I have a 2000 sienna. When I tried to open the tailgate door, the black handle (that is above the license plate) and can't be seen, broke and I cannot open the tailgate door. How do I fix this? It looks like the small black piece that attaches to the black door handle broke away from the door handle. How do I access the broken handle? from the inside of the car, outside and how difficult is it to replace? I tried to take off the plastic trim piece that is above the license plate but was not able to remove it. Please help!
I hope I can help, I had the same problem on my 2001. I called the dealership and they said 375.00 + parts to fix. Being mechanically inclined I decidet to try it myself. Please understand, this is not exact, but is a pretty good guide. To open from the outside, make sure doors are unlocked(mine relocked after a minute or so) place a screwdriver, long and thin, into the slot that the handle passes through the door on the right side. Raise the handle of the driver, and you should be pressing down on a cable that operates the latch. the door should release. If you cant do that, from the inside, remove the two side trim pieces. Then remove the inner door panel, One screw under plastic cap on handle, one under cap on strap... and pop off all plastic buttons(hidden) between the door and cover, a 1" putty knife will work for this. You will see the cable that used to connect to the handle. Remove the cable by pulling it through the slot(apparent when you get to it) and now remove the two screws that hold the handle on. Also, you have to remove a screw from the passengers side of the cover plate over the handle. the plate will slide(not sure which way now), and it will come off. replace the handle and etc..... inreverse.. Took me 25 minutes, start to finish. Further questions, let me know. remember, mine was 2001 Sienna.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. 10 minutes to get it openable again. To add to the solution, here is what I had to do. Until it's broken there is no reason to know this, but understanding how it works helps. The external handle is attached to a "finger" that goes into the door. The "finger" breaks off easily. Once broken, it must be pulled out so the screw driver can be used as a replacement. The finger goes in the door and pushes down on what I assume to be a horizontal cable which releases the lock. As indicated above, make sure the doors are unlocked (do the remote, open and close a door) and then insert the screw driver and follow the instructions above. Being cold here in Minneapolis, I will probably use the screw driver for the winter and work on fixing it in the summer.
Do you have a diagram, illustration, picture, motion video, etc. Tyvm
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After removing the interior panel, I was able to get the gate open without tools. After removing the three 10mm nuts and disconnecting the taillight lead, I was able to disassemble the latch and broken handle. Instead of trying to reattach the broken arm (as suggested on another site), I replaced it by drilling through the handle and used a long bolt and two nuts to secure it to push the cable actuator that connects to the tailgate latch. I filed the threads smooth on the bolt where it pushes the actuator arm for smooth operation. Worked like a charm. $0!
You can open the door using a brake adjuster (looks like a crooked screw driver), or possibly just a regular screwdriver. You need to remove the inner panel and unscrew the handle. There are metal replacement parts on Ebay motors for a bit more than the plastic. Well worth it.
Is there a part that can fix this? It's surprising to me how many people have the same problem as me. The hinges on both front doors are not working (no stop - they just swing freely) and the power door is rickety as well. What is the deal??
On a 2000 you can remove the three screws in the door panel from the inside. There is one that attaches the strap to the door and then there is two holding the handle on. Once these are removed you can snap the panel off and access the inards of the door. Once inside find the cable that runs from the latch to the handle and pull it while you are pushing the door up. Once you open it you can remove the three nuts that hold on the panel that covers the handle. Once you have that removed you will see two screws that hold the black piece you are speaking of on and see the other things that you will need to remove.
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I have the same proble with a 2000 XLE, now I am looking for the part in the web, can anybody give me a place where to buy it?
Thanks,
JLB
Miami, FL
I am also looking for a part (same problem) on the web... along with hinges for the front doors. Any help out there?
Mine is a 2002 with the same problem... tailgate latch broke during normal use. Thanks for the tips on how to access the mechanics. Where can I buy the replacement latch?
BYW- my tail lights are also burned out but I think that is a problem with the wiring on a trailer that I pull.
Same issue, no further description necessary.
98 toyota 4 runner with tail gate handle broken.how do I open it?I have a burnt out break light and can't access without being able to open the back hatch. What can I do??
Exact same problem!! PLUS both sliding door handles are loose and I'm afriad they will also break soon.
I had the same problem with the hatch latch breaking on my 2000 Sienna...I followed the instructions and it was simple except for one additional problem, the rubber cable protector separated from the metal clasp at the base so it only opens if the car never locks because the cable will not stretch far enough now. How do you replace the cable without breaking or needing a new lock?
This video helped me with that problemhttp://youtu.be/cn86h_KnAYg
This video helped me get the hatch open.
http://youtu.be/cn86h_KnAYg
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