Toyota Sequoia 1st Gen rear lock latch stuck

If you have a 1st gen Sequoia (01-07) and have a problem in which in the rear hatch door will not open, you either have a broken handle (there are great aftermarket metal ones), or a broken actuator, or a stuck locking mechanism. In this video, I describe how to manually unlock the lock so that you can open the hatch and gain access to the parts to replace. There are many great videos on youtube that show how to remove panels and address the other issues. This video shows how to get into a stuck lock when the other methods do not allow you to open the hatch.

[@brownworld2605]

Thanks! This was very helpful, but you have it backwards the up position is unlocked. I fought this for quite a while. It wouldn’t open then I kinda of kicked it from inside and the door opened a tiny bit. Couple more kicks and it opened. The problem for me was mechanism was dirty. I cleaned mechanism (not motor) in soapy water with toothbrush and tiny screwdriver. Then hosed it with brake cleaner getting as much as possible inside, then dried it and hosed it with lubricant. Total PITA job but it works and didn’t need any new parts. Also wiped bottom of door since quite a bit of dirt accumulation over time and some weep holes were clogged. Hopefully I’m good for 20 more years😂😮

[@ASalomon78]

Greg I really appreciate you for this video. I was stocked in the same situation. I saw so many videos ( on top of getting almost cut with the sharp edges) and don’t say this little trick. Blessings

[@GreggyGTV]

I’m so happy to hear it was helpful. Thank you for your kind comments and words. Please support the channel by subscribing if you haven’t already.

[@davidcarnes1949]

Well I want to tell you something I am so happy that you put this on KZbin because I was about ready to take a chop chop to the back lock I was getting so pissed off couldn’t figure out why in the hell that latch would not open I think God that you put this on KZbin and you save me a lot of money and I want to thank you You have a new prescriber now thank you

[@GreggyGTV]

That is so kind of you to say. I’m happy to help because I felt the same thing and was struggling for hours to figure this out. I’ve learned so much from others on KZbin that I had to make this to save others from this pain and misery.

[@patf1628]

Was already through the black plastic with a Dremel when i found this video. Working the lock to up/unlock the latch doesn't want to move. Tried WD-40, prying, pulling cable. Lever moves now, but latch doesn't release. Letting the WD-40 soak, but looks like it's time to cut the latch hook. Had this rig for 100k and the rear door has been a real problem. Every part has been replaced too many times to count. Getting rid of it once I get this hatch working. Like the lever tucked under the hatch idea, but these parts all fail too frequently. Good video. Appreciate you posting about the locks, the next step in the process.

[@GreggyGTV]

I’m sorry you are going through this. Once the latch is switched, it should open. Can you try to force it open once in the right position?

[@patf1628]

Yeah I got it kicked open while holding it in release position. Latch mechanism is very dirty and doesn't move well. Tried brake cleaner and lubricant spray. Had to put it back on since it's a daily driver, while parts are on order.

[@GreggyGTV]

@@patf1628 I'm glad to hear you got it open. Great job!!!!

[@imright3074]

Thank you, cutting my little black box worked. Got me to the good stuff.

[@GreggyGTV]

Excellent, I'm happy to hear that. I would really appreciate if you would like and subscribe to help the channel grow. Thank you.

[@joebibb7099]

Awesome! Thank you very much for the info- super helpful. That’s where I’ve been stuck! Best video for help on the hatch latch!

[@GreggyGTV]

That's very kind of you to say. I'm so glad to hear that it was helpful.

[@zosblackdenali]

You sir are the man. Bought a new metal latch new catch assembly with actuator and the trunk wouldn't work. So glad I found your video, simple flip of a switch and all is well

[@GreggyGTV]

I'm so glad to hear that helped. Thank you for the kind comment. Please help support the channel by subscribing!

[@fredscherrer7319]

This solved a problem we had that was underlying and only exposed when we replaced the broken latch handle. The part showing where to cut away at the plastic cover was essential to getting the door open one more time to replace the latch mechanism. A dremel with cutoff wheel made short work of opening up just enough space to get a screwdriver in to raise the locking pin. It was the plastic locking pin that was slowly breaking apart that gave an in consistent unlocking despite the actuator functioning properly. Kudos!

[@GreggyGTV]

Great work!! I’m so glad to hear this helped in some small way. I appreciate your comment, thank you supporting the channel. Please consider subscribing to help the channel grow.

[@trevorthueson6997]

Thanks brother, your piece of the puzzle got me where I needed to go! Hatch is open!

[@GreggyGTV]

That’s great news! I’m glad it helped. Thanks for the comment, please subscribe to the channel.

[@gabomil2951]

This was what i was looking for. Thanks

[@GreggyGTV]

I’m glad it helped. Please subscribe to the channel for more

[@tonyheredia1694]

Thanks for this video. I was about to take an angle grinder to the hatch and start cutting away to get it to unlock

[@GreggyGTV]

I'm so glad it helped. Thank you for the comment. Please consider subscribing.

[@BrandonDavis-nu6bx]

At minute 3 you actually have it backwards. When the button is down, it will not engage the handle. You actually need it to be up then it will unlatch. It may be sticky and tough but if you do what you suggest it will not open when pulling the cable. How do I know? I spent the last 3 hours looking at videos and ripping apart my stuck latch.

[@GreggyGTV]

can you help me to understand that exactly? At minute 3 it shows when the button is up, the lever will not unlock it but when I flip it down it does engage it. Is it possible one of us is just looking at it upside down? To me, it's clear in the video and that's what I remember doing at the the time. I am open to the fact that I could have it backwards but I don't see it.

[@BrandonDavis-nu6bx]

@@GreggyGTV The button in the up position engages the lever. When you lock the vehicle, he lock pushes the button down so when you pull the handle or cable, it will not move the lock actuator. When you unlock the vehicle, it moves the button up so it can engage the lever that moves the actuator. My hunch is that yours may have been so old and funked up that you though it was locked but it was actually just stuck. Your video helped me understand how the part works but that one bit is backwards.

[@GreggyGTV]

@@BrandonDavis-nu6bx I'll think on this some more and watch the video in more detail when I can. It's been over a year since I did this. But, let me still question something...by your logic if my was simply stuck and the lever should stay in the up position, how do you explain how it released when it was pushed down in the video? By that metric, it wouldn't unlock in either position, certainly not in the down position. In addition, do you see in the lever that in the up position I showcase pushing on it and you can see the mechanism slightly rock back and forth? I appreciate your attention to detail and I'm glad this helped you in some way. I do want to be accurate and precise. I'm open to being wrong or being backwards but I'm still not seeing this based on the video and your logic? Let's keep the dialogue open so we can figure this out for the community. Thank you

[@BrandonDavis-nu6bx]

@@GreggyGTV I literally pulled the whole thing apart yesterday. That's how it works. There was someone else in the comments saying the same thing. Take a look.

[@BrandonDavis-nu6bx]

​@@GreggyGTV Take a look here kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6ezdIp_m7Z_Y80

[@TexasVexes]

I’m almost ready to trade in mine for a new 4runner but I’ll give it one last shot opening thanks to your video. 👍

[@GreggyGTV]

Good luck, please let me know if you need anymore help. Thank you for supporting the channel, please consider subscribing.

[@lanfen9613]

very good info. With the other KZbin, I am able to un-screw the two screws by using "MulWark 11pc 1/4 Mini Ratchet Wrench Close Quarters Pocket Screwdrivers". I also use a mirror to locate the screw locations. After lift the top cover, I can see my lock(the black thing) is stuck in the middle, no way I can move up or down! many may trials all day long, the next day I unlock/lock few times and it got open! I will leave leave this area open with new parts just in case !

[@GreggyGTV]

I'm sorry to hear it's been so difficult but I'm glad you got it. I would greatly appreciate if you would like and subscribe to the channel. Thank you.

[@andrewscot8553]

Thank you! Exactly what I needed

[@GreggyGTV]

Excellent!!! I’m glad it helped. I would greatly appreciate if you could subscribe to the channel to help it grow.

[@andrewscot8553]

@@GreggyGTV you earned it!

[@stalwartconstruction3168]

Having the same issue, thanks so much for posting! Super helpful!

[@GreggyGTV]

Absolutely, sorry to hear that but good luck with the repair.

[@dcdell2008]

Wow such great video on where that latch mechanism is located with respect to the black plastic housing. From watching another YT video, I was able to remove the two self tapping screws however, I am having a hard time pulling off the black plastic housing as I feel I am going to break something, but after seeing you video, I now have perspective on where the latch mechanism and if I could just lift the plastic housing enough to push down on the lever/latch...thanks for sharing

[@GreggyGTV]

Good work! I’m glad to hear it helped:)

[@zfrocc6327]

@dcdell2008 what other video did you watch?

[@nathanlee7192]

Thats great how did you get the lock unstuck to open it.

[@bendavis575]

Thanks so much! Only video I could find that shows how to unlock. I've been fighting this for a few hours

[@GreggyGTV]

I’m so glad to hear it helped. Thank you for the feedback. I would really appreciate if you could subscribe to help the channel grow.

[@bendavis575]

@@GreggyGTV interestingly, my mechanism is different, I had to pull the pin up to unlock

[@bendavis575]

@@GreggyGTV subscribed

[@GreggyGTV]

@@bendavis575hmm, what year is yours? I wonder if Toyota changed the mechanism at some point ?

[@GreggyGTV]

@@bendavis575thank you!

[@savi8633]

Thanks for the video! This is my issue. So if it is currently stuck in the lock position is it the actuator that needs replacing or the latch assembly ?

[@GreggyGTV]

It’s probably the actuator if the issue is electrical and not mechanical. It’s the latch assembly if something is broken in it physically.

[@milgravis1]

That is what I stuck with .... Thanks for posting it here. Going to try this .

[@GreggyGTV]

I’m sorry to hear that. Good luck with the repair. I hope this helps.

[@davidcarnes1949]

I wish I could give you thousand thumbs up but unfortunately only let me give one but here’s some👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@kenmcf]

I took my panels off...the cable had come off(the ball)...I order a new cable, bottom latch, and handle...BUT..I cannot open the door with the cable pulling it myself. I use the KEY FOB to unlock the door, but it does not matter. I am unable to get the door open. From another video I am trying to remove the 2 screws from the black plastic cover but only got to one so far. Can i disconnect the power or something to get the door open? That is my main goal now..if i can get it open...i guess i can replace all the parts. thx.

[@GreggyGTV]

I’m sorry to hear you are going through this. The fox for your issue is exactly what’s in my video. There is nothing you can other other than to gain access into that black box, either by the screws you mentioned or dremel like I did. Be patient, take breaks, put a fan in there for your comfort. Once you get into the box, just slide that lever while pulling on the cable. Then you can easily remove and replace everything once the hatch is open. You can do it. Study my video so you do it by feel.

[@GreggyGTV]

@@kenmcf you may not need a new actuator unless that’s electronically not moving the locking mechanism. It is more likely you need the cable, lock mechanism and might as well put a new handle in there bc they tend to snap/break. For now, you need to manually move that locking lever to the side while pulling on where the cable attaches to it. Once open, you’ll have access to unbolting the unit from the bottom of the hatch to get everything out to inspect.

[@GreggyGTV]

@@kenmcf In my case it was because the lock was getting stuck from being dirty and grimmie. Mine could make a clicking sound like it was trying to move it but it couldn't. I guess another thing you can do is to see if it's actually getting power and making a clicking noise. You can use a volt meter to try to measure current also. I guess if no power is getting to the unit then maybe that needs to be replaced also. But for now, the issue is that you should always be able to manually open it by articulating the locking mechanism and cable. If that's not working right now, that's the first place to start, which is why you may have to get into the black box to move that sliding lock part.

[@kenmcf]

Just an update for others. I bought OEM hatch/lock/cable and actuator. My issue was getting the door open to install them. What I finally did...I ordered some telecoping mirrors...You can hold those in back of the black cover that covers the latch ...with some light of course...some WD-40..and if the screws are not stripped, you can eventually get them off. Once I had the cover off I was able to open the door and pull everything out. I just wanted to recommend the mirrors, because trying to do it by feel..I guess I did not have the patience for that. Glad I did not have to dremel it.

[@bysadebysade9666]

I found that switch, but mine doesn’t move when I switch it. Do you know what the problem could be there?

[@GreggyGTV]

Hmmm, interesting. If you have in fact found the exact switch I showed, amd if it doesn’t move, then I’m thinking it’s is stuck due to corrosion, rust, or lack of grease. It should move without any other action but you could try tucking on the handle at the same time or pulling on the cable. It may require some force. Also, you could try some WD-40 or penetrating fluid to help get things moving. Let me know how that works.

[@mykalsykesful]

You just saved me 2 days thanks

[@GreggyGTV]

I’m so happy to hear that it helped. Please subscribe to help support the channel. Thank you!!!

[@nativearizona1]

I wonder whether the two small screws holding the latch cover can be left off?

[@GreggyGTV]

If my memory serves, I believe you need to screw them in to mount the unit together properly

[@jayadams4516]

Worked perfectly! Thank you thank you

[@GreggyGTV]

I’m so glad that helped you. I would greatly appreciate if you would subscribe to the channel to help it grow. Thank you

[@r0ckymountainhi]

Saved my life! Thank you!

[@GreggyGTV]

I really appreciate that. I'm so happy it helped. Maybe consider subscribing if you don't mind supporting my channel growing. Thank you.

[@AnthonyAmato-op1dz]

I can’t get this latch to open. No matter what I do. Button up or down. Do I have to cut the lock catch with a saws all? Gotta get this hatch open so I can replace everything that makes it work. Can anyone help?

[@GreggyGTV]

I’m sorry you are having trouble. It should come open with that latch moved and with pushing the door. But, yes, at this point for you. I’d cut everything to be done with it and then just replace it. If you can get the latch unlocked, try to push that door open

[@bradyparsons2693]

What do you do when the little black lever frees up the mechanism is seized and won’t move?

[@GreggyGTV]

Hmm, I would say you could spray a good penetrating lubricant, let it soak, and continue to try work the mechanism, it’s probably just some rust/corrosion

[@bradyparsons2693]

Ok thanks I’ll try that

[@GreggyGTV]

@@bradyparsons2693 good luck, let me know how it goes. Please consider subscribing to support the channel growing.

[@lanfen9613]

Just saw this thread after I made comment. In my case, I just lock/unlock few times from the driver side window. of course, I try to push the black thing up and down all day long also and never work!

[@stxhunter1]

Use a carbide ball end engraving tip, it zips right through the plastic...

[@GreggyGTV]

great tip, thank you.

[@stxhunter1]

@@GreggyGTV made it a lot easier.

[@kekq3525]

Thank you!

[@GreggyGTV]

You are very welcome, please consider liking amd subscribing to help the channel grow!

[@rhkabc]

I'll give it a shot

[@Corrado4me7]

Thank you!!!!

[@GreggyGTV]

You’re very welcome. Please subscribe

[@JohnJohnson-yc7wv]

Thank you

[@GreggyGTV]

You’re very welcome. Thank you for the comment. Please subscribe to help support the channel.

[@charliedogproductions]

But if this is the issue how do I get it open to get to the lock mechanism?

[@GreggyGTV]

I used a small dremel tool and a small mirror and light so that I could see what I'm doing. That's why I wanted to show this video so you could see where to cut and how this lock functions.

[@charliedogproductions]

@@GreggyGTV gotcha, didn't catch that at first watch this morning. Been trying to dremel with little luck (borrowing grandparents dremel and have never used one before). I have gone through a half dozen cut off wheels already. Lol.

[@GreggyGTV]

@@charliedogproductions the part you should be cutting through is plastic

[@charliedogproductions]

@@GreggyGTV indeed it is

[@charliedogproductions]

@@GreggyGTV well got into that spot... and it was already "unlocked" and still wouldn't open. The realization of how electrical this system is made me finally think to check the fuses. Took out the fuse, it looked fine, put it back in, it opens....

[@leahjenkins6948]

Mine still won’t unlatch 😢

[@GreggyGTV]

I'm sorry to hear that. Can you upload a video for me to look at? Maybe I can help? It's possible that it needs a bit of lubrication and force.

[@thehound8635]

Those two screws would have released the black housing to get to where u were showing

[@GreggyGTV]

I agree but I didn’t know that at the time nor did I think I could have gained access to the screws in the small space. But, good point and good alternative to anyone who can get in there with a screw driver

[@morgangriffith6226]

Have you done it yourself? With the lock mechanism in a liftgate that wont open, from the inside of the vehicle, with the window regulator in the way? Easier said than done.

[@thehound8635]

Lol ok

[@stelladanielepucci-turpin5091]

😅mg thank you

[@GreggyGTV]

You are very welcome, that’s so kind of you to say. I hope you will consider subscribing to the channel to help it grow.