Tailgate won't open! 2004 4Runner

My tailgate has been acting up once in a while for about two years. It finally won't open any more. pulling the tailgate handle creates a noise and I can see the lever action happening but not allowing it to open. I bought a new motor but that didn't help. I bought a new release handle but that didn't help. So now I'm stuck with a situation whereby I want to fix the problem but not sure what is the next step. I normalized the electronics and that's not it either. Next product to replace is the computer / electronic module where all the wires go into the door and to the latch, wiper and window.
Does anyone know what might be happening?

 

Try pushing in on the hatch before pulling the lever. Keep leaning on it until after the mechanism does it's thing, then pull.

If that doesn't work, there is an access panel on the inside of the hatch that I used to reach through to help the mechanism. Just be careful as you could get pinched if you put your fingers in the wrong place. I don't highly recommend this method, but it might work.

 

Did you replace the entire latch mechanism? When mine finally quit working altogether, I got the mechanism out of another hatch and it was good as new again

 

Yes. New latch and handle.

 

That's where the actuator is controlling the door latch. Probably is where the issue i

 

Hmm. I figured there was just the latch mechanism and the push button in the handle above the license plate. I didn't know there was a computer for the hatch. Weird.

I'm curious what the solution ends up being.

 

If it's making sound when you press the button it's very likely the lock assembly. Try googling 4 runner hatch won't open. The part # you need is

$149 69110-35062 Parts 69110-35090 Rear Gate Latch

69110-35062. Costs around $200 and it's not hard to change. Very common problem.

 

I spent over a year trying to figure out what was wrong with mine. Turned out to be the craziest thing. The rubble handle on 4th gen are known for melting under hot temperatures. It had turned into a sticky black goo that would get stuck on the push button mechanism, so my tailgate would open itself when driving down the road, and many times I could not get it to stay closed at all. I used the bungee cord thing to hold it shut until I figure this out. So simple.

Easy to take apart, and I used some goo-gone type cleaner to get the black stuff off the plastic mechanism. The popped it back on with the new cover and it's like new.

Here's the replacement part.

IE Works Rear Hatch Button w/ Screws Liftgate Switch Latch Cover Compatible with Toyota Prius Lexus 4runner Scion Camry Trunk Door Release w/Screws Repair Fix Kit Replacement

https://www.amazon.com/Button-Liftg...=4runner+tailgate+cover&qid=1601014587&sr=8-3

or

$8 JDC Lifestyle New Improved Grip Replacement Repair Kits for Lexus Toyota Scion Liftgate Trunk Hatch Back Door Handle Switch Release Opening Button Cover

https://www.amazon.com/IMPROVED-Rep...9Y9KNSPM190&psc=1&refRID=GTT3208D09Y9KNSPM190

 

I’m having similar issues with mine. Can’t get the tailgate open at all. The button stopped working this weekend when I was inside there attempting to oil the latch. It was attempting to open before that when ever I pulled the handle. At a total loss at this point. No idea how to get it open.