Rear hatch Stuck

[lakemisurfer]

My 03 hatch is stuck, the only way to open is to push in the try the release and it opens....it appears corroded a little bit.....anyone have any solutions??

Thanks
Matt

[mtorc]

spray some wd-40 in the latch or put some kind of oil in there.

[Achilles Heal]

I have this happen often. It's a common problem on the Sequoia. With me, this problem arises once or twice a year. Usually, it became a short matter of time after the symptoms you're seeing before I couldn't open the hatch at all - even with the push and unlatch trick you're using.

I'd recommend getting the latch adjusted if it's relatively new, or if it's old and badly rusted it should be replaced. Then the hatch and latch can be opened normally again for a time until the problem arises again.

[lakemisurfer]

Thanks guys- I live in WI so not too surprised the latch is so corrided.

Can I adjust the latch myself or is this for a dealer?

[dmillikan]

I have had 2 problems with the liftgate on my '01 Sequoia. The dealer, of course, can fix the problems but I believe you are talking $300+ with parts/labor. I corrected each problem myself so got used to taking the liftgate apart.

Problem (1) "Back Door Lock (the actual latch) rusted and broke. I purchased the Lock which comes with the control cable and installed myself. I think it cost $100 or less.
(2) The outside Door handle recently broke. I bought that part for $68 and installed myself.

Each of the above requires removing the back door side (2) and center trim garnishs, strap cover, large trim board (lower part pops out and then removes upward), and the large metal service hole cover. There is wiring that you can leave attached or disconnect to make things easier.

Basically takes some time and ability to remove bolts / clips. You don't have to remove the glass.

[lakemisurfer]

I will get some lube up in there somehow. can't beleive they could seal the moisture out better.

[NEWireless]

Originally Posted by dmillikan

I have had 2 problems with the liftgate on my '01 Sequoia. The dealer, of course, can fix the problems but I believe you are talking $300+ with parts/labor. I corrected each problem myself so got used to taking the liftgate apart.

Problem (1) "Back Door Lock (the actual latch) rusted and broke. I purchased the Lock which comes with the control cable and installed myself. I think it cost $100 or less.
(2) The outside Door handle recently broke. I bought that part for $68 and installed myself.

Each of the above requires removing the back door side (2) and center trim garnishs, strap cover, large trim board (lower part pops out and then removes upward), and the large metal service hole cover. There is wiring that you can leave attached or disconnect to make things easier.

Basically takes some time and ability to remove bolts / clips. You don't have to remove the glass.

I need to replace the broken outside release handle also.

Do you have a part number?

Thank you.

[kgilbertsen]

Originally Posted by lakemisurfer

Thanks guys- I live in WI so not too surprised the latch is so corrided.

Can I adjust the latch myself or is this for a dealer?

I have an '01 Sequoia thats doing the same thing. I found a Technical Service Bulletin, #BO022-02, that describes how to replace the back door cable assembly. (Part #64680-0C010) I don't think the replacement parts include the door handle though.

[dmillikan]

Originally Posted by NEWireless

I need to replace the broken outside release handle also.

Do you have a part number?

Thank you.

Sorry, I couldn't find the receipt. I just went to the Parts Dept at the local Toyota Dealer. He printed out the one page assembly diagram for the Sequoia liftgate and identified the part.

I have a Haynes Repair Manual and it simply identifies the handle at "Outside Handle" on the exploded view.
Hope this helps. The dealer says he sells 5 plastic handles a day for all the Toyota models.

[SR5Bolivia]

I recently bought a 2004 Sequoia in Bolivia where I work and have problems with the rear hatch release. It's worn and I think I need a new one but the dealer here says they aren't available. Does anyone know where I can order this part over the internet. Everyone talks about just going down to the dealership which is a little hard here in South America.

Another question: I just had a mechanic replace a boot on the 4WD and now the ABS break light as well as the VSC lights are on. Any idea how I can get them off?

Thanks for your help,
Mike

[mgonzo]

Seems everyone has had some trouble with the rear hatch. My rear hatch handle broke during a cold spell. I have the part #'s and tools. I just can't figure out how to get the hatch open to work on it. Has any opened a closed rear door with no handle?????
Don't want to go to dealer yet.

[Johnnny Rock]

Originally Posted by mgonzo

Seems everyone has had some trouble with the rear hatch. My rear hatch handle broke during a cold spell. I have the part #'s and tools. I just can't figure out how to get the hatch open to work on it. Has any opened a closed rear door with no handle?????
Don't want to go to dealer yet.

Hope this helps you out, let us know how you make out!! Johnnnnnny

Toyota Sequoia rear hatch latch assembly replacement.

1. You can open the rear hatch from the outside if you can get the small piece of the broken lever out of the square hole that is on the right side of the handle grip area. You will need to use a strong piece of wire or a screwdriver type tool with a slight bend on the end. The lever that pulls on the cable that opens the latch is located above the opening in the handle grip area, accessed through the small square hole. Insert the tool that you made and fish around to find the cable lever; you will need to have the tool pointed up to find the lever. Once you find the lever pull down to pull the lever. Note: make sure that the hatch is unlocked or it won’t open.
2. If you can’t locate the lever or can’t make it open from the outside you will need to do it from the inside of the vehicle. This isn’t fun but it can be accomplished with a little sweat and a few choice words thrown in.
3. You can work from the outside of the truck at this point, roll the rear glass down to give you access. The plastic trim pieces on each side of the rear glass can de popped off by hand, they each have three plastic barbs that hold them on. Remove them carefully and pull straight out to remove them, this will give you access to the large rear piece of plastic trim that covers the inside of the rear door.
4. Remove the vinyl pull-strap that is located on the rear panel, use a #2 philips to do this. Now start to remove the large inside door panel. This panel has the rear glass inside rubber anti-rattle blade attached to the top of it. (If you were able to open the hatch door from the outside you can remove the inside panel by starting at the bottom of the panel and using a thin blade to lift the panel away from the door and then pop the plastic barbs loose, then lift it up and off of the door sheet-metal.) Starting at one corner, bend out and pull up on the panel where it is hooked over the top of the window opening sheet-metal. It takes a little force to get it started but be persistent, once it is started work towards the other end. Once it’s loose at the top you can reach inside and pop loose the plastic barbs that retain the panel and remove it completely.
5. You now have access to the inside of the hatch. Remove the three round rubber grommets, this give you access to the latch lever that pulls on the release cable. Reach inside with a screwdriver push down on the lever and you will be able to release the latch on the hatch door and open it.
6. There is a white plastic cover covering the cable attachment point, remove it by pulling down and away from the assembly, it clips onto the assembly bracket and helps secure the cable to the lever attachment point. You can now release the cable from the assembly, remove the screws holding the license plate recess cover and the nut holding the key cylinder assembly and then remove the cable assembly bracket, (two nuts). Now you can remove the license plate recess panel and the broken latch lever assembly that is attached to it as a unit.
7. You can’t just purchase the ($2.00) plastic piece that broke, Toyota will make you purchase the entire assembly, $63.00. By the way I shopped around and got three different estimates from Toyota Dealers, ranging from $280 to $360 to do this job. This first repair took me seven hours because I didn’t know what I was doing, I spent 3 hours just attempting to open the hatch, I could do it now in about two hours.

[remobley]

I had the same problem with my 2003 Sequoia. Bought the part for $68; dealer gave me a drawing detailing the assembly, BUT THERE IS NO WAY I could have completed this without the great instructions from Johnny Rock. Thanks very much.

[ctedja]

Originally Posted by kgilbertsen

I have an '01 Sequoia thats doing the same thing. I found a Technical Service Bulletin, #BO022-02, that describes how to replace the back door cable assembly. (Part #64680-0C010) I don't think the replacement parts include the door handle though.

Any idea where I can find a copy of Technical Service Bulletin, #BO022-02? I broke the handle, and while I have everything disasembled, I notice the little plastic attached to the cable is also broken. I could not figure out how to replace this, so any help would be appreciated...

Thanks
Chris

[INTNS]

Originally Posted by Johnnny Rock

Hope this helps you out, let us know how you make out!! Johnnnnnny

Toyota Sequoia rear hatch latch assembly replacement.

1. You can open the rear hatch from the outside if you can get the small piece of the broken lever out of the square hole that is on the right side of the handle grip area. You will need to use a strong piece of wire or a screwdriver type tool with a slight bend on the end. The lever that pulls on the cable that opens the latch is located above the opening in the handle grip area, accessed through the small square hole. Insert the tool that you made and fish around to find the cable lever; you will need to have the tool pointed up to find the lever. Once you find the lever pull down to pull the lever. Note: make sure that the hatch is unlocked or it won’t open.
2. If you can’t locate the lever or can’t make it open from the outside you will need to do it from the inside of the vehicle. This isn’t fun but it can be accomplished with a little sweat and a few choice words thrown in.
3. You can work from the outside of the truck at this point, roll the rear glass down to give you access. The plastic trim pieces on each side of the rear glass can de popped off by hand, they each have three plastic barbs that hold them on. Remove them carefully and pull straight out to remove them, this will give you access to the large rear piece of plastic trim that covers the inside of the rear door.
4. Remove the vinyl pull-strap that is located on the rear panel, use a #2 philips to do this. Now start to remove the large inside door panel. This panel has the rear glass inside rubber anti-rattle blade attached to the top of it. (If you were able to open the hatch door from the outside you can remove the inside panel by starting at the bottom of the panel and using a thin blade to lift the panel away from the door and then pop the plastic barbs loose, then lift it up and off of the door sheet-metal.) Starting at one corner, bend out and pull up on the panel where it is hooked over the top of the window opening sheet-metal. It takes a little force to get it started but be persistent, once it is started work towards the other end. Once it’s loose at the top you can reach inside and pop loose the plastic barbs that retain the panel and remove it completely.
5. You now have access to the inside of the hatch. Remove the three round rubber grommets, this give you access to the latch lever that pulls on the release cable. Reach inside with a screwdriver push down on the lever and you will be able to release the latch on the hatch door and open it.
6. There is a white plastic cover covering the cable attachment point, remove it by pulling down and away from the assembly, it clips onto the assembly bracket and helps secure the cable to the lever attachment point. You can now release the cable from the assembly, remove the screws holding the license plate recess cover and the nut holding the key cylinder assembly and then remove the cable assembly bracket, (two nuts). Now you can remove the license plate recess panel and the broken latch lever assembly that is attached to it as a unit.
7. You can’t just purchase the ($2.00) plastic piece that broke, Toyota will make you purchase the entire assembly, $63.00. By the way I shopped around and got three different estimates from Toyota Dealers, ranging from $280 to $360 to do this job. This first repair took me seven hours because I didn’t know what I was doing, I spent 3 hours just attempting to open the hatch, I could do it now in about two hours.

Do you have any pics or illustration? Greatly appreciated. Mine just broke and can't get the rear hatch open. Dealer quoted about $350 to fix.