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Back Door of Toyota Highlander jammed

Sent to Car Experts March 1 2005 at 6:08 AM
   

Last weekend we closed the back (cargo) door of our 2004 Toyota Highlander on the strap of a backpack. As Murphy’s law would have it, the strap was directly in line with the door latch when it was closed. Now we can’t get the door open at all. (It behaves as if it was locked, even though it isn’t.) How can we release the latch so we can get the strap out? Will we need to take the interior panel out, and how is that done?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
March 1 2005 at 8:55 AM (2 hours and 47 minutes and 7 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Sometimes because of the strap, the latch will actually open when you pull on the release handle but the door will not because of the effort needed.
Attempt to open the cargo door by first ensuring it is unlocked then have one person hold open the handle on the outside while the other person pushes against the door from the inside. Use caution to not damage the trim with the inside force. If this does not release the door it is best if you take it to the Toyota dealer for repairs. Noting the year of make they will most likely be able to help you for free (under warranty) while still being able to get paid from Toyota for any repairs. If you attempt this repair yourself many of the fasteners for the trim are hidden by the closed door and will, most likely, cause damage to the trim in attempting to remove with the door closed. Let the dealer suffer through it and if they damage the trim they will, most likely, be able to replace it under warranty. I hope this helps. Happy Motoring!!!
Dudley -- Service Writer -- 100% Positive Feedback on 7 Car Accepts
20 Years of Automotive Experience - Assembly, Sales, Service, Parts, Prototype, Tech Writing
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