2003 Sequoia Rear Latch

[JessicaAndDevin]

The issue started a few months back where the rear latch on tailgate wasn't opening. We'd pull on the release handle and nothing would happen, the latch wouldn't seem to release. Then with a swift tap at the bottom of the tailgate, it would eventually open. This happened probably a total of 5 times over the past 4 or 5 months.

Just a few days ago, we opened up the tailgate and when we went to close it, it just popped back open. We tried pushing it shut gently, we tried slamming it shut...nothing seems to work. We fiddled with the latch mechanism at the bottom of the tailgate thinking maybe it was jammed, but it appears to be moving freely, it just won't stay in the latched position. We even tried holding the tailgate shut, and hitting the lock button, and still it wouldn't stay closed...popped right back open!

The tailgate is now being held shut with a bungee cord until we can figure out how to fix it.

Please let us know if you have any ideas or solutions... and if you've fixed this issue yourself, if you wouldn't mind letting us know where you got the parts and directions!

[kaleid]

Same problem. I was having some trouble closing the rear door (similar to other complaints on this board), so I decided to be proactive, and work with the latch mechanism and some WD-40. All was well, closed the door, drove to the kids school and found that once I opened the rear door, it will no longer latch.

Mechanism moves freely, just won't stay engaged. I'm still digging through the boards here, but will be tearing it apart tonight or tomorrow to resolve the issue.

Wish the OP would have provided an update/fix

[kaleid]

Issue was the "Back Door Lock". Took it out, cleaned it up and couldn't get it to engage. A quick trip to Toyota resulted in a shiny new lock, installed it and all is well with the world.