[RickDel]

Hello, I've searched but not found my answer. My 2014 Highlander Limited liftgate has been acting up for a few months. It sometimes wouldn't open all the way but more often it wouldn't close all the way unless we pushed the button several times. The other day if finally stopped working all together. When we push the button it will only issued one long beep. It will unlock if I manually push the release button on the liftgate but won't open automatically, so I think the locking mechanism is working.

I don't think this matters, but my window is definitely closed and the manual button in the glove box off.

I've also checked all fuses.

Can someone please offer a suggestion on repair or how I can further diagnosis the problem? (I really don't want to do it, but I'm prepared to swap out the struts to manual if I necessary).

Any help is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you. - Rick

 

[Lastplace again]

There is a guy on youtube that replaced the power gate with regular Manual gate parts, under $200.

my next mod next time that POS auto tailgate screws up.

 

[jstmahoney20]

After doing a quick Google search it looks like the power struts are a little pricey would be anywhere from $600-700 for a pair.


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[RickDel]

Thanks for the reply. I saw that video already. It's really informative and I was prepared to do that, but the wife refused. Haha.... she said no way!

Anyhow, I pulled the struts (actuators) and connected them to a 12v power supply. One moved and the other was dead, so I'm hoping that's the problem. I bought a replacement. I'll update if that fixes the problem.

 

[Lastplace again]

Good idea using the 12 volt power supply, I'll keep that in mind.

 

[jstmahoney20]

Thanks for the reply. I saw that video already. It's really informative and I was prepared to do that, but the wife refused. Haha.... she said no way!

Anyhow, I pulled the struts (actuators) and connected them to a 12v power supply. One moved and the other was dead, so I'm hoping that's the problem. I bought a replacement. I'll update if that fixes the problem.

Haha sounds like my wife. Luckily we have the back glass that opens when it’s not Necessary to open the whole gate.


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[2GR-FKS]

https://www.actuatorzone.com/progressive-automations.pdf
This is a catalog of a 12v linear actuators. You’ll have to measure the exact stroke, mounting and find one with an internal motor. While not cheap I bet you can beat $600 a pair.

 

[RickDel]

2GR-FKS, WOW, that's a good idea. However, I already have an aftermarket on the way. It cost $250!!! So, I hope it fixes my problem.

 

[2GR-FKS]

Here are some more options

Source Waterproof Protect Feature linear actuator for tools car park parking on m.alibaba.com

 

[RickDel]

UPDATE: For anyone experiencing the same problem (liftgate stopped working). AFTER checking rear window and manual button in the glovebox, I pulled both actuators / struts from the liftgate, ran a jumper wire from the battery directly to each actuator and determined one wasn't responding when powered. I bought an Aisin $250 actuator on Amazon. Replaced the non-working one in less than 20 mins with the new one. All good, problem fixed!

It was $250, but I bet it would have been over a $1k repair at the dealer!

 

[2GR-FKS]

UPDATE: For anyone experiencing the same problem (liftgate stopped working). AFTER checking rear window and manual button in the glovebox, I pulled both actuators / struts from the liftgate, ran a jumper wire from the battery directly to each actuator and determined one wasn't responding when powered. I bought an Aisin $250 actuator on Amazon. Replaced the non-working one in less than 20 mins with the new one. All good, problem fixed!

It was $250, but I bet it would have been over a $1k repair at the dealer!

Nice! My strut says Aisin with a part number on it. I’ll bet you got the OEM product without the 250% markup.

 

[RickDel]

Nice! My strut says Aisin with a part number on it. I’ll bet you got the OEM product without the 250% markup.

2GR-FKS, What did yours cost? I bought it from Amazon, because I knew I could return it without hassle.

 

[2GR-FKS]

Mine is a new car. I just checked the strut to see if I could find it aftermarket to help. Sometimes through rock auto eBay and some luck on a google search you can save a bunch. From my search your Amazon price is one of the lowest.

 

[Northern68]

My tailgate started functioning intermittently just before Christmas and with similar symptoms as commented already. Dealership said leaky struts and about $2K (CAD) to replace!! I'm very disappointed in the diagnosis and suggested solution. I see no fluid leaks so must be air?? I've read that Toyota is aware that leaky struts is not an unusual problem. I'm getting a second opinion not from a dealership although might be same solution.