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If the power liftgate on a Toyota Highlander is not functioning, what steps should I take to address the issue?
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46 answers
★ Top Answer
When the power rear door of your Toyota Highlander isn't functioning properly, you can try this troubleshooting tip: First, switch the rear hatch to the off mode using the button inside the glove compartment (off is when the button is in the out position). Manually open the hatch all the way. Once the hatch is fully open, press and hold the rear latch button until you hear 4 quick beeps. Then switch the hatchback back to the on position using the glove compartment button. Finally, try to open the hatch using the remote fob, the rear liftgate button, or the button on the front dash. Many Toyota Highlander owners have successfully resolved issues with the power rear door by following these steps. In rare cases, some owners have experienced the liftgate getting stuck in the open position due to a broken power lift arm, causing the driver-side hinge to bow.
More answers
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It didn't work out for me. I own a 2017 Toyota Highlander with smart key entry. After the battery drained and the car was jump-started and recharged, the lift gate won't open electronically. I've attempted various methods to reset it, including holding the opening button until the beeps, but the electronic mechanism still won't function. What should I try next?
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We recently encountered this problem. It seems like the rear window was partially open, causing issues with the door's ability to open or close properly.
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I can't get the door to make the 4 beeps no matter what I try. The rear switch isn't making any sound when pressed, even when the glove box switch is on or off and the door is open or closed. The rear switch on the door remains silent, while the other switches and control key produce a long beep sound, but the door doesn't respond. Could there be a fuse that provides power to the door switch?
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In 2014, the back hatch of the Highlander can be unlocked but refuses to open. Even trying to open it manually is unsuccessful. Should I try to forcefully open it? It seems like the right Actuator is failing to extend to the open position.
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In 2013 Highlander Hybrid, when you press and hold the button, you will only hear 2 beeps instead of the expected 4 beeps. You are unable to unlock using the key FOB or the driver's side button, and cannot close using the button on the back hatch. Any ideas on what could be causing this issue?
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Simply had to locate the button in the compartment and press it to activate. Used the auto button to open the lift gate with success. It seems I must have accidentally turned off the button while searching through the glovebox. Vehicle model is a 2019 Highlander Limited.
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An object contained within a glove compartment.
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Hey Alex, I'm dealing with the same problem. I took my vehicle to Toyota for a diagnosis, and they said I have to replace the tailgate strut motors, costing a whopping $2,500. It's a bummer.
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here is a paraphrased and simplified version: Press and hold the button on the back of the liftgate until it beeps four times while the liftgate is open and still. Make sure to keep holding until it beeps again, then release. This will lock the liftgate.
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The reset didn't fix the issue. In my 2019 Highlander, the rear door isn't opening as it should. When I press the button on the door, it just emits a long beep and partially opens, requiring me to open it manually. It's not opening automatically. How can I resolve this problem?
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Attempt to manually shut the rear lift gate once more after performing the reset, and THEN open and close the rear window hatch. That sequence ultimately proved successful for me.
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I own a 2011 Toyota Highlander and I am having trouble with the rear door not closing. I have attempted all of the suggested solutions so far. Any new advice would be greatly appreciated.
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I had no luck with it. 2017 Toyota Highlander equipped with smart key entry.
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You can consider me foolish if you'd like, but the most difficult part of fixing this issue is locating the button in the glove compartment. To find it, look toward the left side along the inner edge of the compartment, where you'll discover the button hidden in the upper left corner. It's tricky to explain, so refer to page 130 of the owner's manual for the 2016 Highlander to see a diagram of the button's location. This resolved the problem with the rear hatch not functioning properly.
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How can I manually open the rear hatch of a 2017 Highlander?
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After replacing the battery once, I encountered the same problem. I attempted all the previously mentioned solutions without success. However, following Sue Skinner's advice to manually shut the lift gate and open and close the window hatch resolved the issue for me. I am grateful to Sue for her helpful tip.
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So, turns out you can actually open the rear window by itself. But, if you don't shut it all the way, the tailgate won't open.
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Discovered a hidden button inside the glove compartment and gave it a push. Suddenly, the tailgate began functioning perfectly. Following a recent service appointment where the cabin filter was replaced, it appears that the technician inadvertently activated the button in the glove box.
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My Highlander can be set to make a long beep sound when opening or closing the glove compartment.
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Here's a paraphrased and unique version of the text:
I have a 2019 Highlander and I've tried various methods to open the trunk, but none of them have been successful. I've reset the button, attempted to use the trunk lever inside the car, pressed the button on the tailgate, heard four beeps and then two, but now all I get is a continuous five-second beep when trying to unlock the trunk using either my key fob or the button on the dashboard. -
This is my second Highlander and I'm experiencing the same problem again. I have attempted all the tips you provided, but none have worked. It seems risky not to have a manual door handle as a backup in case the automatic one fails.
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Is there a specific reason why the rear glass suddenly opens on its own after replacing the battery?
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Sue Skinner's method did the trick. You'll need to manually shut the door with some effort, and the door closer will then latch automatically. Next, in my situation, I applied pressure to the rear window pane until it too latched automatically. After that, the power opener functioned correctly. The only thing left to do is tweak how wide the door opens, but that should be a simple adjustment.
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Thank you, it took some time but I managed to solve the issue. My friend had placed a bike rack on temporarily so we could transport 6 bikes. I believe he accidentally opened the window as well. I didn't realize at first that the window was slightly ajar. So, it required a few attempts. Thank you very much for your help!
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I didn't know there was a button in the glove compartment. I took my car in for an oil change and some minor fixes. The next day, the back door wouldn't open. Turns out, someone had turned off the button that controls it. Once I turned it back on, it worked fine. Thanks for letting me know about it.
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My 2015 Highlander experienced this issue right after a routine maintenance service. It turned out that the switch inside the glove box on the left side was accidentally turned off, likely happened when the technician was inspecting the cabin air filter. I appreciate this website for helping me figure it out!
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The interior glove box button is functional! Push in for activation, and if pushed out, it indicates that the button is turned off.
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Your Toyota Highlander rear liftgate is unresponsive when trying to open it using the key fob, the interior switch, or the hatch release button, despite hearing two beeps signaling an issue. Here are three troubleshooting steps: Firstly, ensure the rear window is securely closed, as the hatch won't function otherwise. Secondly, manually open the rear hatch by pressing and holding the switch on the tailgate until you hear specific beep sequences. If the issue persists, the third step involves locating a small button to the left inside the glove compartment and pressing it briefly. If none of these solutions work, it is recommended to seek professional assistance at an auto repair shop.
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I own a 2017 Highlander and I like to do some DIY maintenance on it. First, I use the manual button inside the glove box on the left to lift the trunk door by myself. Then, I clean the tracks and apply WD-40 to the hinges. Finally, I hold down the trunk button for 4 seconds to reset it from the trunk.
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I have a 2015 Toyota Highlander fully equipped with electric features. Unfortunately, the rear lift door is unresponsive despite trying all the suggested solutions. When I press the button in the glove compartment, it doesn't seem to activate anything. The button just goes in and promptly pops back out without showing any indication of being switched on or off. Even after numerous attempts, all I hear are two extended beeps and nothing more.
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Here's a rephrased version: Remove the positive battery terminal and wait for 10 minutes before reconnecting it. This could reset the Power Back Door system in certain situations. It's definitely worth a shot when you're running low on troubleshooting ideas.
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I located the switch in the glove box of my 2019 Highlander, just like others had mentioned. After flipping it back to the "on" position, everything started working perfectly. It seems that when they replaced my cabin air filter, they might have accidentally bumped the switch.
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You were a lifesaver! In short, I had no idea about the on/off switch in the glove compartment. I must have accidentally flipped it off while changing the air filter inside the car. Thank you for your help.
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I own a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The car battery died overnight, but in the morning it had enough power to open only. Even after jump-starting the car, restarting it, and allowing the battery to recharge, I couldn't operate the liftgate. Pressing and holding the button didn't prompt the usual four beeps. I fixed the issue by turning off the power liftgate button located behind the glove box, manually closing the hatch, and then turning the button back on. Now everything works fine as before.
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Thank you for the advice! I found that mine was in the off position, and just pushing it in solved the issue. I'm grateful for the help!
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Hey, the window on the hatch door is the issue! Someone has pushed the small black button - the window won't open, but it does unlock. Just close it firmly, and everything will function normally!
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Now it's finally working for me! I had tried countless times and eventually gave up. I manually operated it for about 4 months. My oversight was not realizing that I had pressed the button near the glove box when I changed the air filters. Thank you for pointing it out to me - it was truly helpful.
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It went great! I really appreciate your help.
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In 2020, I had an issue with my Toyota Highlander where the back lid wouldn't close, and there was a loud, persistent beeping noise. I couldn't find a button in the glove compartment to resolve it, so I decided to force the lid shut. As I did that, the system finally clicked in and closed it properly. After that, everything worked fine as usual.
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Consider ideas carefully.
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In my case, I needed to press the hatch door button while also guiding the mechanical arm downward, and that's what resolved the problem for me.
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The rear hatch of my 2015 Highlander Limited wasn't opening all the way. I followed these instructions, and now it opens perfectly as designed. Thank you very much!
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Two beeps are heard on the 2012 Highlander, but the four beeps are absent. However, the manual operation works correctly. Any thoughts on this issue?
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Can you offer any tips for opening the hatch manually? I attempted to use the lever located inside the hatch behind a plastic cover, but the lever isn't working to release the latch as the 2016 manual indicates.
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Please attempt to close the door manually by pressing the button located in the center console, and then use the button on your key fob to open the trunk door.
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