Keyhole to roll down the back window stuck?

I have a 2015 with 83k

Has anyone had the keyhole to roll down the rear window get stuck? The window still rolls down from the switch in the interior, but the key won’t turn to roll it down from the outside.

 

Are you saying that when you insert the key you physically cannot turn it? Sounds like something is bound up by debris.

Have you tried pressurized air and a little WD-40?

 

My 3rd gen (Y2K model year) had a similar sticking/jammed rear hatch keyhole. A couple of puffs of graphite powder lubricant freed it up nicely. Thing about those key slots, being exposed to the elements, if yours is really jammed up then its more likely heavily corroded inside and may require replacement...you could try lubricating with WD-40, let it sit for an hour or two and try the key.

 

if it's mechanical, use this

 

For a vehicle with such super low mileage it's a forgone conclusion that the jammed up keyhole couldn't be due to wear/tear. Only 83K miles, wow!

 

Good point, has it ever worked? Was it ever rear ended and had the rear hatch replaced?

 

Yep exactly I can put the key in but not turn it.

I’ve tried the WD40, but not the other stuff so I’ll give it a shot! I bought it December 2022 with 67k and it hasn’t worked since I’ve had it

Thanks everyone!

 

I'd also try spraying your key and inserting it to get real deep to the entire lock. Good luck!

 

The reason I asked about the accident thing is because I've seen hatches replaced w/o swapping the lock tumbler over.

Good luck!

 

Also, there is a programmable option but I'm not sure if that's specific to the rear window lock or the entire vehicle.

 

You're very patient to have had it not working for 14 months before you asked about it...good luck with the fix.

 

Do you have a spare key to try?
I had a 3rd Gen for almost 20 years and the key and ignition slowly wore over the years. The key worked great to start the 4Runner but did not turn in the hatch window very easily. Since I rarely used the key there I figured the key edges were worn and didn’t mesh with the more pristine window key tumblers very well.
However my spare key had sharper edges and did work.

 

I had that once, fixed it by pouring BreakFree CLP in the keyhole. After hour or so lock begun working again. WD40 will do to I guess.

 

The stuff shown in post #4 seems worth trying. It shows sold out at Lockitt, but of course Amazon has it:

$14 Houdini Lock Lube

https://www.amazon.com/HOUD1-Houdini-Lock-Lube/dp/B00C5JFKKE?crid=23NILRNRKPSZR&keywords=Lockitt+Houdini&qid=1707070694&sprefix=lockitt+houdini%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-2-fkmr1&th=1

And also this stuff, which is slightly less in cost:

$5 3-IN-ONE Lock Dry Lube, 2.5 OZ

https://www.amazon.com/3-ONE-Lock-D...28c-4737-b062-e18210067194&pd_rd_i=B00R18XU7E

 

This! It took Electroboy’s post to remind me about a worn key. When I donated my Gen 3 I kept my main key as a memento…here it is, obviously used for many years as you can see by the key’s cuts all being completely rounded off. I can remember now that not only was the rear hatch key slot sticking but the ignition as well.

That being said, do you have the second (spare) to try?