Toyota Sequoia Rear Hatch Fix

[@jamesc7626]

Brian, Just a FYI. I own a 2009 Highlander limited. The rear hatch motor failed and the hatch would not open at all. After taking it t the Toyota dealership they quoted nearly 2000$ to fix it. We submitted a warranty request to Toyota and they denied the repair request. The motor in this instance had broken two teeth off the lift motor gear. The technician at the time of the fix said it would fail again in the future and that the rear hatch door would have to be replaced at a cost of almost 4000$ for a permanent fix. This was clearly due to under engineered parts. Three months later Toyota acknowledged the failure to be a design flaw in that they would fix the problem. We returned the vehicle to the dealership and they replaced the hatch and corrected the problem at no cost. I suggest that anyone with a rear hatch problem on their vehicle pursue the dealer about this warranty. Have a great day, thanks again Brian.

[@briansmobile1]

I'm glad your Highlander issue worked out!

[@davidb9547]

2 yrs ago you put this up, and it's the best video I've seen for this. Will be getting latch and replace it to. Thank you.

[@PopArt]

Thank you so much! Just fixed mine. FYI mine was stuck shut, and several garages said it couldn’t be done without sawing the U-bolt off. To fix it, I broke the plastic housing off (bummer) and was able to manually operate the lever. The problem was that the wires that connect the lock actuator were corroded off, and the plastic lock pin was nearly disintegrated. I held the plastic pin in place with my index finger and manually pulled the opener lever. Hallelujah! I’ve been without a hatch for a year. Once open, replacement was a snap thanks to this fantastic video.

[@MrFingeronthetrigger]

PopArt I am having the same issue and have been looking everywhere for a solution. Thanks

[@chadswinford]

I had the same problem. The lock rusted but with much perseverance I was able to ultimately jiggle and (gently) kick the door open from the inside.

[@fitanaulu7004]

My car just won’t open at all. I was able to get the wire out and pull on the ball, but it still won’t open.

[@michaelbaldwin7156]

Hello Brian, I'm glad to find you here on youtube. I enjoyed your video. I just purchased a 2005 Sequoia Limited yesterday and there are two things that I need to fix. One is the drivers mirror will not operate. The mirror will not adjust and the fold in will not work. Sometimes at a stopsign I have to push it back out so I can see behind me. The other thing, the rear hatch door will not lock. I locked the car with the fob and the back hatch would not lock. I put the key in the door and locked the car with the key at the drivers door. The hatch again would not lock. I locked the car with lock button on the inside door panel. The rear hatch would not lock. I put the key in the rear hatch and tried it both ways and the hatch still would not lock. The rear hatch works fine but it just won't lock. I am leaving on a long trip in two weeks and bought the Sequoia for the trip. Will have many things in there I don't want stolen. If you can tell me how to fix those two things, I will buy you a candy bar and tell all my Toyota friends how wonderful you are. Until then, love your video's.

[@boundless_exploration_4850]

Did you ever find a fix to it not locking? Just replaced mine and have the exact same issue. Opens and closes perfectly but it won't lock. Thanks.

[@indiomonk123]

Brian, I went through changing the handle a year ago. Then my latch stuck shut and I was at my Whits end to get it open and thought I would have to sawzall the latch open like you did a few years ago. OMG I almost traded the car in because I did not want to go through that PAIN. Luckily this morning I was able to get the latch to release. I took the latch off and soaked it with parts cleaner and hoped it would work. I barely worked and was sticking. I ponied up the $$ and just ordered a new one. I thank you for all your videos they really helped me out! Cheers from Texas!

[@mycadi94]

Best video hands down on a latch repair or replace, thank you for your patients and in depth details Sir, amazing 🙏

[@davidk7544]

Wow, this has to be the best presentation of a repair I've ever seen. Quick, simple, the "tricks", useful observations - thank you!

[@ThinkerNotEmoter]

Fantastic video with all of the details needed to replace the latch. It took 45 minutes for me to change my 2003 Sequoia latch after watching this. No more bungee cord holding the rear hatch closed!

[@diegotamayo8198]

Hey Brian, excellent video, perfect amount of explaining the thought process and showing what to do to get everything off. Thanks for showing how the plastic goes on and off the match as well. No one else has gone over that so I greatly appreciate it

[@jimhoefgen8471]

Excellent video easy to follow. I have power handle and lock on 2010 Sequoia. For those with a powered door handle and lock, when completed with above instructions you have to reboot the computer so it recognizes the new hatch lock. In order to do this, you need to remove neutral on battery and then reconnect this will reboot the system and it will recognize the lock. Both the key fob and button will now work.

[@scottthomas6949]

Thanks for taking the time to video and provide clear pictures & explaining the process. Worked perfect for my fix this weekend.

[@gfmiller65]

Thanks for the video, super helpful! After about two years of hitting our 2001 Sequoia latch with WD-40 and silicone every month or so (and three handles over the last five years) it finally gave out completely. Purchased a Toyota latch and had replaced it within an hour!

[@TheCamier]

Thank you !!! I was struggling with that cable !! Very clear explanations, a real big thank you

[@erndog1971]

Got the part and changed it my self. Thank you for your video. Made it so much better to do it. Now mine works great!

[@tommyk9563]

Thanks for this video...just purchased the latch for a 2003 Sequoia so this was just what I needed to watch to see how to replace it. Thanks!

[@bthomas815]

Thanks for this video! I can't tell you the number of times I've taken the back door apart on my Sequoia to get it opened or to get the window opened or closed. This is the best tutorial I've seen. I replaced the broken handle and it worked for a couple of days. I just ordered a replacement latch and look forward to following your instructions for replacing it.

[@sethhibbard1365]

By far the best sequoia rear hatch video out there!

[@johnsanders31]

Great instructions took me about 30 minutes and I only have use of one of my hands. Great job thanks

[@leezyrd]

Best video on latch repair ever. Wish I’d found this years ago, but better late than never.

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks!

[@MrNate121377]

Best how to video for this model. Thanks for saving my bacon with the wife and the dogs to train. Second latch here, first time from the dealer since had no idea how to do this at the tune of $400 and they only replaced the handle. Way less friction on a new part. Much appreciated!!!

[@ReneeFPage]

Fantastic video. Dealt with broken handle, then not enough travel, tried the fishing weight trick to shorten, ultimately bought a new cable but still difficult to open (friction). Afraid of breaking new cable and handle so purchased the latch. Looks straight forward now that I’ve had the hatch apart a couple of times. Thank you very much for the video. - John

[@donnataylor7835]

Thanks!

[@donnataylor7835]

I love this-that you help people with this stuff! We have an 02 Sequoia & have bought several handles that keep breaking-now we see why. I wish you would have spoke the part# tho. I guess I can try freezing the frame. Eye sight not so good when you get older 😊

[@davidk7544]

Best technical presentation I've ever seen on youtube. I "liked" it (and like it) and have subscribed. Thank you!

[@elyciyawimbley4258]

Thanks for doing this video again. The last one was helpful, but this one is much easier to follow. I watched the old one the first time it broke, years ago. Watching this one now, because, as you warned, it broke again. Lol. Thanks!

[@dogsmumm]

I'm on my THIRD tailgate latch for this car. I'm going to DIY it with your video. Thanks so much for this.

[@wyattoneable]

That was a great break down of how to get to the latch and the repair. (Nice camera work Spanky) Your very good at explaining the process. Add the editing and this is a very enjoyable place to visit. Thank you for the shout out and the visit to my channel.

[@D6Spanky]

wyattoneable thanks

[@jamesg4266]

Great video Brian, thanks. I have changed the latch, but realised that my tailgate does not lock (key or fob). Could this be the actuator thats attached to the latch?

[@briandjuli]

mine was the actuator, changed the handle, changed the latch still no go, it was the actuator

[@adamscastle6222]

Great video! I just replaced my latch and all was good for about a week. Then the hatch got stuck in locked position. I got lucky because with some WD40, manual cable pulling and some pushing and kicking on the inside of the hatch got mine open. Then I replaced the actuator and all is well.

[@acon7846]

Thanks Brian, love the video, I have a 2010 Sequoia, that has another issue. It open and shuts ok, but there is a gap between the lift gate and the body of the truck on the drivers side, towards the top. I've replaced the motor, but still no luck. Any ideas?

[@MultiDreamer1979]

I'm doing mine today I'm replacing the original one with a steel one... And I'm replacing the latch lock mechanism as well. Great video by the way..

[@jamescalifornia2964]

~ Fortunately they now make an aftermarket steel replacement ✔ Nice instruction video 👌

[@initiald22]

Thanks a lot bro. Because of this video I was able to get my tailgate fixed. I replaced the broken oem latch with a metal one so hopefully it never breaks again.

[@AJ-AJ212]

Great video . Thanks . Mine is the same model and it’s 2006 . My light doesn’t go on when I lift the gate and the switch is in the right position . What is the problem ?

[@johndavid4513]

Great teacher. I can learn anything from him.

[@tkeesler]

Have you ever done a tailgate window track? Mine is held up by 1 bolt and a stud on 1 side. I can't seem to find a video of it anywhere. I also meed to order a new latch for my sequoia because it went out like this one did. Thanks for the walk through of the latch. Get job on explain everything.

[@lanerocco]

Any way you can do a video on how how to fix the rear power actuator? My keys and door panel lock wont lock my back door before and after I replaced the rear hatch fix from this video(thank you btw for the content.) I went to a Toyota dealership and he said it was pretty simple to fix but no one has a video up on how to do it.

[@thechangstep9052]

Thats the lock actuator that broken, which is the black component that connects to the latch you replaced. Super easy fix considering u removed it and reattached it to the new latch.

[@frankw7439]

Thank you!!!! Just did this in 5 degree weather. Couldn’t have done it without your help.

[@LifeAlert77]

I replaced the cable latch and it opens but now it will not lock when I lock the car. Any suggestions?

[@frankw7439]

Ronnie Barnes are your electrical plug connections meshed together?

[@scottthomas6949]

Is there a recommended manufacture of this part? Aftermarket vs OEM is always a struggle. Thanks

[@jimbiaglow2364]

Nice video...great help! Replaced the latch handle once already...new one broke 6 mos later...thinking the latch mechanism is causing too much stress on the latch handle due to rust... so going to replace both this time. Have you ever replaced the window guide rails and window regulator? Someone needs to make a video of that job...the parts on my window glass regulator and guide rails are in rusted rusted pieces.

[@TheHMexpert]

I completely stripped that window mechanism off as it is useless. Now my wiper works well. As for the latch actuator, you better buy OEM part as the one on Amazon for $45 is crap by reading the reviews there, breaks within weeks.

[@stevec3906]

I understand from watching your video that I should have bought the whole assembly. But I changed just the latch & now as you stated am continuing to have problems. Unfortunately now I have it completely apart and am yanking on the cable and I cannot get the latch to open on the bottom is there a way of getting that part undone

[@essell1058]

Same problem help please

[@troyyee217]

Thanks for the pro tips ! Best video I saw for fixing my 05 sequoia door latch...

[@TheHMexpert]

Thanks for the video. I just dismantled mine. However, that lock doesn't seem to be coming off the plastic enclosure, although I unscrewed those two minuscule screws.

[@brayanreyes8971]

Could you please 🙏 tell me if they are the same procedures for a 2007 Toyota sequoia? Thank you

[@AZwigsplita]

My door is stuck shut and the cable came out. How do get the plastic off to open the door to be able to unscrew the hook and latch?

[@eliasgutierrez8487]

same issue here

[@pataki650]

Thanks for the video; the amazon link is not found in case you want to update it.

[@briansmobile1]

Welcome- thanks for the heads up on the link too. I've fixed it.

[@JimBentz]

Brian, whom do you buy your parts from? In this case the Sequoia latch. Price seems to vary from $25-$200+. I use Rock Auto but they don’t carry this part. Thanks!

[@mikegerardtube]

Can you update the links for the handle and latch?

[@ivoryholsters1]

Thanks so much! I cannot tell you how big of a help this was. Really appreciate you putting it out.

[@stevenphotog4594]

Watched both your videos on the sequoia latch problem. Spoke with the dealership and the new latch handles are improved. My question is, was there a reason you would not try and just clean and lubricate the old latch if it was in fact just gunked up? Just curious. I will be attempting the repair of my handle which broke after 242000 miles. (can't complain).

[@rrurban]

My 2007 Sequoia rear hatch is stuck closed. How can I get the hatch to open so I can replace the latch?

[@whatabauder]

How did you do it?

[@SteveRobReviews]

I think I could do that repair now. And a Wyattoneable sticker too. Terrific Cheers

[@-TerryBogard]

I have a 2011 Sequoia and my lift gate won't stay closed. The latch piece just loosely opens and wonder if it needs replacing. Everywhere I read it's the door stuck being SHUT. I have the opposite problem. It won't stay closed. My rear window also may be off it's track and wonder if it's related. I put the window all the way down it won't come up, or it struggles and seems to catch eventually and goes up. The lift gate handle still works and sounds fine, so I'm not sure what to make of this lift gate not staying closed. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

[@jgbjovi8332]

Great job on this video!! Very informative, thank you so much!

[@MyMac]

Good video work. the rear hatch window does not work in my 07 Sequoia, and I need to replace it. Looks like a pain as the bolts holding the motor in face the rear, not the front. Sigh...

[@LuisGarcia-mn4jg]

Best explanation that i saw, easy and great view. thanks Brian

[@harlanpooley2907]

Replacing the latch should be standard when fixing a broken latch. Thanks for showing that.

[@JaMereLW]

Live saver. Saving my family a few hundred bucks because of this.

[@bradnimbus4836]

Thanks for the video Brian! I'm not sure if its an issue with my feed but its seems like its been forever since you uploaded a repair video. Goes great with coffee in the morning. Hi Spanky! I shook my head a few times during the video. Really Toyota? REALLY!? I'd say ditch the replacement and mount a tailgate latch from a 1979 F-250. You want to break do ya!?

[@briansmobile1]

I think the handle failures are intentionally designed as part of Toyota's planned obsolescence campaign to sell new vehicles. If they never rusted and the handles never broke fewer people would buy new Toyota's. Then the whole company could/would fail like the White Truck Company did.

[@NathanielCatch]

Remember what I said in SLC? Its due to dirt getting into the space where the window rolls down. Thanks again.

[@D6Spanky]

Brad Nimbus Hi Brad!

[@midwifemoira]

When you got to the wires that hold the bottom latch in place, how did you get them off? The white one has a tab that pushes in to pull out the wires, but the larger black group of wires has us stumped.

[@midwifemoira]

at 4:38

[@1BWEB1]

Question: I replaced the broken handle today and everything worked fine, until I hit the lock button on my key fob. The car beeps and you can hear the lock engage, then 2 seconds later, the car beeps again. The car will not lock. The latch engages and keeps it shut, but the rear door won’t lock. Any tips? Should I replace the rest of the assembly?

[@mmontondon24]

Thank you! Recently replaced the broken plastic handle for a metal but now the back door wont open at all. How will I go about loosening the hatch if I can’t access the two bolts under the cover?

[@JuanDiaz-ts8rr]

You’re gonna have to remove the rear panels and pull on that cable to open the door from the inside. All the handle does is essentially pull the cable to engage that rear latch.

[@vernenolet937]

Best repair video of this repair...and I'm getting the updated cable mechanism..so that's awsome..thanks.v

[@baddriversofnorthtexas6850]

How is your Quickjack performing now? I have one side going up a lot faster than the other now for some reason...

[@briansmobile1]

Mine's good. Sounds like you've got some air in one side maybe or some hinged point binding. I'd recommend checking your manual about bleeding it and checking the compressed air you add to the cylinders to assist with lowering. Just guesses. Mine's been good.

[@corneliusjohnson4414]

Thank you for your videos. I️ have an 04 Sequoia and back in April followed your instructions for replacing the cable mechanism and the rear hatch handle. The hatch handle broke again. I️ replaced handle but still couldn’t get the hatch to open. The cable looks stretched. I️ took back panel off and pulled down on ball mechanism and it still doesn’t work.Do you have any suggestions how I️ can get the hatch to open.

[@miguellozano8936]

Sometimes the lock actuator goes out and it will not unlock. You have to remove the plastic cover inside the door hatch to unlock it manually.

[@kenwitherell5750]

Is there another way to open the hatch, other than disconnecting and manually pulling the cable end? I think the latch has gone bad, and I can't get the hatch open to replace. Can you help please?

[@joehernandez1241]

How do you open the hatch without the cable? My cable wouldn't open it with me pulling on it. Any help will be appreciated.

[@TheHMexpert]

This is because your latch actuator that is located on the bottom of the hatch door is broken as well, so you need to replace that part as well. It happened to me as well and I just ordered a new one.

[@TheHMexpert]

keep banging from inside, it should open. I did the same.

[@txsviking]

Wyatt! great guy. It looked easy and probably was, having a camera person. 👍 I hope my wife trades her 06 in before it gets any older.

[@Whaler170]

Perfect instructions. Thank you!

[@Amy13Lacey]

I think this is my issue however my rear door won’t even open. How, if the latch is skunky and stuck, can we get the latch to release to open? We’ve tore off panels and working from the inside to try to open it. Help!!

[@BluDrop5]

I've been opening my rear door incorrectly this whole time!

[@brookepotter8762]

This is a GREAT video!!! Thankyou so much for sharing, now I understand how it works and able to fix it! I've been opening it by rolling down my back window and just pulling up on the cable lol

[@kellystjohn9346]

Brooke Potter how did you get to it that way

[@radioactiveload]

i had the same problem on my 4runner with the stupid electronic latch mechanism. salt and sand got into the latch and then it wouldn't spring open anymore

[@tonymarshall3162]

Super helpful video ! Thank You !

[@Kevin-gl6ir]

Great video. Thanks a lot!

[@kancocorp]

did i miss it or did you not show how to get the handle itself off and on?

[@usafvet6766]

your vids are so great. Thank you Brian for showing how to do this stuff. !

[@briansmobile1]

Totally welcome!

[@nj2mddude205]

The lift gate latch on my Sequoia was stuck in the closed position for several weeks. Last night, I was able to open the lift gate simply by pressing the plastic handle. I used PB Dry Lube to spray the shit out of that latch mechanism. It appears to have worked. From this point forward, I will be lubing the latch on a quarterly basis.

[@drummerplusone]

Hello Brian, my rear hatch handle broke suddenly with no warning lol. The problem is that the trunk door does not open at all in order for me to have access to install a new handle. I gave it my best shot to open it, but with the plastic handle broken, it simply does not open. Is there a way to open the door? Please advice, thanks for your time.

[@nicksuryan7851]

drummerplusone you have to take it apart from the inside, pry the panels off like Brian did. The large rear panel will be the hardest, I used a small crowbar covered in tape, then follow the rest of Brian’s video. Hope this helps.

[@drummerplusone]

Thanks, I installed a new one (metal) in the meantime, it was pretty easy.

[@jesusramos2985]

What if i replaced the latch but it still bends my handle? I am on my 3rd handle with a new latch.

[@chancellorpalpatineakathes6130]

Went to the junkyard, found a piece, replaced using your video. Normally I change my oil myself and do simple things when something doesn’t work but damn this was a rather annoying gig.

[@srachi123]

Hi I was curious as how I would get the lock mechanism to open. I pulled the lock cable to open the latch but it is not engaging! So I can’t open the latch. Is there away to get it open besides pulling the lock cable? I’m pretty sure the latch on my sequoia is done. Thanks 2004 sequoia

[@TheHMexpert]

Did you try to bang it from inside? I did mine at it opened.

[@kanonhile]

Worked great on my 06 Sequoia limited 4x4. Failed after 315k miles.

[@dnguyen2708]

Pulled cable all the way but rear hatch still stuck in sequoia and can't open the door. What can I do?

[@puchie357]

How to I open it if I can’t open the trunk

[@LiSwagger]

Through the inside

[@heater761]

OK so my latch is currently broken hence broken shut????how do you open the damn thing first just to get in the back of the vehicle you missed showing that part which that's a key part if you ask me

[@CaseyGrimley]

Same here!

[@thatwasinteresting.8150]

You have to take the inside panels off first (which is much easier with rear seats removed), disconnect the cable from the handle and manually pull the cable to pop the latch, opening the hatch... that is unless your latch is also rusted/corroded/grimed up and won't open. Then it's fucked.

[@kimberlyneblett5898]

Excellent vid!! Thank you 😊

[@JuanDiaz-ts8rr]

How do I remove the latch if I can’t open the door in the first place?

[@thechangstep9052]

Ok that is exactly what happened to me. Its difficult, but here's what I did: 1. Remove the plastic trim on the hatch by popping off the parts that go around the window, then pull the black window seal off of the tan plastic. Now you're gonna have to muscle it by pulling up on the tan plastic where the window is. Once the lip is off of the metal you can pop the rest off.

[@thechangstep9052]

Now you can pop the cable out of the handle and manually pull the cable to release the latch. Make sure the hatch is unlocked.

[@synfuji3984]

So helpful ! This is what I need to do to my sequoia

[@santiagogarzon43]

Thanks for taking your time

[@rebekahfabina8919]

great job! your deminer helps! nice and slow. really appreciate the hack!

[@briansmobile1]

Welcome and thanks!

[@itech1129]

how would open it if the cable is broken at the buttom and have no way to pull. before this it got stuck and we pulled it and it broke.

[@LuAnnMiller-p8l]

How to purchase the part

[@Renaguard]

Oh hi Humble Mechanic I didn't think that you were Brian now!

[@rmski51]

Brian, I have enjoyed many of your videos and tips. Just wondering, how does one get a car from St. Maartin to your shop in UT?

[@briansmobile1]

Boat, air, and then the highway.

[@rmski51]

Seriously, did you or a customer ship it to the USA? I cannot imagine leaving paradise for snowy USA.

[@jam2633]

What do I do if I can’t open the hatch at all?

[@AaronKimmins]

I think this is the setup on the 4 Runners also

[@sharumnoor7986]

Hi, how do you get the hatch to open in the first place? I opened everything and pulling on the cable with pliers and the hatch won't open. I'm stuck what do I do now please help

[@TravisWeathersPilot]

This was amazing.

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks Travis!

[@djpvma]

For some reason, I replaced the latch, but it won't allow the door to be shut.

[@lawl114]

wouldn't spraying tons of penetrating oil or some lubricant also fix this problem, or atleast make it better? the hood latch on my honda didnt open, so i drowned it in pb blaster to flush and lube it, and it works like new.

[@briansmobile1]

In this case no. I did try that. It didn't work at all. Too much material was removed and the pressed/riveted parts were too rough for it to be effective.

[@lawl114]

Well, I guess it can't work for everyone. Always worth a shot, though.