Rear Hatch Problem

I have a 2008 4Runner with a rear hatch that wont open. I've read through a lot of the other threads on common issues with the rear hatch, actuator, and switch and this one seems different.

If I reset the ECU and locks (unplug battery, plug battery back in, toggle door locks 3x), the door will open normally. However, once the door closes, the actuator runs once to seal the door, then after about 10-15 seconds, the actuator runs again. After the actuator runs the second time, the door becomes unresponsive and wont open until I perform the ECU/lock cycling again.
If I open the door before the second time the actuator runs, the door opens normally. I can do this as many times as I like, but once the actuator runs the second time, the door is effectively dead.

Just cycling the battery does not restore door functionality. I have to toggle the door locks as well.

Has anybody else come across an issue like this before? I have a replacement actuator motor and door switch I was going to install, but I suspect the issue may be related to the ECU for the rear door.

 

Do a Googal search for 2008 4 gen rear hatch problems you will get many results.
The Toyota rear hatch on the 2008 4runner is a very poor designed item, and has caused many problems for a lot of owners.
Review the search results and i hope they will give you the needed info for a fix of problem.

 

How old is your battery? A weak battery can cause all kinds of oddball symptoms.

 

Dod you get your problem with the latch figured out?

 

Double check the exterior button cover. The original rubber cover had a problem with melting in high temperature environments. It turns into a thick heavy goo / tar-like substance and can cause the button to stick, which can cause problems.

Also check your battery and make sure it's not weak.

 

I covered that latch mess with a thin piece of rubber then covered it with thick heating and AC foil, the gooy black holds the rubber in place the foil sticks to the rubber it flexs so you can unlock the hatch works in winter cold and summer hot and no mess on your fingers.

 

I replaced mine with after market. Works like a champ. No more melting.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Trunk+And+Liftgate+Latch+Rubber+Cover+For+4RUNNER+03-16&crid=17OOYS1FSQIT1&sprefix=rubber+latch+4runner+4th+gen%2Caps%2C314&ref=nb_sb_noss

$7 Hatch Liftgate Switch Cover Lid Compatible with Prius Avalon Sequoia Camry 4Runner Sienna Scion 84905-47010 84840-21010 926-098 84840-47020 Trunk Rear Hatch Liftgate Door Handle Switch Latch Cover

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZLBRR65/

 

Did you remove that messy black junk? if so using what to remove it?

 

https://www.4runners.com/threads/04-rear-hatch-wont-close.9539/#post-102722

 

https://www.top4runners.com/ja/2007/interiorhatchrelease.html

 

If i have to ever go through all that to get my hatch opened, i am getting rid of my 4runner.
Have never liked the way it worked that stupid motor pulling into locking a major unneeded item Toyota Engineers.