Fortuner Rear Door Problem

[nikster]

I have a 4 year old Fortuner - no problems, save one: The rear door needs to be slam shut - putting it down lightly, it will catch, but not close (door open warning lamp on, light on). It had this from day one. So we learned to slam it shut. Not as hard as possible, but still it needs a pretty firm slam. I pointed this out the the Toyota guys at least twice but they seemed to think it was normal.

Maybe because of this, maybe not, the rear door hydraulics gave out after 2 years, broken hydraulic arm. That means the door won't stay up if you open it. This was fixed by Toyota under warranty. But it now happened again, 2 years later. That's kind of suspicious. Is this just a really cheap part, or a design flaw?

Any Fortuner owners having trouble with the rear door?

[thaicbr]

Nikster.. i would have thought it's a fairly easy fix. Have a look at the lock in the door. normally they have a basic adjustment updown/side to side (loosen the bolts). and often if you change the number of washers under the lock mech. I would just take it to a different Toyota dealer.

[nikster]

I checked out a brand new Fortuner at the dealer - same problem. Close the rear door too lightly, and it catches but doesn't close. I guess its just the way it is with this car, they haven't even bothered to improve this in the last 4 years. Guess they're selling too well...

This morning the car wouldn't start anymore. Battery is fine so i guess the starter motor is dead. It turns over 1 or 1/2 times, then stops. Toyota quality, ey, 4 years and the thing starts falling apart......

Grrrrrr

[nikster]

All doors have an adjustment, either on the door the body or both. Getting it right so the door doesn't rattle in the hole is important. A new door with fresh factory rubber will perhaps require a little effort to close, an old motor door might need re-adjusting.

Your battery has a life of, usually 2 years, as has been discussed here in the past, my Toyota Vigo battery lasted 2 years. You could have a dead cell or two.

Yes, turns out it was the battery after all. Thing is we went to a battery replacement shop yesterday and they said the battery is fine. Also the battery had a green indicator light for "OK". Despite all that, it was 2 years old, Toyota replaced it, and all is well.

So not a problem with the Fortuner, just normal wear and tear.

Going to check out the rear door thing...

[BSJ]

When new, a vehicle with all windows wound up may hold air pressure in the cabin to make it necessary to slam the lift gate...but you would know cos you will hear a little 'whish' sound. Then again, I have a friend with a 5 year old Nissan Patrol fitted with barn doors and he still slams it shut! Still has the 'whish' sound.

[katabeachbum]

All doors have an adjustment, either on the door the body or both. Getting it right so the door doesn't rattle in the hole is important. A new door with fresh factory rubber will perhaps require a little effort to close, an old motor door might need re-adjusting.

Your battery has a life of, usually 2 years, as has been discussed here in the past, my Toyota Vigo battery lasted 2 years. You could have a dead cell or two.

Yes, turns out it was the battery after all. Thing is we went to a battery replacement shop yesterday and they said the battery is fine. Also the battery had a green indicator light for "OK". Despite all that, it was 2 years old, Toyota replaced it, and all is well.

So not a problem with the Fortuner, just normal wear and tear.

Going to check out the rear door thing...

most easy adjustment is done on the door sill part of the lock. loosen screws/bolts, move backwards, and tighten. If its wind noise when driving, move lock forward until quiet.

large hatches like Fortuners have always been problems, thats why upmarket Estates and SUV have electric soft locks. Not at Fortuners price though.