How to Replace Rear Door/Tailgate Handle Release Button Toyota 4Runner

Replacement 4Runner Tailgate button on Amazon: amzn.to/2zmVQJb
4Runner Tailgate Button on Walmart.com: bit.ly/3mg1vOZ
Door Trim Removal Tool from Amazon: amzn.to/2hP07hb
Door Trim Removal Tool from Walmart.com: bit.ly/3GwKqak
Screw Driver: amzn.to/2zl46Jx
#10 Wrench: amzn.to/2hRyp3C
Support this channel so I can make more great 4runner videos (Paypal): [e-mail]
Learn how to quickly replace the read door / tailgate handle button latch release on a Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009.

[@edwardcochran8063]

This was excellent to go by. The only thing left as just an oh by-the-way was disconnecting the switch itself. It was a little more than just squeeze this. I had to put a small straight blade screwdriver under it ti lift it enough to come loose. Pointing out the one screw and nut way over to the left was great. My plastic cover came off and back on much better. I did it in July in the garage and the adhesive was soft and easy. You talked just the right amount and showed eveything. Thanks again.

[@philipsartell494]

Thank you so much for making this video! My 2008 4-R had this exact problem. I ordered the switch and panel Tools from Amazon and had a new functioning switch in 45 minutes. Slick as a whistle. Awesome help!

[@robwhiteley6625]

Dynamite video! My wife's forerunner was having this exact problem, basically made the liftgate handle/switch assembly unusable. Your video was spot on, the directions were clear, the fix took me about 60 minutes in all to accomplish. Good as new, and I'm super-popular around the house this weekend! Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@bookooc5605]

FYI, another reason the button may not work is the rear ECM needs to be reset. I had to replace the liftgate window this week, and in the middle of it, the latch stopped working. The fix was to unplug the lower right plug on the ECM, which is on the lower right of the hatch when you are under it, looking up. Pull it off for a few seconds, plug it back in. The lower and latch the hatch. Hit the unlock on your FOB twice, and if this was the issue, it will now work. Worked like magic for me. Some people also unplug the battery. I already had the panel off so this was easier.

[@howardschultz8458]

Drinks no plates yes

[@MartinezFAMHawaii]

Toyota should address this, even my 2013 4runner rubber melted.

[@johnshipps441]

Just what I needed. I’ll be ordering g the part and doing this project soon. The cold weather is making my melted & disintegrated button inoperable.

[@ScottsGarage]

Sorry to hear that, but glad we could help make the project a little easier for you. Thank goodness for KZbin right?

[@Wmdxv70]

Thank you for this I don’t have this problem but the license plate light bulb screws were seized and I couldn’t take them out without having to remove this

[@danm.5354]

Perfect, spent $45 and about an hour, my hatch wouldn’t open so I had to go in through the access panel to open first, there is another video showing how to do that, thanks again!

[@ScottsGarage]

Great to hear you were able to fix things. Hope we helped a bit. Thanks so much for watching!

[@brianpetersen3429]

Thanks for the help. My 2008 4Runner has this same issue after 12 years of ownership.

[@ScottsGarage]

So glad to know we were able to help. Hope it made the job easier. KZbin is amazing right? Thanks for watching!

[@janiretavarez9228]

Thank you! Worked perfectly!!

[@FloridaBoyBushcraftSurvival]

Awesome! My 2008 handle is totally melted so I will be doing this repair shortly

[@shinigaminamtab]

Great video, thanks.

[@kentinnell]

Thank you very much - your video was perfect !

[@ScottsGarage]

Great to hear. Glad we could help! Thanks for watching.

[@damonblankenship9450]

Not a easy fix, but your video walked me through it. All the screws got a lil WD40 post install.

[@RV-vo7dx]

Is it better to disconnect the battery in order to reset the rear door module (clean glass, window and lock)?

[@rero6212]

Great video sir, Thank so much.

[@ScottsGarage]

You are very welcome. Thanks so much for watching.

[@wendellf8659]

Water is entering my liftgate at the lower left and right corners of the glass, where the outer weatherstrip meets the weatherstrip that goes across the door/bottom of the glass. I've changed both weatherstrips but the water still gets in. Any ideas how to fix?

[@Ryan-td3td]

Hello. Wondering if I could get your opinion. Currently, the motor in my rear hatch won't engage when I press the latch. It will however, engage and open after I remove and re-attach the negative terminal and reset the locks. It will only open once or twice though, then it stops working again. Do you think I need to replace the motor or the latch? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@manuelheredia-vc7ye]

is there a way to calibrate /reset the new latch ? I have heard to pull ECUB 10A fuse. open and close windows . OR just unplug from the ECUB . Is there a correct method?

[@vincebennett8460]

Replaced my hande, thanks for the video

[@ScottsGarage]

Great to hear. Hope we were able to make the job a little bit easier. Thanks so much for watching.

[@chrisariasnow]

I'm looking for a product that would allow me to open the hatch from the inside regularly. Do you know of anything like that?

[@socorromonroy9704]

Thanks for the good info

[@jaafarmahmood6430]

Hello dude .. is it possible to replace the soft close mechanism which is on this 4runner to a normal close mechanism with no soft closing ?

[@wburd6703]

Right on the money….thank u!

[@ronaldmclendon3943]

Finally figured out you just need to take the battery terminals off to reset the doors and windows.Easy fix.

[@ScottsGarage]

Yep, thats definitely one way of doing it. Unfortunately, that will also reset your radio and any other dormant electronics in your vehicle. Still worth it if it fixes your lock issues.

[@jimbrahn]

Good video. I had the same problem and your video helped me fix it. But how did you get to that last nut? I found a plastic insert that I popped off gaining easy access.

[@JustinRumbach]

Man you are a lifesaver. I’m buying you a virtual beer.

[@jimbrahn]

No problem. I’m just glad there was an access hole. Other wise I would’ve never gotten that nut out n’at.

[@matthewhooks452]

Is there a fuse or relay for this?

[@bobscruggs8886]

I have a 2010 same problem I couldn't figure what this was melted plastic it's almost funny except it's my suv

[@verachen8671]

Are you interested in installing aftermarket power tailgate to 4runner?

[@ME-ov7vp]

I need the plastic tabs that hold the pladtic assembly on the outside

[@davewagnerart]

Thanks!

[@robertlatiff6707]

I have replaced the hatch motor and the hatch unlock mechanism. It works one time to open and then it locks. I have to disconnect the battery every time I want to open the back, because it only unlocks 1 time. Anyone have any suggestions? I have a 2006 4Runner Sport Limited

[@bruceromanek5313]

How can I tell if I need release button, and not a latch motor?

[@atlasshrugged9093]

Replace the cheapest of the two if it still doesn’t work get the other

[@fifthsonrecords1228]

or, a socket...? good video.

[@dawzzy9999]

Cool, except now since we closed the hatch during a step I have to manually release it from inside since it's not hooked up?

[@dawzzy9999]

Got it, just had to crawl into the back and hook it back up.

[@hawkstarvest]

THANK YOU!!! ❣️❣️❣️

[@ScottsGarage]

You’re very welcome. I hope we were able to make your job easier. Thanks so much for watching.

[@machina_aeterna]

Thank you!

[@ScottsGarage]

You are very welcome. Hope we were able to help. Thanks for watching.

[@ronaldmclendon3943]

My 4Runner latch makes no noise and will not unlatch except with the inner handles. When it is raised and then closed ,it will latch but there is no motor noise. At this point when you press on the outside handle nothing happens. Could it be that this handle is defective or could it be the electric motor that operates the latch is bad? Thanks

[@hetewei]

Ronald McLendon hi. try to disconnect and connect the car battery

[@pfcSofly]

did this fix your issue?

[@ronaldmclendon3943]

pfcSofly yes,it was the battery terminals. Thanks so much

[@verachen8671]

Hi friend,are you interested in installing power tailgate on 4runner?

[@matthewhooks452]

I put the new switch on and it’s not working. The lock works fine the window works fine and the windshield wiper works fine. What else could it be please help

[@natej6671]

Talk about a satisfying click 9:33

[@GBond64]

So, a bad latch is the reason why my 2006 Toyota 4Runner SR5 trunk stop opening all of the sudden?

[@ScottsGarage]

Might be. Both myself and my brother-in-law encountered this problem.

[@matthewhooks452]

OK I figured it out

[@meseahunt]

all ya have to replace is the rubber piece for $8 instead of spending $50+ for the entire switch??? also the order for disassembly is a lil off?, and don't remove the complete assembly the less u connect the better, but for the most part good video just remember to wear gloves when around the mastik and make sure you seal it back correctly so the water stays out(for the most part)

[@DillyDogSays]

My hatch won't open on 2004. I can click the button on the door but do not hear anything. What is fix?

[@ScottsGarage]

Hmmm, sounds like it is one of two things. When you click that button on the back, you should hear a small motor noise as the lock is disengaged. If you don't hear that sound, then either your wiring has come loose or your latch connections have gone bad. If you feel the click when pushing the button, then I'm guessing it's a loose wire connection. You might need to get inside the back panel and do a bit of conductivity testing. Hope that helps a bit.

[@DillyDogSays]

@@ScottsGarage Yes I can press the button but no noise nothing. I can feel the button move so dont think its stuck.

[@avdo005]

Brad have you figured out the problem ?

[@avdo005]

Brad Phuck sorry to hear your troubles man. It sucks that something that should be so simple is such a headache. I just ordered the tailgate latch actuator from amazon for 170.00, hopefully this resolves my issue. I’ll let ya know

[@patriotsleepercell4060]

I have sa same issue with that nasty black runny rubber

[@issyzonesmart3164]

Hi, buddy ! We have a Hatch Liftgate Switch Cover for Toyota 4Runner and we want you to take an installation video for us.The new product will be a gift for you.If you are interested, please give us reply, Thank you.

[@ferngully60]

Great instructional video. But this is the lengthy way, just buy an offset screwdriver and open from the outside. Did this on my 07 4runner. New Kit Trunk Hatch Liftgate Lift Gate Release Switch Button Cover Replacement for Toyota Scion Lexus with Offset Screwdriver 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 IE Works from Amazon

[@kengiles7435]

Fern Gully s

[@vom8088]

Good looking out bro👍🏽 just ordered it off amazon for my 08 4Runner. $14 is way better then spending the $90 for the whole switch.

[@victorwyl]

it is $44 now :(

[@vom8088]

victorwyl New IMPROVED GRIP Replacement Repair KITS for Lexus Toyota Scion Liftgate Trunk Hatch Back Door Handle Switch Release Opening Button Cover www.amazon.com/dp/B071DVJ6ZD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4xW.AbPMBT3S9

[@vom8088]

victorwyl I just put this on my 2008 4Runner. But I took the panel off and used goo-gone and sone tooth picks to remove the old sticky rubber.

[@steveL..]

Black duct tape placed over the disintegrated rubber does the trick😂

[@mdmorell]

Maybe try a ratchet instead of a wrench next time? ; )

[@allyghee]

I have a similar issue but a reset only allows me to open it. Once it closes and locks, latch won't open until another reset. Does that mean the motor is fine but it's just the latch that is the problem?

[@avdo005]

allyghee I’m having the same issue ! Have you found out the solution yet ?

[@allyghee]

@@avdo005 I haven’t. It looks like I need to order the actuator itself and maybe (I hope not) the locking mechanism as well. So far my search tells me it could one of them or worst case both. The actuator is about 49$ whiles the motor ranges between $160-$240 on Amazon. 😢

[@avdo005]

allyghee yea I just ordered the tailgate lock latch actuator myself from amazon for $170.00. The dealership quoted me 270.00! Honestly I don’t even care I’m willing to pay even 500 if I have to so I can open the dang tailgate. Lol

[@slave2cowandru]

I'm having the same issue. Only by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery, can I open my liftgate. Very frustrating.

[@allyghee]

@@avdo005 that is what I also did ... got it off eBay at 140 and changed it myself

[@josephus333333]

I got my latch from ebay, a lot less money than amazon.

[@ScottsGarage]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@proofofpurchase747]

If you don't own a 10mm wrench, you shouldn't be working on your own vehicle.

[@marktwo3160]

You got that right! Then he buys the worlds cheapest China made combo wrench.

[@rydplrs71]

It’s a 10 millimeter wrench, not #10. If you need to dumb down the instructions that much just encourage them to find someone qualified to use it. There is a reason many shops have a sign that says it costs more if you worked on it first. People that don’t know what a wrench is tend to do more damage then anything if they try.

[@carlbridgeforth3651]

YA you so smart stick that where u know it goes

[@marktwo3160]

You will be sorry you did not buy Toyota OEM parts. In 6 months that cheap POS from China will be non functional and u will have to tear it apart again and the money wasted could have went toward buying you the correct quality made part. Nice 10mm wrench you bought...Ha. Buy some good tools if you are going to work on a Toyota. Number 10...WTF.

[@leofrial]

Awesome video. Thanks!

[@ScottsGarage]

You are very welcome. Hope it helped make your job easier. Thanks so much for watching!