You can get a better METAL handle on Amazon here for about $15! www.amazon.com/... How to replace the rear hatch handle on a Toyota Sequoia. This one is actually pretty hard. It's even harder if your rear window won't roll down!
Thanks for the great video. I did this today and figured out that you do not actually have to remove the power window assembly or mess with it at all. The nuts holding the handle from behind can be removed through 2 rubber access plugs with a long T-handle and a 10mm socket. Makes the job go *much* faster that way. Also - metal replacement handles are available from many different sellers on ebay for as low as 15 bucks.
About every 2-3 years the factory handle breaks! The dealership charges about $268 or more to replace it. This would have been my third one and was looking for an alternative. Long story short...I purchased the OEM handle for $32 on EBAY (free shipping!!!) and thanks to this video...I did it myself in about 2 hours. Thanks for posting this video.
Brian, you are the man. I found that all the info. that you gave me to be just what I needed to get the job done. Opening the rear door advice was priceless. The part can be bought on Ebay for less than $20. I also used my friend JB Weld to give the latch added strength in the area which seems to break. I sure appreciate you for your ability and the desire to video and you tube. May God Bless you! Jake.
I Bought the Metal Latch for $16 on Amazon and successfully replaced it last night. Thanks for the Walk Through. I had some trouble getting the Power Window Mount back into it's 4 holes. I turned car on and just lowered the Back window while all back was opened up just a few inches and then I had plenty of play to get in back in. Thanks again for the Video. Gave me the confidence to save some cash!!
This was incredibly helpful, thanks. rather than deal with all the skinned knuckles people talk about trying to get those two 10mm nuts holding the latch itself in, i took out the 4 nuts on the window mechanism (window was just barely cracked) and was able to move it out of the way, making the rest of the job a piece of cake. $30 and an hour or so instead of the hundreds the stealer wanted with OEM parts and their shop rates.......priceless. Thanks again
Wanted to thank you for all your videos! I just replaced our Sequoia's handle this weekend with an all-metal version. I bent a cheap flat blade screwdriver to get the door open as you showed. The video was very helpful getting me in there and I appreciate it. Also used a few of your videos as a resource on my duramax. I know it takes a lot of time to film, edit and post all while fixing something and most of us out here really appreciate the time you spend doing it. And to all those complaining about the camera work, steps shown, detail, etc. in the video you accessed for FREE... give me a break! Act like an adult and be resourceful. If you want your hand held and a free cup of coffee, visit your local dealership. They love taking money from helpless whiners.
To open the hatch, I used the suggested technique of rolling down the window and using a wedge and coat hanger to hook the cable and pull. Worked perfectly. BTW, this is the 3rd broken hatch handle on my 2002 Sequoia. Ridiculous. Thanks to all who posted.
This video and others was a great help! Just did this - this past weekend. Have some TIPS to Make it even easier. 1. Roll down back window. 2. Remove the closing strap from the back interior panel. 3. While standing on the ground at the back of the car, Remove the 2 plastic interior covers (just above the big panel on the rear hatch) on either side of the window by pulling out at the bottom - there are three plastic attachments. 4. Still with hatch closed and while standing on the bumper leaning into the window, reach down and pull up and out in the center of the panel to loosen it in the middle - mine came up about 2 inches (that's why step 3 above to give it room), then work your way around both sides pulling out on the panel. 5. Once the panel is loose, I muscled one side and bent it so I could get it clear (I still could not open the hatch) - and removed the panel out the back window - NOW ROLL UP THE BACK WINDOW. 6. Remove the license plate and all screws (2 or 4). 7. Pull off the 3 rubber grommets at the top interior of the hatch - these are access holes for the 10mm ratchet. 8. TO OPEN the HATCH - from inside the car - Take a longer screwdriver and reach inside the grommet holes and push on the latch to open the hatch - use a flashlight - while at the same time pushing on the hatch to open it - took me 10 seconds to open it. 9. With the hatch now open and sitting in the car with your legs out the back and the hatch on your legs, take the large black metal panel off with about 10 screws. Let it hang - it kept hitting the back bumper area when opening and closing the hatch - BE careful not to break it when opening and closing the hatch. 11. You also can then take the 2 nuts holding the broken handle to the car through the grommets. 12. Remove the one nut holding the lock on the hatch - from the interior. 13. Now, with a pair of needle nose pliers and small hands, squeeze the plastic expanders holding the license plate frame to the hatch - there are about 6 of them - there are 2 white ones. REMOVE the license plate bracket. 14. Now remove the broken latch - there are two screws holding it in. 15. Screw in the new latch. 16. Toughest part is getting the cable to stay in the new latch. Pull the cable through the hole and insert into new latch. Jimmy the new latch with the cable in place through the hole - Frustrating - took me 5 times to get it done. 17. Put it all back together - fix all the plastic expandable holders into place so you can "pop" those back into place. Hope this helps.
@slmitc31 You're absolutly right on all counts. However, despite my errors I posted this anyway. I knew I'd get criticisms, but I'm ok with that. I don't have the time to create masterpieces. It just requires more time than I currently have. What little time I have to give. I will give it anyway in hopes it will help some one. Enjoy.
Got my "METAL" handle on ebay in 3 days for $21. Because of this video, I had the confidence of getting past that MF opening the tailgate, took me 20 minutes of cussing. Moving the power window was a stumble also. BE SURE TO START THIS PROJECT WITH THE WINDOW ROLLED UP. When you get to the inside, the power window removes with 4 x 10mm bolts, the TRICK IS TO THEN SLIDE THE WHOLE MECHANISM DOWN AS A UNIT about 5 inches to make access to the latch. I did the whole thing in 2 hours. THanks
Thanks for a great vid! Just installed my new latch. Dealership wanted over 500 bucks to do it. I bought the part from Olathe Toyota parts for 88.00 plus shipping. Works perfectly.
very helpful! thanks for posting it. I used an Allen wrench in some vice grips to pull the locking mechanism down. It took about 15 seconds once I got a light up there so I could see where it was.
Brian, I have been badgering my husband to fix mine for 6 months now. Thanks to your video, I was able to replace mine, but with some difficulty. Thank you for saving me so much money!
I found that a garbage disposal tool works GREAT for opening the latch. Grab one end with a vise grip, ( as you squeeze the vise grip pliers you should see the " S " part of the tool bend up, not down. ), and put it the hole for the latch lever. Pull UP on the pliers, creating a downward motion on the lever inside the door. It might take a little bit to find the tension of the lever, but once you do, it's easy to go from there!
Wow that looks far too complicated just to replace a latch. I guess Toyota didn't think they would need to get replaced very often. By the way I like your videos man, you crack me up every time.
Next- get your light out again and spot the cylinder that is about 8mm diameter and 12 mm long in the center that runs the same direction as the car (front to back) Slide it *(don't remember) up or down and then pull the cable on the right side. Repeat till it opens. If this fails- you have to remove your towing receiver, identify the two 14mm nuts welded into a plate and cut them free and remove them. From there the striker is free and your hatch can open- then upbolt latch mech & replace.
One thing no one tells you that it took me a while to figure out was after the latch breaks the lever moves up over the hole. You reach in and straight up over the hole and grab and pull. Once I figured this out it was easy.
Brian, this is super helpful. The description to your video says, "This one is actually pretty hard. It's even harder if your rear window won't roll down!" This unfortunately is the case with me. The window has not responded to the push button and key entry control. Should I take mine into the dealer?
Thanks, instructions were great, I was able to use a small pry bar which the piece that was broken off to pop the trunk open, everything else was just as described. Only took a half hour, and the part was at an Advanced Auto Parts store for $49. Thanks again!
4:15 is when he actually shows the pulled panel. I got a solid metal handle for $49 from 1aauto.com, with free shipping to Hawaii! Got here in 3 days. This will be the second time i'm replacing a broken handle and the last, screw OEM plastic. 1aauto also has a youtube channel for replacing most parts they sell. Big mahalo to all these guys posting DIY vids. aloha
Thanks for the video - it helped a lot. I bought a metal replacement on Ebay. I spent 30 minutes trying to open the latch and then re-watched. Once I focused on "...and pull the door at the same time", all was good. I wound up removing the metal plate so that I could better illuminate the bolts that you can access through the rubber grommets (...and to retrieve the nut that I dropped...). Other than that, all is good although there's a slight "catch" noise when I move the window down.
I've heard of people removing the panel from the inside, but it's not an easy thing to do without breaking it. Sadly I bet I could get it in 5 minutes if I tried, but I don't know what to say that I haven't said. Be sure you're using a light so you can see what you're doing.
Great video !! Another great tool for opening the hatch after the handle has broken is a paint can opener. It already has a little hook on the end. insert and pry/pull downward and it popped open easy !!
I got my handle off of Ebay all metal did the trick here for $21.93 Fortworthautoparts was the seller look in their store. Hope you don't mind the plug for them. It beats the heck out of the plastic OEM one. Dude you did an awesome job with this. I liked taking the gromments out to reach the nuts on the back of it. Again thank you for the awesome video.
thanks for the video. Feedback: I prefer some of your video shots on a stable tripod (even those small 12" ones) where we can see a wider view and you point out where you are at. I was a bit disoriented as you panned around, not knowing exactly where you were because I haven't opened up my door yet. Thank you again.
Thanks for the vid! I replaced mine today. I was able to get to the latch and cable without moving the rear window out of the way. Also if you don't have a torqued up screwdriver use and Allen wrench. Either way, I appreciate it especially for the inspiration!
Thanks! Changing it now. $95. plastic replace handle... (from the Dealer) Got a metal one on order for next time it happens. Used a paint can opener to wiggle that lever. Worked alright.
Don't mess with opening the door from the outside, crawl in the back and open the hatch after you remove the panel and lower the power window motor. it's much easier and saves time. Other than that good video. You can buy this part on eBay now for 12 dollars. I've had to replace mine 3 times in 13 years.
right on bud...great video...this is on my todo list today...i love the design that the handle brakes and there is no interior pop button so you cant release the spare tire...can you guess why im ganna fix the handle? yup flat tire...those sneeky toyota designer's screwed me again...thanks again i'll crack a cold one for you once i get that tire changed...
Great DIY video...thanks for posting ...my local dealer (Toyota of Claremont) wanted to gouge me for $440 to replace this. (With plastic OEM parts) I'm sure it would be broken again in a few years; anyway you saved me a ton of dough. Thanks
It's really not too bad. I was being kind of a whiner. You just have to work around the regulator that's all. If you use socket extensions and a flashlight it's the same either way.
I was able to get the release by using a coat hanger bent at the top part of the hanger. Grab on the release and pull. You will be able to pull on the hanger easier than use a bend tool. (Or incase you do not have that tool he used)
The cable housing end is likely over torqued from when the handle broke. You can replace that cable from the handle-to-latch or bailing wire the outer cable sleeve end to make the sleeve longer again.
Sorry. That was a really vague question. It was more of a question as to the door latch. What changes when the window doesn't go down? What should I expect to be harder to do? Does it get in the way when removing and then installing the latch?
@doniv07 It's probably locked. Can you have some one do the power locks while you're back there listening? I'd verify audibly that it's unlocking. Also it helps to look at the new one and look at the broken one with a flashlight to know what to move. Hope this helps.
Pop off the panel from the inside through a downed rear window. (you're outside brother) Then put the window up and back seats down and get in the vehicle with a camera/mirror/fishing camera and spot the latch at the bottom with the two elec plugs on the passenger side. Notice it's got a high side (toward you) and a low side (toward the back). Take a heavy duty box cutter and cut along the line or step of the low side (on top of low side below high side) and then down the right and left.
Great video - thanks - I replaced the latch and it works great EXCEPT now it doesn't LOCK! What happened? When I click "lock' on the remote, I hear it lock and then it beeps again the back door unlocks - all the other locks stay locked - only the back hatch unlocks - any advice?
I did this last night - it took 3 hours and was not as easy as it looks. FIRST to get the back hatch open, shine a light up in the hole so and you can see how to activate the lever to open the back door. The rest is easy until he says to take the rear motor assembly off - IMPOSSIBLE. I just worked around it and got the 2 bolts holding the latch off - very hard. Getting it back together is easy. BONUS!! - AFTER DISCONNECTING AND RECONNEDTING THE WIRES, NOW MY BACK WINDOW WORKS!!!!
I used a .97 cent ladder hook, which i banged into shape with a hammer on a brick. Works like a charm (stashed in truck as an emergency key :) I would also suggest while replacing handle to attach a wire or cord and run through interior panel as emergency release for further problems. Good video , thanks bud.
I want to thank briansmobile1 for posting this... very helpful to see ahead of time. For everybody else, if you don't have the handy-dandy wire tool that he used, I found that a "paint can opener (key)" bent at about a 30 degree angle in a vice works like a charm. It has a nice little lip on the end that makes grabbing the latch mechanism pretty easy to do.
Damn seem really hard. We need to do that, but we have gotten by with the window for the last year and a half. I cant believe Toyota used such a cheap part. Well, its not a problem on the new Sequoias, they use an electric latch now.
I followed the video and got the broken handle removed but the cable had already slipped out of the old handle and I can't figure out how to thread the cable into the new handle. I've checked every video, google image, etc. and no luck. Do you have a picture of what the handle should look like with the cable threaded? Thanks very much for the video, it was a huge help!
Brian, do you see any shortfalls to the shortcut that cyclesolutionsdotnet explains in his video? Maybe doing the shortcut, it's harder to run the cable onto the new latch mechanism?
Thanks for your video. Very helpful! You helped me figure out how to remove the broken plastic hook and saved me a few bucks buying the replacement latch. Thanks again!
to get to the 10mm nuts, there are 3 rubber grommets above the black metal panel. You still have to take the panel off, but the grommets make it easier. Pop those out and you have easier access to those with an extension on your socket. Careful you don't drop the nuts.
, thanks for the video , you mentioned the door handle is $75.00 dollars , that must be dealer I replace them all the time for my customers , check eBay out they have them for $11.99 to 17.99 each you could 4 and keep them lol . if you buy the one from the dealer it's still going to be the same problem because I don't think they fixed the problem . Thanks again
This video is helpful, but could be better. 1. As someone else on a board suggested, it's easier to lower the window, wedge open a gap, and use a long screwdriver to push down on the easily visible latch. 2. Instead of removing the window mechanism, just pop off the rubber grommets and you have ready access to the bolts for the latch (just need a 6" ratchet extension to reach it). 3. More info on how to remove the license plate trim would be nice. Hint: it's bolted to the lock, so remove that, then raise the right side to loosen the lower right, then pull right to undo the left sides. Do NOT try to pry it off, as you will just break the attachments for no reason.
I just bought a replacement. Unfortunately, the latch is made from plastic. If I buy one from metal, how can I be sure that it isn't made from recycled metal mixed with copper, thus making it weak. BTW, is it possible just to drill a screw into the broken part of the handle and repair it that way, without taking it off??
I probably should have said that I did appreciate your efforts. It just would have been better if someone was holding the camera for you. I am going to try it again today but I am really frustrated with this project. It took me 20 mins to change my breaks but it's takin days for this latch. I am very frustrated. I can't seem to get the licence plate cover off. It seems like it is held by a screw at the top but from the inside. I just don't know. I'll let you know what happens.......
I replaced both the handle and the actuator on a recently bought 2004 Sequoia. After a few days of working it failed and I was unable to open the hatch. Noticed the previous owner had made a hole under license plate so he must have experienced a similar problem in his 15 years of ownership. Instead of trying to get the handle and actuator to work in harmony which they clearly don't I simply have the end of the cable poking through the hole under license plate and pull on it when I need to open hatch. Is secure because you cannot open to release without unlocking with the fob so problem solved.
@slmitc31 i had the same issue, top center of the license frame seemed held on by something. there was a fastener at about the right spot that i saw from the inside, figured it wouldn't hurt to remove and everything came out after that. was that really holding it on? i'll never know, but at least the job got done. by the way, i did all the work with the hatch open. so when i released the window motor it didn't drop, as it was lying flat on its side at that point.
At 5:09 in your video the place where the handle screws to the license plate cover piece on my sequoia is broken and I can not screw the new latch to the location. Any ideas for repair or replacment. Local Dealer wants $386.00 for one. Really appreciate you doing this video.
hello all. to make it 100% faster. remove the rubber plugs on the top of rear deck panel and accesst the nuts thru there. You don't have to remove all the motors etc. like this vid.
To help, so you don't have to replace this again, try a metal one - not the plastic ones - from 1A Auto, part #1ABTH00049, FOR $49.95. sure it costs more, but I've replaced mine 4 times since 2001, just installed this metal one. On the 2001 Sequoia, you'll need to remove your license plate and then with a needle nose, pinch and push out the license plate instert on the hatch. This makes it real easy to replace.
I recommend that we should not buy tailgate handle from ebay or China because I just ordered one from ebay. It's cheap, just $11.00 metal based on the description but when I got it, it's actually just a plastic handle and after I did replaced it, I can't open the door because it's weak products and the spring holder is broken so I have to buy one from local store.
i repaired the handle and it now opens and closes properly. However, the rear won't lock anymore. The electric lock try, then basically unlocks all of the doors. Any thoughts?
The latch on my 2002 Sequoia has gone bad and I bought a used one from a recycle yard and before I installed it I tested it and it worked but when I installed it the lift gate locked but will not open when I tried to open it with the handle but when I pulled the cable by itself it opened. What could be the problem.Secondly,what is the name of that somewhat triangular piece on which the handle is installed that has the key lock hole called.Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you.
Can you help advise me. I had been told that the actuator cable is bent and needs to be replaced, Toyota wants almost 1k to do the work, another place will do it much cheaper but stated that they do not have the software to program that there was a new one installed is this necessary to have (the software)? I really want my back door fixed
