4403]

You will see the fuse box cover .If you have a manual to your vehicle it will tell you .

[@pastisi]

@@angelo.campbell4403 thank you

[@angelo.campbell4403]

Your welcome