Hi. I tried a search on this--im sure there are many threads already, but My computer savvy is limited. My tailgate handle on my 2004 sequoia broke the other day. I have found replacements online, however, trying to find how to install it is not coming up. Anyone else have this issue and the way to fix it?

Thanks

Cole

That happens eventually to almost all early Sequoias. There are dozens of threads about it on this site; here is the most recent with a link to the fix:

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/1gen-sequoia/40507-rear-latch/

It is easy to fix, don't sweat it.

Just fixed mine today. It took about 45 minutes.

Use a paint can opener to open hatch.80914

I watched these videos prior to starting, and the job was easy. I could not open my hatch with the bent pliers the guy uses in one of the videos, but once I tried the paint can tool, it opened in a snap. The other thing he doesn't mention is to roll rear window down slightly just to remove the tension on the window assembly - it will make it easier to move out of the way.

How To Install Replace Tailgate or Rear Hatch Handle Toyota Sienna 98-03 1AAuto.com - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn86h_KnAYg)

Toyota Sequoia Broken Rear Hatch Latch Repair - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7uZh8b6TkM)

I don't take credit for this write up. I followed the instructions provided by the link above and added a few comments based on my own experience. It's a quick 1 hr job (did it this past weekend by myself). All you need is a Phillip screwdriver, 6" extension, a 10mm socket & ratchet, long nose needle pliers, and a flat head screwdriver. I can't believe the dealer is charging a ballpark figure of $300-$400 to do this job. That's a ripoff. I think my wife can do this job...it's that easy. Side note: I bought the full metal one off ebay, but the craftmanship was poor (rivet holding the spring was not placed correctly and the pin looks weak/soft). Therefore what I did was transfer the metal latch from the ebay assembly to the original OEM assembly. Easily done by just removing the pin. I don't think the latch on the new OEM ones are metal yet (I could be wrong here).

1. Take off the license plate (2 Phillip bolts)
2. You can open the rear hatch from the outside with a screwdriver type tool with a slight bend on the end. Point the tool 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. If you can't open the door, continue to follow the instructions...there will be 2 opportunities to open the door.
3. Roll the rear glass up to give you access. If you got the door open, you can work from outside the truck.
4. Remove the pull-down strap. The cover for the bolt comes off easily by pushing upward on it to expose the 10mm screw/bolt
5. Pop off the interior trim piece. Remove them carefully and pull straight out to remove them. Personally I did the large bottom piece first, then the 2 side pieces. I did not remove the top piece. Note: When removing the large main piece, after "popping" the lower half, it has to be unhooked from the window by pulling it up and over the metal rail
6. You now have access to the inside of the hatch. Remove the three round rubber grommets
a. Through left hole you can see the mechanism to unlatch. (if you couldn't open the door, now is your opportunity...press it down
with a screw driver and open the door
b. From the left and right access holes, locate the two 10mm nuts which hold the license plate assembly to the door and remove
them
7. Behind the large trim piece you will find 2 metal access covers to take out: The left one has 4 10mm bolts (you don't have to take this one off but doing so gives you an opportunity to have easier access to the bolts/clips), the right one has about 6 (but is attached to a bunch of electrical cables…disconnect the cable, then remove the bolts), then pop the 3 white tabs and remove the panel
8. If you haven’t open the door yet, you can see the black metal cable attached to the broken handle; pull the cable to open.
9. DO NOT TOUCH any bolts with round rubber/foam pads under them. These are for the window regulator or the wiper bracket and don't need to come off to replace the handle. The only nut you need to remove is ONE 10 mm nut on the key-lock tab. The key-lock is connected to a brittle plastic tab on the license plate/door handle assy. Make sure this is removed and popped out of the way before trying to remove the license plate/handle assy. Otherwise the plastic tab will break
10. 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 2 10mm bolts holding the license plate recess cover and the nut holding the key cylinder assembly and then remove the cable assembly bracket, (two nuts). Disconnect the cable from the handle assembly by reaching in from the right hand side and popping of the cable from the handle assembly.
11. Then there are 4 plastic tabs that come in from the outside that hold the license plate assembly on in each corner, try and locate those and using some pliers squeeze them together and push it through
12. Next locate the license plate lamps wire connector and release that from the left side, it’s the simple push in and pull out square white connector
13. Now the license plate assembly can be taken to a bench to replace the handle assembly (Toyota doesn't sell just the handle, it is a small assembly). Two screws out and the assembly is replaced
14. Reverse the process to re-install (when attaching the cable to the new handle assembly, do it from the inside of the vehicle)

Well... replaced the lift gate handle with a metal one... actually pretty easy fix.. Thanks for all the help guys! Took a little over an hour with the help of my father!

Has anyone replaced their tailgate handle but then the tailgate wouldn't latch closed? I have everything put back together (the wire is connected to the new handle) but when I close the tailgate it won't lock into place. Any suggestions?

Just got around to replacing mine. It was a chore but I godder done. A couple of tips from you guys is worth mentioning because not knowing would make for some grief.

1. Releasing the license plate frame clips from the inside. It would be real easy to think the clips work like the trim clips and just snap out with a little muscle. Not so, they would surely break or be damaged bu doing so.

2. The little access holes to get to the handle bolts. Not know could cause someone to try and remove the window mechanism. This would be a bad idea.

Biggest problem I had was getting the cable on the new latch. Gotta stick yer out the siode of yer mouth to git it to go on. Once I figured that out, I was golden.

Big thanks to all those who contribute their experience, knowledge and wisdom. You're what makes this place great. :tu: