At minute 3 you actually have it backwards. When the button is down, it will not engage the handle. You actually need it to be up then it will unlatch. It may be sticky and tough but if you do what you suggest it will not open when pulling the cable. How do I know? I spent the last 3 hours looking at videos and ripping apart my stuck latch.

You sir are the man. Bought a new metal latch new catch assembly with actuator and the trunk wouldn't work. So glad I found your video, simple flip of a switch and all is well

Awesome! Thank you very much for the info- super helpful. That’s where I’ve been stuck! Best video for help on the hatch latch!

This solved a problem we had that was underlying and only exposed when we replaced the broken latch handle. The part showing where to cut away at the plastic cover was essential to getting the door open one more time to replace the latch mechanism. A dremel with cutoff wheel made short work of opening up just enough space to get a screwdriver in to raise the locking pin. It was the plastic locking pin that was slowly breaking apart that gave an in consistent unlocking despite the actuator functioning properly. Kudos!

I wish I could give you thousand thumbs up but unfortunately only let me give one but here’s some👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Use a carbide ball end engraving tip, it zips right through the plastic...

Thats great how did you get the lock unstuck to open it.

Wow such great video on where that latch mechanism is located with respect to the black plastic housing. From watching another YT video, I was able to remove the two self tapping screws however, I am having a hard time pulling off the black plastic housing as I feel I am going to break something, but after seeing you video, I now have perspective on where the latch mechanism and if I could just lift the plastic housing enough to push down on the lever/latch...thanks for sharing

I’m almost ready to trade in mine for a new 4runner but I’ll give it one last shot opening thanks to your video. 👍

This was what i was looking for. Thanks

Thanks! This was very helpful, but you have it backwards the up position is unlocked. I fought this for quite a while. It wouldn’t open then I kinda of kicked it from inside and the door opened a tiny bit. Couple more kicks and it opened. The problem for me was mechanism was dirty. I cleaned mechanism (not motor) in soapy water with toothbrush and tiny screwdriver. Then hosed it with brake cleaner getting as much as possible inside, then dried it and hosed it with lubricant. Total PITA job but it works and didn’t need any new parts. Also wiped bottom of door since quite a bit of dirt accumulation over time and some weep holes were clogged. Hopefully I’m good for 20 more years😂😮

Thank you, cutting my little black box worked. Got me to the good stuff.

Greg I really appreciate you for this video. I was stocked in the same situation. I saw so many videos ( on top of getting almost cut with the sharp edges) and don’t say this little trick. Blessings

Well I want to tell you something I am so happy that you put this on KZfaq because I was about ready to take a chop chop to the back lock I was getting so pissed off couldn’t figure out why in the hell that latch would not open I think God that you put this on KZfaq and you save me a lot of money and I want to thank you You have a new prescriber now thank you

Thanks for this video. I was about to take an angle grinder to the hatch and start cutting away to get it to unlock

Having the same issue, thanks so much for posting! Super helpful!

Thank you! Exactly what I needed

That is what I stuck with .... Thanks for posting it here. Going to try this .

very good info.

Saved my life! Thank you!