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Toyota Sienna Power Rear Hatch

77 messages,  Last post on Jan 18, 2013 at 6:12 AM

You are in the Toyota Sienna Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Van

Messages Page 8 of 8

#70 of 77 Rear Hatch uncontrolled opening by pushan

Oct 11, 2010 (5:02 pm)

I just got my rear hatch struts replaced for 2004 Sienna as part of the recall.
The rear hatch now opens uncontrolled. It opens all the way relatively faster now and stops with couple of thuds. I believe this is not normal stopping but the service person is insists that this is normal with the new strut.
 
I looked at the new Sienna at the dealers lot. In the new van, the hatch initially opens rather quickly but it slows down towards the end.
 
Can someone guide me if the service guy is right or wrong?

#71 of 77 Like to keep my fingers clean. by mr10key

Oct 17, 2010 (10:09 am)

I see that this thread is focused primarily on the mechanical functioning of the rear hatch door on the Sienna but my problem lies with the "rubber-like" switch or handle as some refer to it that is used to manually open the hatch.
 
We purchased our 2008 Sienna LE in November when temperatures were between mid 70's to low 80's in the Houston area. As temperatures warmed up in the following months to mid/upper 90's we noted that every time we touched this "rubber-like" handle our fingers came back with a black and sticky residue that could only be removed with soap and water.
 
It would seem- just like asphalt on a road in the heat of the summer- this handle is simply becoming a gel during the hot summer months. Wonder if this design was considered only in northern portions of the country.
 
Just found the time to visit with a local Toyota parts department about the issue and surprisingly, while they have had customers come in with similar complaints, they truly do not have a remedy or alternative available. While in the showroom, I decided to inspect the handle on a 2011 Sienna, and low and behold, it is the same material.
 
Am I to presume that all Sienna owners out there (primarily those with manually opened hatch doors) simply accept this and go about the rest of their day with black and sticky fingers?
 
Just wondering how many of you in this forum have experienced this and what remedies you may have come across if any. I'm thinking about installing a strip of cloth or something similar that can withstand the outdoor environment but think this remedy is a bit overboard given the value of this vehicle.

#72 of 77 Re: Like to keep my fingers clean. [mr10key] by ateixeira

Oct 19, 2010 (9:45 am)

Replying to: mr10key (Oct 17, 2010 10:09 am)
I've never stained my fingers, nor does ours feel sticky. That would bug the crap out of me, so I'd know if it did.
 
I have an 07 LE, for reference.

#73 of 77 Re: Like to keep my fingers clean. [mr10key] by scuddeback

Jun 13, 2011 (11:39 am)

Replying to: mr10key (Oct 17, 2010 10:09 am)
I have the same problem with my 2007 LE model. It started last year during the winter. Could not open the latch with the remote. Extreme cold kept it locked. Very frustrating. Now it is hot, above 90 degrees and the rubber is melting and sticking to my fingers. The dealer has told me of others in my small town have had to install new assemblies for the latch at a cost of over $220.00. I find that outrageous for a problem which I believe Toyota must have been aware of for some time. There must be a cheaper fix!!!! Wish someone would advise. Even the dealer agrees.
 
I am putting Velcro over the rubber strip in hopes it will stick and keep my fingers clean for a while. This is a much cheaper alternative to a replacement of the entire latch mechanism. Hope it works. Have lots of Velcro.

#74 of 77 Re: 2005 ~ hatch not working at all [filnterrausa] by csienna2004

Jul 29, 2011 (10:58 pm)

Replying to: filnterrausa (Jun 23, 2010 12:51 pm)
Filnterrausa,
 
I have a 2004 Sienna and has the same hatch rear strut supports problem as your (without auto-hatch) . How did you get it resolve?

#75 of 77 Re: Rear Hatch uncontrolled opening [pushan] by pushan

Jul 31, 2011 (4:25 pm)

Replying to: pushan (Oct 11, 2010 5:02 pm)
Here is the update:
 
I went to another dealer, almost 30 miles away. The service guy took the part number of the strut installed in my Sienna and then compared the part with the parts department. He told me that the Strut installed in my sienna is wrong one, the first dealer has installed the strut for 2009+ sienna.
 
He asked me to go back to the first dealer to get the correct part installed. I will provide update next week.
 
I

#76 of 77 Re: Like to keep my fingers clean. [mr10key] by cleanfingers

Sep 01, 2012 (6:37 pm)

Replying to: mr10key (Oct 17, 2010 10:09 am)
I solved the problem for about $5. I have a 2007 Sienna and called in to Toyota about the problem. They said the part is about $60 and then you pay the labor. Of course, this would only solve the problem temporarily. Same thing will eventually happen again because of the design flaw. Solution...... by a pack of velcro. Cut a strip to match the size of the latch. Peel back the tape for the sticky side of the velcro and match it to the latch. Cut another piece of velcro and attach it to that. I left the fuzzy side down for my fingers. The velcro is flexible so the sensor can still be engaged to open the door. Works great! Has been through rain, the leakage has stopped and it is dry to the touch. And....because the velcro is black, you don't notice it at all. Earned a lot of brownie points with my wife...

#77 of 77 Re: Like to keep my fingers clean. [cleanfingers] by melodi

Jan 18, 2013 (6:12 am)

Replying to: cleanfingers (Sep 01, 2012 6:37 pm)
Not only is my 2007 LE that I bought in September have a sticky latch, it will only open 1 in 5 times. It is not a remote opener and I would like to know if it can be converted. All in all, I'm ready to trade the car if this can't be fixed.

Messages Page 8 of 8

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