Cargo Hatch Lock Actuator Repair (3rd Gen Toyota 4runner)

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In this video, we show you how to perform a very affordable repair of the rear hatch lock actuator on your 3rd Gen 4runner. This tutorial will show you how to remove the lock assembly from the rear hatch, separate the lock actuator from the lock assembly, crack open the lock actuator so you can replace the RC motor inside, glue the actuator back together, connect the actuator back to the lock assembly and reinstall the lock assembly back into the rear hatch.
As these lock actuator motors age, they can't handle heat. You will most likely notice one day when the sun is shining on the rear hatch, your door lock will either fail to unlock or lock. That is a sign it's time to replace the RC motor inside the actuator. The motors are very affordable, currently around $9/each. Since this is the same motor for the driver and passenger doors, you might want to buy more than one saving on the per unit price so you'll have them on hand if any of your other door lock motors start to get tired.
*PARTS LIST*
*Door Lock Actuator Motor
ebay.us/ysKEdU
*Lock Assembly Rivets is #90269-03067 (you'll need 3)
www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/t...
*Complete Lock Assembly #69690-35030 (In case you can't repair your actuator. This is for a 1999-2002) ebay.us/EIG7sl
*HELPFUL TOOLS*
If you're looking for other tools not used in this video, check out Timmy's Master Tool List.
www.amazon.com/shop/timmythet...
*Auto Trim Removal Set (to assist with removing interior plastic panel)
amzn.to/37vgzvH
*JIS Screwdriver
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*20 Piece Screwdriver Set
amzn.to/34aLrQ1
*Plastic Spudger Tool (helpful to assist with disconnecting electrical connectors)
amzn.to/35c6GCc
*Small Pick Tool Set (helpful to disconnect the plastic door lock rod clips.
amzn.to/2MyN4AH
*90 Degree Needle Nose Piers (used to release wiring harness clips)
amzn.to/2VYUro8
*Straight Needle Nose Pliers (used to release wiring harness clips)
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*Milwaukee Mi12 Cordless Ratchet (to expedite the removal of fasteners)
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*Milwaukee Cordless Drill (to drill out rivets)
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*Drill Bit Set
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*Milwaukee M12 Battery
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*Milwaukee M12 High Capacity Battery
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*Milwaukee M12 Battery Charger
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*Stubby 3/8" Flex Head Ratchet
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*3/8” Drive Regular Extension Set
amzn.to/2OehCao
*3/8" Drive 6 Point Metric Standard Socket Set
amzn.to/32WIh0M
*Mini Grease Gun (to apply grease to drill bit tip to gather the metal bits)
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*Red Devil All Purpose Grease (grease for mini grease gun)
amzn.to/2O9DXY3
*Utility Blade (to crack open the actuator case)
amzn.to/2JmZQjO
*Yost Bench Vice (to hold actuator firm while cracking it open with utility knife)
amzn.to/2ofa4LD
*Yost 6” Soft Vice Jaw Caps (soft jaws to not mar the part you're holding)
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*Loctite Plastics Bonding System (used to glue the actuator halves back together)
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*Mission Automotive Silicone Paste (to lubricate moving parts inside actuator)
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*Rivet Gun (this is the rivet gun I own. This might be too big to fit into the rear hatch)
amzn.to/368s1gc
**As Ebay Partner Network members, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
**As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

[@israelrodriguez6986]

Just when you think they can’t come up with anymore good content they’ll keep on surprising you! I love this channel.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks Israel. By the way, I still need to send you out some patches and stickers.

[@israelrodriguez6986]

@@TimmyTheToolman Ok I’ll be on the lookout for them. Thanks for keeping me in mind.

[@timryan4711]

Excellent content. Knowing where everything is before you start makes a huge difference in speed of repairs.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks for the compliment. We agree that knowing the job before you start makes a huge difference. It also helps inspire people to tackle a job they thought was above their ability. By making detailed videos, we eliminate doubts people have, and they end up going for it and accomplishing the job. That's a good feeling when people tell us one of our videos was the main reason they took on a job and got it done. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@KetoCaveMan]

I wish I would have seen this sooner! I did all 4 of my locks using your video! I didn't do the lift gate and recently heard the weak sound on a hot day. I used a ryobi multi tool and carefully sawed the halves. Much easier and safer than the knife blade. Glues together fine! Thanks for your valuable videos!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Good job fixing all your door locks. You're very welcome and Happy Wrenching!

[@jedmedin5852]

Wow, that's one clean rig!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Yeah, Brian has a very nice rig.

[@jefferydoty5141]

Great video. Thank you.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks Jeff. You're very welcome.

[@stevenisacoolname2]

Good to know in case mine ever fails.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Yep, not that hard of a job. The drilling of the rivets sucks a bit, but other than that, it's a fairly easy and straightforward job.

[@wyatteaker4183]

What size drill bit ending up working best? you guys have helped me on every job i have done so far!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I thought we said it in the video but maybe not. I don't remember the size off the top of my head. Just start smaller and keep stepping up the size until you can get the old rivet out.

[@transformer889]

Tim thank you for this fantastic step-by-step video, especially the part source. a few years ago a teenager rear-ended my 3rd generation 4runner, also the hatch door was repaired professionally I still have to slam it really hard to close it, is there any adjustment to the door latch that can be made to fix this?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I've never tried an adjustment for the latch. I do think there is an adjustment that can be done though. I just can't point you to a video to help you out.

[@michaellema9699]

@@TimmyTheToolman same here I have to slam down hard on my hatch for it to close properly. One these days I’m afraid I’ll break the glass. If you can make a video on this it would help a ton!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@michaellema9699 It would be nice find someone local to us having the issue that we could help. Have you tried spraying a lubricant into the lock mechanism because maybe it's simply an issue with the moving parts not sliding smoothly to lock.

[@bpundt1094]

I have a weird issue. My driver side door won’t lock or make any noise when I use the driver side lock but it will unlock. On the passenger side, the lock button will unlock and lock all doors still. Also the key will unlock the driver side door but it will not lock it. If anyone had any ideas please lmk.

[@frankt2811]

Thanks so much for producing this video, I need to do the same thing on my 96 4 Runner, Same problem rear hatch latch not releasing manually unless lever lifted by hand from inside the cargo area----- what replacement motor did you use--- Where can I buy it----

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome. All the parts needed are listed in the video description. Click on "more" to expand the video description.

[@scottshellenberger4721]

@timmy the tool man what size rivets? The heads are huge.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Don't know the size, Brian bought them from the dealer. They are linked in the video description.

[@Eggroll420]

i replaced the motor and no power looked on the fourms and post said to check the wires leading to the hatch i pulled the boot back and there was 2 stripped wires and 1 broken wire fixed that and it works perfectly now

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Do you mean like we show in this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJnRgq2uZ6eHi9E

[@thomasjefferson3552]

Just repaired my tailgate lock but now i have the door ajar light not turning off. Any tips on fixing the light?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

The switch that controls the dome light is in the locking mechanism assembly, There was a write-up someone did but I can't find it on how to take the mechanism out. The rivets need to be ground down to remove the locking mechanism so you can access the switch to clean it up and fix it.

[@burtonholmes2096]

To properly drill out a rivet you first need to use a punch to knock out the stud (that remains in the rivet when popped) it is hard steel & will ruin the drill bit.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

So I'm guessing you're taking about using a slim punch that will fit inside the rivet hole to knock out the stud from the back side. How much force are we talking about to accomplish this? Just wondering if the metal you're working with isn't very thick, you risk bending the metal with hammer strikes to do what you're suggesting.

[@burtonholmes2096]

Yes, small punch or a nail set. Definitely don't beat hell out of it. If you have enough depth you can use a larger bit like a #10 & just drill off the head. Excellent video as always SICMODS forever!!!!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@burtonholmes2096 Thanks!

[@diaboloskool]

tried this fix and im getting no power to the actuator, any suggestions?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I'd double check all the electrical connections have been made correctly and aren't partially connected. Other than that, maybe check to see if a fuse blew. If it was working before, it should work afterwards. Maybe you got a bad motor.

[@user-id2wd7rj7f]

how do you access the lock if the door is closed and wont open

[@TimmyTheToolman]

If you can't open it manually with either door handle, I don't know how you can get it open. The door panel needs to come off to access the locking mechanism, and I don't think you can get it off with the door closed.

[@seydzhchernopiski3122]

What were the symptoms of this issue? Besides the tailgate not locking, I recently started experiencing this. But also I don’t get a beep on lock, but I do get a beep on unlock. Also, after the sound of the doors locking,(no beep) the doors lock again after 3 seconds.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

When it's hot with the sun shining on the rear hatch, the rear hatch wouldn't unlock. The same type of failure the other doors can have. In hotter temps, the old door actuator motors fail to work. How are you and your brother doing? I miss my Russian Comrades.

[@seydzhchernopiski3122]

Interesting, its cold out now but im having that issue with the rest of the symptoms. hopefully Jordan can chime in. Doing well brother. Steven is finishing up RT school and I'm enjoying being a dad of two now. Steven doesnt have a 4runner anymore(for a while now). I still have mine but go wheeling a bit less than before. How are you?@@TimmyTheToolman

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@seydzhchernopiski3122 I'm doing pretty good. I'm 3 months from retirement. I'll still make videos, but I won't be working for anyone but myself for the rest of my life.

[@seydzhchernopiski3122]

YOOOOO, thats amazing!!! glad to hear it and very excited for you my friend.@@TimmyTheToolman

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@seydzhchernopiski3122 It's definitely an odd feeling to be retiring, but I'm ready. My body is pretty beat up and I'm mentally burnt out on the job. It's time for the next chapter in my life.

[@mvtorigian4364]

you mean servo* motor

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I think I remember calling it a RC motor. They use motors of this size in RC cars. But, this potential use of the wrong word doesn't change the quality of the video. Did you like the video? Did you find it helpful? Or, are you just here to start a conversation about semantics?

[@davidscopaz4177]

No way. I'll just get a whole new rear door

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You might as well get a whole new car. 🤷‍♂️