open toyota sequoia rear hatch when it has a broken latch or broken cable.

[@Wheresthebodiesgarth]

THANK YOU!! Another option is: once you get it open I just ran a ziptie around that little gold lever inside and have the pigtail left long and tucked in the gap between the bumper and bottom of the door and VOILA! my new handle!

[@jerryrig5208]

awsome-that's a good idea-

[@erix4erix]

Wish I could see a picture!!

[@davidbishop3374]

Wow, this worked great. I cut off a small paint roller.

[@SellsFlorida]

Thank you so much for this technique. My son opened it in the first try and saved him from having to take back panel in trunk off. Unbelievable. 😊

[@chrisjb308]

Works perfectly! Bought a 4 inch paint roller from Home Depot today, opened it in less than 30 seconds. Also (once I reopened it)... I used to use the two plastic tie hack... one around initial lever/latch?? and then second one around that first tie. Once boot (I'm from NZ) is closed I then pull second tie (which sits nicely below door) out left direction which pulls the first tie and hence lever which opens it. However... today I replaced the first tie (which can be a prick if breaks) with a small chain and then still use a plastic tie to go around the chain. So once closed.. the plastic tie pulls the chain.. which opens the latch. I was quoted by a garage here in Austin that it could be $750 to fix. I know there's some good vids to do a DIY job but I don't have the patience or time at present. Status quo will suffice.

[@jerryrig5208]

@@chrisjb308 great!! That’s much easier than the lever

[@johncampanaro6610]

Thank you for this. I've just spent the last two hours climbing over my back seats and prying off the plastic cover and removing screws etc. Very frustrating. Threw everything into the back seat, slammed the door, and made a whiskey. Should have checked the tube first. I'll bend up a Phillips tomorrow and try your method. Thanks !!

[@jerryrig5208]

You may need to bend 2 screwdrivers - one to move the cover just enough to get the other screwdriver in to move the latch. See my updated video when I installed the cover and was still able to open it

[@michaelmaas5544]

Just did the same thing yesterday but I went with tequila😂

[@rgjoyquayle8160]

It worked!!!! It took so many attempts but got it just the way you described it. Thank you so much!

[@jerryrig5208]

so glad it helped- leave the cover off to make it easier

[@jasonlee785]

Thanks from another GA sequoia owner! This helped me get mine open to do a latch bypass

[@jerryrig5208]

Thank you for the reply, have a great day

[@Sam-rl6sr]

I couldn’t get it. I went through the back panel. that latch cover was covering mine up so i removed it. ALSO, while i was in there I tied a piece of 550 cord around the latch and now i can just pull the 550 cord from the bottom instead of fishing around blind. thanks for this video it gave me the idea of rigging it for free instead of replacing this latch and cable again!

[@jerryrig5208]

@@Sam-rl6sr great. Lots of people are doing that with a wire or tyrap. A great idea

[@estradapottery]

Lifesaver! Thank you for making this video. I made the tool you described from a altered IKEA “S hook”. The detail shot at the end was especially helpful since I had to come back and finish watching the video after trying unsuccessfully on my first try. After watch the end, I got the latch open in 10 seconds. Thanks again.

[@jerryrig5208]

Great - glad I could help. Another comment a few months ago was to put a tyrap on the lever and leave the tag end hanging out just to pull and open. The latch will not open like this when the hatch and doors are locked. Take care

[@found-8]

@@jerryrig5208 thank you I have a customer for the his job, you earned me $250 thanks

[@rsmusicforlightministry]

I had replaced the hatch mechanism 3 times to the tune of 300 bucks each time ,Thanks a $2 screwdriver will do the trick,I don’t have to break the bank.

[@frankcosmen1035]

Thank you so much for this video. I picked up a round coping saw and made my own tool. This hack works great!

[@jerryrig5208]

@@frankcosmen1035 thank you 👍

[@frankcosmen1035]

@@jerryrig5208 my pleasure. Wanted you to know people appreciate this. What a relief!!

[@jerryrig5208]

@@frankcosmen1035 one of my past comments also mentioned once you get it open, you can just put a zip tie in the lever and leave the end hanging out so you just pull on it to open hatch. Have a great day

[@SellsFlorida]

This technique definitely works even with the cover on. I had mine on and I used a small roller handle its the perfect size and and it has the shape that you are looking for. I could not believe it this is a lifesaver. I purchase small roller handle at lowes its called brand valspar walls & ceilings 3/8 nap 4” wire mini roller & frame. Try it it works.

[@jerryrig5208]

Great!!!

[@movieforge01]

How with the cover still on? There's no gap with mine. Just smooth black cover. Do you force it or?

[@dkbeard3810]

BRO!! This was quite helpful!! I'm going to try this tonight!

[@jerryrig5208]

be sure and see my other video also- in case the cover is installed-- you can get by the cover- good luck

[@rustyduffy9277]

2:28 PDT works great! I used a small paint roller, perfect size for this. Thanks

[@jerryrig5208]

Glad to help and good idea on roller

[@mccwho]

The only problem is toyota has this opening covered with some plastic trim. They knew about the possibility of someone trying to break in like that. I Used some wire cutters and cut the rest of the old handle arm off. Than used a pair of Long 90 deg needle nose pliers, worked through the role and pushed down on the Lever to open the door. Only hard part was getting the pliers worked into the hole. Most importantly be VERY careful to not move to far in one direction or the other or you WILL break the cover panel or lights or both! While inside there be sure to Lunbricate the latch mechanism and spray some lithium inside the ends of the cable. Then also, all the gears, pivots and channels for the rear window. Don't use WD40, it doesn't last, use a good waterproof grease. I use spray on never-seze on the window parts, just be careful with it if you use it, it will drip if you use to much and it can splatter everything and make mess. Moderation is best, it will spread itself around.

[@jerryrig5208]

Yes thanks, see my other video to , it can still be opened if the cover is installed . Best of luck and thanks for the comment

[@alfonsogarcia2281]

I was struggling for a few days I try it, it did works like you said,. thanks

[@jerryrig5208]

Great to hear. Thanks

[@austinblackstone5913]

You deserve the novel prize for this one lol

[@jonnyrockall1832]

Great tip! however if the plastic cover is still covering the latch mechanism, this method may not work. My issue is the pin clip inside the latch has seized and pulling the cable of the lever that you hit with the screwdriver does nothing. So I'm about to pull out the old trusty stick of dynamite to get this open. Argh!

[@jackhouston5014]

beautiful! Thank you! I took the insides off but the cable came off in my hand trying to open the latch so I needed this method to get in!

[@jerryrig5208]

Thanks. See my other video if the cover is installed

[@austinblackstone5913]

Bro your the man thank you!!!

[@found-8]

The whole sombrero 😂😂😂 legend

[@juanhinojosa8887]

Thanks for your advice and time..blessings

[@thinkb4umove157]

WOW! This is the simplest video yet on how to open the hatch if it works?

[@haroldb567]

IT'LL work as long as you can get the plastic cover off that's over it.

[@jerryrig5208]

@@haroldb567 se my latest video-- you can move the cover just enough to get the tool in it - good luck = it takes some time

[@natejohnson573]

Awesome! Thank you very much! It worked!!

[@jerryrig5208]

👍 great

[@akdefense]

Thanks a million. Blessings to you.

[@zekarias_fikre]

Hey there. I attached a keychain clip to the metal thing behind the trunk’s plastic cover. I now tug on the chain I made from the outside instead of using a metal tool to fish in there like you did in the video. The only problem is that the trunk can still be open while the car is locked. Also the trunk can take a few tries to shut and lock. I think the keychain is too big to allow the latch to fully close. What do you think?

[@jerryrig5208]

Hey there. Another comment mentioned just putting a tyrap around it then you can just pull the tyrap. If it isn’t closing right you need a new latch handle, also if it will open with the door locked you need a new latch. Spend the xtra money and buy the Toyota oem latch. The aftermarket metal latches just bend and don’t work after a year or so- i know, I’ve replaced them. Good luck

[@zekarias_fikre]

@@jerryrig5208 thanks for the reply. Do you know any videos online that show how to replace the latch with OEM when you are referring to?

[@jerryrig5208]

Oem- original equipment from the manufacturer. I believe there are a couple videos out there. Sorry it’s been a long time since I done it but you do need to take the liner off to get to the cables and latch. There is also a plate to remove.

[@zekarias_fikre]

@@jerryrig5208 what website should I use to buy the OEM latch?

[@jerryrig5208]

@@zekarias_fikre any Toyota part store or get it from the dealership

[@javiercolon447]

Thanks! It worked fast.

[@SugarBlanco1988]

Oh my goodness thank you for your kindness sir.

[@keithtinger69]

It works. Super Easy...Thank you

[@KnewSkool]

I have questions ... where is the "plastic" part around the latch area ...? Did you previously remove this so you could use this hack... also ... if the cable is actually the issue .. will this still work?

[@jerryrig5208]

@@KnewSkool hi and thank you for the question. I had previously changed the handle assembly and cable so I had forgotten about the cover. Please see my other video- you can still work your way past it with another bent tool to work the cover loose and over enough and yes this will also work if your cable is bad. Some people commented that they just hook a tyrap around the arm and leave that hanging out to pull on to open the hatch

[@robbflynn4325]

I have a 2004 Sequoia, I tried replacing both the handle and the locking/unlocking mechanism on the rear hatch. A few days later same problem, would not open, there is a design flaw which prevents the handle and locking mechanism working effectively together. In the end I drilled a small hole under my license plate inserting the ball end of the release cable. The cable end rests nicely under the license plate so it's hidden, and only a small amount of effort is required and the hatch opens every time, easy. Been good now for a year. Also it seems the locking mechanism is prone to rusting and can seize, I would recommend giving yours a good spray of PB Blaster a couple of times a year to stop it from seizing.

[@jerryrig5208]

Thanks Robb for the info, nice idea on the cable release. I did notice that the aftermarket latch is really not a good buy- they bend and don't work very well(even though they are steel). I bit the bullet and bought the toyota latch and it works great- probably for a good 10 years hopefully. Thanks

[@thebadtouch9460]

I was excited when i found this. I got a mini-paint roller handle that looks similar to your tool. BUT...I cannot for the life of me find the hole...might there be some part / plastic that you removed before....or is my tool length too big? I will try a close hanger hook but for now I cannot find te hole. thx.

[@jerryrig5208]

There is a plastic cover. I forgot but made another video. Bend a screwdriver and use one to make a gap and put the other one in the gap. Work the tool around the plastic cover to break the sealant - then you will be able to get in there. Good luck, it’ll take some time

[@kenmcf]

@@jerryrig5208 I got the gist of it. I bought an OEM kit of the top and bottom latches cable included which I will put on pulling out the insides. My first time I think I got a $20 amazon part...it never did fit quite right....The OEM kid was $199. At that time when I have the lid up so i can see things I will maybe see about leaving myself access down there, if that means leaving a cover off. Some guy, don't know if you saw it, made some little lever that bolts on down there and sticks out all the time....works like your tool...maybe worth a try. See Aireddown Adventures bypass handle solution.

[@dkjazzz]

Thanks brother!! Big help!

[@rhkabc]

Friggin awesome ... thanks for the tip. This will make replacing the latch a lot easier.

[@romyencarnacion3397]

This is stupid. He didn’t tell you that he took the cover off that’s the reason why he was able to open it. Don’t do this if you have nit remove the cover to the strike latch or you will damage your seal or paint

[@jerryrig5208]

I’m sorry I forgot about the cover. Please see my next video on it and I show you it can still be opened. The cover is just an annoyance for a few moments. Then leave it off for easy opening

[@kriswarren6202]

1st off thank you for the video. Really helps. 2nd. I feel like this video could be 30 seconds long and we could spend a lot less time hearing you say words.

[@jerryrig5208]

Yes, I don’t do a lot of videos- just trying to help out. I have tried to shorten my lastest ones. Check out the one with the cover installed. You can still get the hatch open. Thanks

[@robertrogina]

Great info - COuld have been done in 30 secs.

[@sameddy319]

I used a mini paint roller handle and it works just fine

[@jerryrig5208]

That’s brilliant-great idea and thank you

[@billrooney3109]

i did too! Works great.

[@rgjoyquayle8160]

Would you say...bend the screw driver about 3 inches? I’ve been trying it but no luck so far...

[@jerryrig5208]

bend it just as long as the toyota emblem - watch both videos on the subject- to make the tool. the second video i just bent a screwdriver to move the cover just enough for the tool

[@garciasschevy]

Will this work if both are damaged?

[@jerryrig5208]

@@garciasschevy What do you mean by both? The handle goes bad. Or the cable. The lower latch assembly should not go bad- it’s steel and the handle is plastic. The aftermarket steel handles are junk and will only work a few months because they bend. If u replace the handle go with Toyota oem

[@garciasschevy]

@jerryrig5208 yes the handle looks broken, I think the latch might be fine, but could I find a solution to be able to open the door without replacing the handle?

[@jerryrig5208]

@@garciasschevy you should be able to see the cable at the handle- open the handle and try to fish out the cable so you can grip it with pliers and vise grips-- try and pull hard while holding the cable cover. if it opens for you, remove the plastic cover and use a wire or tyrap to loop around the latch lever- then just pull the tyrap to open the door -but make sure its visible when you close the door.

[@GoofyTurp]

What’s the easiest way to bend a screwdriver?

[@jerryrig5208]

@@GoofyTurp I had a comment that someone used a small paint roller handle and it worked great. You may have to heat the screwdriver red hot then let it cool down slowly

[@jerryrig5208]

@@GoofyTurp also watch my second video because you need to get past the cover that i forgot to mention

[@brockwalks2jesus]

skip to 3:00 for beginning

[@stevepd1]

You must take the plastic cover off the lower locking mechanism.

[@jerryrig5208]

Check my 2nd video

[@stevepd1]

@@jerryrig5208 Thanks. I found your second video. Appreciate you covering all that bases.

[@jerryrig5208]

It’ll take a while to work past the cover , I hope it goes well and fast for you

[@jerryrig5208]

After you get it open. There was a good idea in the comments to just put a tyrap around the lever and leave the end hanging out to pull the lever to unlatch it

[@jerryrig5208]

Someone commented after you get it open use a tyrap around the lever to open it easy and quick

[@TONYSTARK-jh2wu]

What the point in covering the license plate

[@garciasschevy]

What can I do if my cable is not connected?

[@jerryrig5208]

@@garciasschevy you mean it’s not connected to the latch handle? Are you able to see the cable at the handle latch and is that the cable not connected. I ask because if the latch is working properly you may be able to just grab the cable at the handle and pull it with pliers, but hold the cable sheathing with another set of pliers

[@garciasschevy]

@jerryrig5208 the cable is not connected to the latch I know because we just open the back door a few days ago by removing the staff from inside, will there be a way to leave that cable visible so that I can pull it with something?

[@jerryrig5208]

@@garciasschevy it will be very hard to pull it. You will see. Sounds like the handle hook for the cable broke . If you are able to get it open once, take the cover off (see my second video on the subject) then just hook a tyrap to the lever- you just need to pull the tyrap then to open the hatch.

[@jerryrig5208]

Tyrap on the lower latch- not the handle.

[@garciasschevy]

@@jerryrig5208 how long is the part you bend?

[@juancarlosroa4564]

How about when you change the handle & after 1 week or 2 it won’t open the handle is not open but won’t open

[@jerryrig5208]

Spend the extra money on the Toyota original. The aftermarket handle is junk- even though it’s metal- it bends and the cable won’t pull it properly. Or just hook a tyrap on the latch part and leave it hanging out Leave the cover off for next time

[@robertmontoya]

I’ve tried this on my 05 sequoia. I see the plastic guard is not on yours.

[@jerryrig5208]

It can be done. Ck my other video

[@JamesPDoan]

Brilliant!

[@jamesgamblin342]

Thanks I needed that !

[@jerryrig5208]

Thanks. Check my other video because yours probably has the cover installed and you’ll need to work it over a bit whit another hook

[@CHEVYSORCROWNS]

Mine has a plastic cover over that hole so I can't do it.

[@jerryrig5208]

You can do it. Check my other video on it. You can move the cover enough to open it

[@KristineForrester]

Thank youuuu

[@jerryrig5208]

@@KristineForrester see the later video because the cover is probably installed

[@MrScubajsb]

Can't we just, fix it? 😎

[@jerryrig5208]

see my latest video for cover installed --sorry

[@Susan-fl3lc]

Thank you!

[@jerryrig5208]

Your welcome. See my other video on the subject because you will need to work around the corner of the cover

[@JOECorsoNova]

Only issue is that you’re missing the black cove that goes over the catch assembly……..

[@jerryrig5208]

thanks Joe, i forgot the cover so I made a new short video to show that it can still be done. just use anoter bent screwdriver or awl to open up a place in the corner of the cover just enough to get the tool in. the cover only has two small platic tabs and a light coat of sealant around it. the cover can be jimmied out of the way

[@silaspeirce8727]

Mine has the cover I can't do it

[@jerryrig5208]

the cover can be moved just enought to get a tool in there- see my other video, you will have to bend another screwdriver to move it while you work the other one in there- it will take some time to get it. good luck

[@GermanValdez-df8pj]

You can't open the hatch from the handle or it will cause stress on the cable. you have to lift from the bottom with your fingers.

[@erix4erix]

Thanks

[@RadBadBoys]

Mine has a plastic cover on it.

[@jerryrig5208]

it can still be done, see my other video, i open it with cover installed - just takes more time and patience

[@RadBadBoys]

@@jerryrig5208 thanks for the reply. I ended up cutting a little window out of the plastic housing from the inside and was able to get to the latch.

[@JesusArias-eb5mu]

Amazing

[@jerryrig5208]

Thanks. If cover installed, check my second video on it. It can still be done, just work it past the cover and use a second screwdriver to wedge open the cover for access. Good luck

[@JTrc970]

Mine is not like that unfortunately, so I guess I have to figure out something else

[@jerryrig5208]

You mean it has the cover installed or a different latch altogether. I have another video because you can work around the cover

[@JTrc970]

It may just have a cover on it but it doesn't look the same at all but it looks nothing like yours mine is a 01, I made one of those out of a saw but there is no hole to stick it in at all

[@jerryrig5208]

@@JTrc970 Check out my second video on the handle. It shows the cover on it- but you have to use another bend awl or screwdriver to pry it over enough to work the other tool in. The cover may have a small bead of silicone around it but you can work it free. It’ll take some time to get it In my second video that was my first try at it. Remove the cover if you get it open for next time your latch goes bad. Some people even tie a tyrap to the lever. Good luck. Oh yeah. Use a flat mirror and you may see the cover etc

[@jerryrig5208]

@@JTrc970 in the description I have a link to the second video and it shows the cover on and off.

[@fernandezjunior4724]

Thank you

[@turboak]

Nice. Thank you.

[@RoyStallin]

Brilliant

[@dontcallmemarty2177]

Doesn’t work w the plastic trim on that’s something YOU didn’t tell us about

[@jerryrig5208]

See my other video. I did forget but it can still be done. Then just remove the cover

[@FknGvna]

Wow

[@johansanchez7512]

Awesome

[@user-jm2ql6ge1d]

Nice

[@FluffyBunnyArsenal]

This doesn't work unless you've previously removed the cover.

[@jerryrig5208]

check out my other video- it can be done, just harder to do and need another bent screwdriver to get it started

[@calmlapbcsmx]

Thank you for sharing. However, this method WILL NOT work for most. There is a plastic cover OVER the latch that covers the opening for the latch mechanism that this method uses to pry open the door. This video fails to mention this.

[@jerryrig5208]

It can still be done. I made a second video with the cover and replied to several comments. Thanks

[@vernefortson2388]

Hi I have trying all day. Where is the opening. I think my cover is still on. How do I do this . Thank you so much

[@Bschnizzle]

Waste of time like he said

[@candyapplez3438]

Thanks

[@eliasgutierrez8487]

thank you

[@jerryrig5208]

@@eliasgutierrez8487 see my other video also on the cover over the lock. Ty