Symptoms
The roll-down rear glass works only some of the time, stalls part-way or suddenly drops into the tailgate. IH8MUD members flag the electric rear window as a weak point on both early generations; on 2nd gens Toyota-4Runner.org owners blame weak motors, slipping regulator gears and dirty channels.
The fix, step by step
- Pull the tailgate's inner access panels.
- Run the glass up and down and check it stays in its tracks, then push and twist the regulator to see whether its gears stay meshed.
- If the regulator is sound, test the motor directly on a battery, then check the relay.
- Clean the channels and put silicone spray on the glass edges and rubber seals; one owner says a dealer clean-and-lube cured his.
- Toyota-4Runner.org members describe the motors as easily overwhelmed by drag, and one says 1st and 2nd gen motors are the same apart from the connector plug.
- If the glass has dropped and broken before, check the regulator was actually fixed, not just the glass.
Tools & part numbers
- Trim-panel tools
- screwdrivers
- 12 V jumper leads
- multimeter
- silicone spray
Where to buy the parts
Tailgate window motor and regulator (RockAuto catalogue)RockAuto ↗
Silicone spray lubricantAmazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Toyota 4Runner 2nd Gen parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.