So, after my 2004 Sequoia’s OEM handle broke, I looked for a replacement. I was surprised by the dealer’s price for a new OEM handle, so I looked it up online and discovered that it was primarily made of plastic. I purchased a full metal one online for $30 and installed it.
1. Push the plastic L-shaped pieces off the sides of the rear window after lowering it. Unscrew the 13mm screw securing the nylon loop handle’s small plastic cover, then remove the handle. The inside plastic cover can then be removed by using a tool or your strong hands to pull it off at the top corners where the final two pieces were just taken off.
2. Take out the three white plastic barbs holding the sheet metal cover on and carefully take it off after removing the 13mm screws holding them on. Reach inside and detach the black cable housing and end ball from the handle if your door is stuck closed. To open the lift gate, pull on the ball while holding the cable housing with two hands. The lift gate won’t open if the lock actuator is damaged since it will remain locked.
3. Take out your license plate because it is attached to the lift gate by two screws that hold the plastic piece in place.
4. Return to the opposite side of the door and poke the little plastic barbs, which are white and black, through to the outside. The lone nut close to the key lock mechanism should be removed. Utilizing a 13mm socket and extension, remove the lowest two quarter-sized black rubber plugs from the lift gate’s inside before removing the two nuts securing the handle ears. This should now enable the plastic piece on the outside to dangle freely from the wires that illuminate the license plate region.
5. Eliminate the little screws holding the handle in place.
So, everything is ideal, isn’t it? No. I was unable to lock my lift gate. It locked and wouldn’t unlock two days later. The actuator had malfunctioned, as many people who post have also reported. The problem is… I can find tutorials and suggestions for changing the damaged handle or lock actuator everywhere I turn. The latch mechanism at the lift gate’s base, hidden by the plastic cover, is frequently the underlying source of issues. This mechanism corrodes because it is exposed to dirt, salt, and moisture. As it does so, the handle and actuator are under more tension. We just squeeze the handle tighter over time, so we don’t realize. Currently, a dealer is charging $135 for this part, which includes a new cable. I paid $80 on Amazon for a genuine Toyota rear lift gate latch with cable. For $190, I replaced all three, and now everything functions flawlessly. At the dealer, that’s probably a $900 job.
A year or so after replacement, people notice handles and actuators failing once more. That’s because the original issue was never resolved and the new parts are subjected to the same strain as the old ones. Be aware that you will need to remove the black plastic cover from the latch mechanism inside the door if you decide to replace the actuator because your door remains locked. You don’t have to chop it, though. Find the two tiny screws on the top, opposite side of the black cover using a mirror or by feeling. Use a very small, inexpensive ratcheting handle for driver bits or a very short, phillips-head screwdriver to remove them. You can reach under with one finger and trip the lock actuator open once you’ve slightly raised it.
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How is a jammed rear hatch opened?
PROBLEM:
Latch on Jeep Cherokee’s rear hatch is stuck either open or closed. unable to regularly open or close the rear hatch.
RESOLUTION:
You can attempt a number of techniques to release a stuck back hatch:
Method One: Pull up or push in on the latch mechanism while pressing with the palm of your hand slightly above the handle. Sometimes slapping your hand in the same spot is more effective. A stuck latch mechanism might be released using this technique. Only a short-term solution; try Method 3.
Method 2: Be aware that this won’t work on latches that include a plastic lift handle. Between the bumper and the gas tank, check below the Jeep. Right now, your view is of the cargo floor’s underside. The two metric 15mm nuts holding the striker bracket to the Cherokee’s floor should be visible. The hatch is secured shut by this bracket. You might not be able to reach the striker nuts because of a tow hitch bracket or a gas tank skid plate. Use a metric socket and socket wrench to remove the nuts holding the striker plate in place if you can see them. Now the hatch ought to open. The striker can now be put back on the floor, and the two nuts can be tightened again.
Method three: Extreme heat may cause this issue with hatches that have plastic handles. The hatch will then open once you spray the handle with cold water to chill the region.
Method 4: If the rear hatch is stuck closed, sit within the cargo area and remove the plastic trim cover to gain access to the latch mechanism and make necessary adjustments or repairs. If the hatch cannot be closed, elevate it while removing the plastic trim.
Four Phillips #2 screws along the interior top, four more along the sides (two on each side), and roughly ten snap fasteners distributed throughout the inside are used to secure the plastic cover on the interior of the rear hatch. The 2 screws on either side are inaccessible while the hatch is closed, however the 4 screws at the top can be accessed from within the car.
To get rid of the plastic covering:
(2) Gently pull away the plastic cover’s edge along the lower side of the rear window with your fingertips until the four snap fasteners spring free. Before the fasteners come loose, you must peel the plastic away from the glass by about 3 inches.
(3) Doing so will enable you to pry the plastic cover open sufficiently so that you can examine the latch mechanism with a flashlight.
(4) To manually release the latch and open the hatch, reach in and down and pull the latch lift bar up.
The plastic trim cover on many Cherokees can be entirely removed once the hatch has been opened, the side screws have been removed, and the remaining snap fasteners have been released. An inner hatch grab handle on Cherokees from 1997 to 2001 needs to be removed using a T30 Torx socket wrench bit. Remove the small rectangular covers from the grab handle’s ends using a pry tool. To remove the two screws holding the handle in place, use the T30 Torx bit. The tailgate plastic trim piece can be completely removed when the handle has been taken off.
Now that you can access the functioning parts with the hatch open and the plastic trim removed, lightly grease the hatch handle mechanism and the locking mechanism with some lithium grease. Check for misaligned or weak connections in both mechanisms. At this point, the rod that connects the latch and handle can be modified. Mark the spot on the metal arm that is moved by the handle where the threaded end of the rod attaches. Remove the retaining clip holding the threaded rod’s end to the mechanism. Pull it out with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Reattach the rod now, reducing play if necessary, and clip the retaining clip back into position. Spray a little amount of oil on the latch’s exterior components.
Reinstall the plastic trim panel and any other parts that were removed after testing the tailgate to ensure correct operation.
The lock mechanism on the rear hatch is stuck (sprung) in the closed position while the hatch is open, making it impossible for the hatch to close.
Because a portion of the lock mechanism is trapped in the closed position when the hatch is actually open, the hatch won’t close.
There is a quick remedy available that doesn’t involve pressing any lock part into place.
Lifting the handle of the back hatch while holding it open will allow you to use a screwdriver to gently slide the lock mechanism downward (not up).
Do not try to force anything because the issue I have mentioned may be different.
The rear hatch (Liftgate) of the Jeep Grand Cherokee (2008 and comparable models) won’t unlock with the key fob, although the window hatch will.
In the instrument panel of your Jeep, look at the settings for “Auto Lock.” The rear hatch (Liftgate) lock is not activated when the setting for “Flash Lights while Locking” is set to “N.” The rear hatch (Liftgate) lock/unlock feature can be activated by simply setting the setting to “Y” to permit the parking lights to flash when locking. Before removing the rear hatch lid, try out this technique. The actuator behind the hatch may need to be replaced if this doesn’t solve the issue or if the setting is already set to “Y”. NOTE: If the back hatch (Liftgate) may be heard unlocking or locking but still cannot be opened, see the above-mentioned repair options.
Does the back window of the Toyota Sequoia roll down?
Numerous Tundra and Sequoia parts were shared by Toyota. The two vehicles have the same hood, fenders, and headlights; however, everything else is unique to the 2023 Sequoia. The Capstone trim has a large, intimidating front grille with hexagonal shapes all over and a subtle-looking brush metal finish. The blue tint on the Toyota logo denotes the hybrid nature of the engine. All of the headlamps include sequential turn indicators and are LED units. The majority of the vents on the front of the Sequoia work and cool the engine.
The size of the Sequoia is apparent from the sides. It measures about 205 inches in length and stands imposingly on the road. The Capstone trim’s wheels are 22 inches in diameter, while the TRD Pro trim’s wheels are 18 inches for improved off-road performance. The roll-down rear windshield, which was one of the Sequoia’s distinguishing features, has been replaced by a lift-back design. It still serves the same function but is run differently. The rear taillights feature prominent Sequoia badging below sleek, free-flowing shapes.
What exactly does it imply when a door latches?
Latch. When the door knob is turned, the latch, which slips into the door’s edge, retracts or protrudes. When the knob is cranked, the latch releases to allow the door to open.
How is a lift gate opened manually?
You can manually push the liftgate up to the maximum open position to fully open it while using the motorized liftgate after programming a lower height than fully open.
Which SUVs feature a roll-down back window?
This function is present in a few other models. The back window of the vintage Jeep Grand Wagoneer rolls down. It’s also available in the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia. And I recently passed a Ford Explorer Sport Trac in traffic that had the back window detachable for improved airflow.
Which trucks have a roll-down rear window?
Look at the photo up there. Anything missing, you think? The back window, indeed. No, it wasn’t busted out; instead, it was carefully rolled into the rear bulkhead of the CrewMax cab of the Tundra. The power-driven rear window slides down providing the best open-air driving experience available in a contemporary pickup, and is activated by a rocker switch by the driver’s left knee. Even a panoramic moonroof cannot duplicate the effect.
Toyota has a long history of having rear windows that roll down. The U.S. 4Runner established the pattern in 1984, and when the Tundra was introduced in 2000 to replace the T100 pickup, it continued the practice. In 2007, the roll-down window transitioned to the second-generation Tundra, and it did so once more with the 2014 facelift.
There are various advantages to rear windows that roll down. The first is the feeling of driving outside. Even at highway speeds, the wind blows swiftly and quietly through my 2017 Tundra test truck with all five windows open. There is a pleasant, constant flow of air throughout the cabno buffeting or spinning. Even so, my wife’s hair keeps away from her face.
Utility is the second benefit. Consider carrying eight feet of PVC pipe. Simply lower the window. Additionally, it makes accessing the cargo bed from the cab simple. I also don’t understand why Toyota hasn’t advertised this option to RV builders for a full-width pass-through into a slide-in pickup camper. What a wonderful idea that is!
Putting complaints aside, the Toyota Tundra has a lot of positive qualities. Even more reasons exist for wanting Toyota to modernize this ten-year-old pickup. The roll-down back window is still the Tundra’s coolest feature.
Try Jiggling the Door
This is certainly something you’ve already done a few times, but it’s one of the most typical methods for getting a blocked door to open. Depending on whether you are inside or outside, moving the doorknob while pushing or pulling causes the mechanism to typically reset, allowing you to enter or exit.
Try not to become irate when someone knocks on your door. Slamming or kicking it may cause damage, and repairs may be pricey.
Think about the knob. Push it forward and backward, side to side, and up and down. You should carry out the entire process while shaking and rattling the knob.
Remove the Door Hinges
To remove the door by taking it off the hinges is the easiest and fastest thing you can do if you find yourself trapped within. Since the hinges are typically located inside the door, this approach won’t work if you are on the outside of the door.
You can complete it quickly if you follow these steps:
- Start by releasing the hinge pins. A nail and a hammer will do if you don’t have the proper tool; otherwise, you can use them. For this, you can use anything else you have on hand that is appropriate.
- Remove the pins. If this is challenging, try tapping it out with something else. Simply choose something heavy (like a large book) and something you can place beneath the head of the pin (like a spoon), then strike the opposite end of the spoon. The pin ought to come out. Likewise with the other pin.
- The door should then be removed after that.
This method is really easy to follow. Be aware that the doors will be heavy. To lift and move them might require a lot of strength. If those are your front doors, you would have to leave them open for trespassers, which presents another issue. You might also ask a neighbor to guard your house while you’re away or ask someone to help you reinstall the doors.
In any case, be sure to fix the doors as soon as you get the opportunity to do so in order to prevent these issues in the future.
Use Bobby Pins or a Credit Card
While the door-opening techniques used in movies would never realistically work, they do, albeit more slowly. Both the credit card and the bobby pin can be used in a prank. The steps are listed below.
The bobby pin/paper clip trick is demonstrated here:
- You’ll need two paper clips or bobby pins, but you can split them in half to make two of each as you’ll need two of each.
- One tool component should be bent into a L shape. As you work on the lock with the other tool, this will keep it in place.
- The remaining portion ought to be straight with a small W at the bottom. Work on the lock’s latches using this portion of your bobby pin or paper clip.
- Use the other piece to locate the pins in your lock while holding the L-shaped component in place.
- Push the pins with the W shape, and the door ought should unlock.
Next, here’s how to use a credit card to open a door:
- Choose a card that you don’t use as frequently, such as a gift card or an old credit card. It’s advisable to use something less valuable, like your credit card or other comparable instruments, as it will get damaged otherwise.
- Push the card into the space between the door and the door frame, where the latch is located.
- The card should face the door at a 90 degree angle.
- Wiggle the card after you push it.
- The card should be bent away from the doorknob. The latch should slide out as a result.
- While doing this, you should also push on the door.
- Continue until you can enter and the door is open.
This approach functions best when the lock is the issue, if your door has a spring bolt, and when you are standing outside the door.
Take the Doorknob Off
You can take off the doorknob if the hinge trick doesn’t work for you since you are stranded outside. You may repair the mechanism and make it easier to open the door by doing this.
Remember that if your door has a deadbolt and is locked, this approach won’t work.
Your doorknob may have visible or covert screws. If they are not visible, if you look closely, you should see teeny holes to the side of or beneath your knob. The following step is as follows:
- Find a thin, wire-like object; a paperclip or bobby pin that you can straighten will do.
- Press on the tip after inserting it into the screw or hole. You should encounter resistance if the screws are concealed; this indicates that you should push as hard and as far as you can. You should turn the doorknob at the same time. Continue until the doorknob separates.
- Utilizing your tool, pry open the plate covering the lock to reveal the locking mechanism. If you’ve never done this, the door should open with a little amount of trial and error.
Once more, this only helps if the issue is a locked door. This might not be the solution, though, if it’s winter and the door is stuck from the cold. If nothing else works, you should be able to force open a frozen or swollen door.
Call a Locksmith or Crafty Friend
You should think about doing other things in addition to attempting to open the door yourself. especially if your home doesn’t respond to any of these solutions. Here are a few advices:
- Speak to a locksmith. They should be able to assist you right away because they are the most knowledgeable about these problems.
- Message a buddy. They might be able to deliver the equipment you need to solve your problem.
- Attempt different entry points. Try the windows, dog doors, or anything similar if the door won’t budge.