Hey Guys:I've posted on this site before about the same problem.Sorry to be a pest.As I'm writing this post my 4Runner is at the dealer who has gone from an $800 to $1100 estimate to repair/replace my rear window motor so he can get the tailgate down so he can give me an estimate on the problem I have with a brake light that only works ocasionally.At 180,000 miles and rust now appearing in several places is it time to bite the bullet and spend the money on a new one or try to fix it myself?Thanks in advance...Joe

 

If you can find a used motor they're easy to replace. I've heard that any window motor from 4runners or Camrys will work.

 

Try troubleshooting the rear window problem yourself:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...arWindow.shtml

Not sure why the rear window would be related to the brake light problem.

 

Can't get window down = Can't open tailgate = can't get to screws for tail lights.

You should be able to get a used motor and fix that yourself for $50 at most. The light problem could probably be fixed for under $10. Where do you live? I would be glad to fix all that for half! I am sure many in here would also enjoy getting $500 for a few hours of work on a Saturday afternoon.

 

Remove access panel for tailgate, poke around inside to find the cause of the problem. Often it is something as simple as the wiper not being fully parked or the door lock not being fully engaged (all described on my web page - link above). If all else fails, apply 12V directly to the motor, unless it is dead it WILL move. If it goes the wrong way, reverse the powed to make it go down.

Never worked on the 2nd gens that much, but you can get to the tail light screws from outside on my 1st gen.

 

Thanks guys.I appreciate the quick replies.I'm going to call the dealer back and cancel the work.They give you a line of b.s. when you first call them saying it shouldn't be too much to fix.Then there's "problems".Should have listened to you guys in the first place.It'll be interesting how much ransom the dealer will charge me to get the truck back...

 

I'd say they are trying to do their level best to screw you. There are posts around the net all the time with people selling motors and regulators for these (ex. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...sPageName=WDVW) and lots of places to find info on how to work on 2nd gen tailgate assemblies.
Unless the internals and the tailgate are a rusted up mess, search more on here how to do repairs on 2nd gen 4Runner tailgates. You could have a problem with the motor, the wiring, the circuit board relay, the door closed detection switch, the wiper parked detection switch, or something else, but all can be figured out.
If it is a rusted up mess, head for a junkyard or the internet and find one with a good regulator. If the motor won't work with power applied directly too it, hit the junkyard for a power window motor out of a Toyota car or truck. As mentioned, I believe they are all the same.
As far as the brake light, by any chance do you have a trailer hitch? If you do it's likely the problem is in the hitch wiring.
Ultimately, I suppose the real question is how dirty you are willing to get. Me personally, I'd only be spending that much if I was expecting to get a 22re overhauled or something else that is mechanically MAJOR. That much cash for a tailgate is absurd.

 

I have removed the access panel.The motor clicks when power is applied.The gear teeth are pretty rusted.I assume the motor is the small circular item with the red and green leads.What's the square black tube on top of it?Dealer is pissed I didn't have them do the work.Charged me $50 for "diagnostics".

 

I have a similar problem - the window motor operates, but the window doesn't come down ( or up ) without a hell of a lot of assistance. I have cleaned out the runners and the side guides, but no joy - the local garage tell me the motor is "lazy" and needs replacing, so I am about to get a second hand motor - Can anybody tell me if this is likely though, or whether I should be getting the whole regulator ( I presume the regulator is the large cog like gear wheels that the window is actually attatched to )

 

Also, can anybody please tell me the process for changing the motor once I get it.

 

If and when you go to buy a window regulator, I actually have two that I would sell for $40 each plus shipping, I got them with my replacement doors.

PM me if your interested.

Mike

 

Hi, thanks for the offer - unfortunately - I am in the UK, so I imagine shipping may be a little expensive !

 

True.

Lots of luck on your search,

 

Hey grams...do you still have those motors cause if you do I'd be interested in one. My driver's side rear door window quite working so if this will work with it I'll get it. Let me know what the shipping is to 72118 and what motor came from what door. Thanks

 

If you need to source out the work get an auto glazer to do it( windshield door glass shop) I did that for five years and have went into many liftgates on all makes....this helps because you screwing around with the regulater could potential break the glass. That glass is a lot more money than you would imagine. Most auto glass shops will charge you by the hour( 40 to 60 dollar avg) just my .02

 

I have both sides, I'll figure out the ups and pm ya.