This was the most helpful video that I've ever watched. I ordered the parts that you listed and followed your instructions. Everything works just fine and I saved myself over $1,800. I had taken the Highlander to the local dealership for repair and they priced the parts and labor at $2,000. I ordered the parts you listed for $164, including tax and installed them inside of 1 hour. Sweet. Thanks!
I know that it was 3 years ago, but I’m so happy I found this. I ordered the parts from your list and received them in 3 days. Now my lift gate is working. Thank you so much, DD
My daughter's 2015 Highlander XLE power lift gate had the same issue as many others have commented on, we watched your excellent video, ordered the parts and installed them, the lift gate now opens & closes very easily! We are very happy with the liftgate working again. Thank you so much Dennis, may God bless you and family, we greatly appreciate your kindness sharing this solution to the problem!!
Just did this modification to my 2014 Toyota Highlander XLE because the previous electric tailgate lift failed. The install of these manual parts works great for me. Took 20 minutes to install because I'm slow. Very easy to do. Thumbs up to the gentleman who posted this. I bought from the same place he did.
The brackets for the manual lift gate struts are the same as the power lift gate struts. The problem is getting the brackets off the power lift gate strut. There is a metal retaining clip that holds them together and I couldn't figure out how to remove the clip so had to use a vise and hacksaw. Cut half the helmet holding the bracket nipple off with the hacksaw being careful not to damage the nipple on the brackets and they come apart. This destroys the power lift gate but mine weren't working anyway. Mine now works fine. Thank you Cbonz77!
Thank you, you saved me $100 not having to order new brackets. I cut the brackets off with a grinder and a hammer. Took about 45 minutes to do the whole job.
Terrific video! I replaced the power struts on my 2020 RAV4 with manual ones with very little difficulty after watching. A few differences but nothing major and NO MORE LIFTGATE ISSUES 😊
Excellent! I just completed this conversion on our 2015 Highlander Limited. It works great and cost ~$137. Unfortunatedly, I paid $300 for a diagnostic at a Toyota dealer who then quoted a total of $1100 for repair. I am far ahead and very pleased! I do recommend hand started the attaching bolts to avoid any possible cross-threading.
Thank you so much for taking the time show us this fix. The video made the switch fast and easy with no guess work. And now no worries about how the power liftgate will fail next!
I finally got around to ordering the parts and putting it all together with your instructions. Easy peasy and worked perfectly. It is going to make life so much easier. Thank you for the guidance.
I am very happy with this video. I ordered the parts for my highlander from Carlock Toyota based on your serial numbers, cost about $130 including shipping. They came in the mail today and me and my 7 y/o son installed the parts and had the job completed with a matter of minutes. Now, my liftgate works perfect!! Thank you so much for your assistance!!
Thank you for sharing this repair - I just purchased the exact parts for $165 and hope it turns out as well. Unfortunately, I just paid Toyota almost $200 to diagnose the liftgate on my 2014 Highlander and Toyota wanted over $1600 to replace both struts and the ECU computer! When I asked the service rep what is the best price he could do, he said he already knocked it down from $2700 because the diagnostician recommended replacing the wiring harness too. Sterling McCall Toyota on 9400 SW Freeway, Houston also wanted $750 for a valve cover gasket replacement, and other unnecessary repairs. Lesson learned - stay away from them! Thanks again!
Hate power things, they always break down eventually. Ordering those struts right away. Thanks for showing that installation, took all the guess work out, thanks again!
Just want to thank you for your video and response to my questions. I ordered the parts as you identified, did the install, and all worked perfectly. I saved over $1200 that dealer wanted to do the power replacement. The door opens smoothly and it closes easily. Parts cost me $141. You have really helped loads of us with power door issues. Thanks again.
Thanks so much! 2015 automatic lift gate failed - replaced with parts from your list and installed as per your video - no problems at all! Many thanks for your helpful video
Very informative video. Our 2014 has had problems with the power lift gate since we purchased it. After 40 years of Toyotas, it amazes me that they would allow a known weakness like this to continue without addressing it. It's not enough to make me leave the brand...but it's puzzling that they just turn their backs on it. Anyway, thanks for the video and I'll be ordering my manual struts soon.
Thanks for the video. My electric ones stop working after 6 year (2014 Highlander XLE). I bought the non electric ones for $61 CAD each (I’m in Canada) at my dealer, instead of the $1500 for the electric. FYI you DON’T have to buy the brackets ($50 each so $200 for 4...) just use the one from the electric strut, may have to do some cutting on it, but as you don’t need the electric strut anymore, who cares. Hope it helps Canadian viewers 😉
Thank you for this! This was extremely helpful on my ‘14 XLT. The only thing I found is the breaker button had to still be on for mine. Otherwise, the hatch never had any power to unlock the lock. As long as I don’t push the button or try the remote and just open it manually it works without any alarm beeps.
Thanks Cbonz77. My 2014 LE Plus started to have the same problem at the end of 2017 when the warranty was just ended. A dealer in town wanted a thousand bucks to replace the powered struts. I planned to do it myself to save a couple hundred bucks ($800 for a pairs of powered struts at the time) but I did not get around to do it. Then when I started ordering parts last month, I looked up online to see how people replaced them, I found there are so many people had the same problem even with later years. It appeared Toyota did not fix this problem. I realized this problem will happen again in 2 or 3 years replace the same part. I wondered if someone converted from power to manual. I googled up and there you were. Awesome! I just got it done today. By the way, the lower brackets (the one on the lift gate) are exactly the same as the ones I ordered. However I could not remove them from power struts.
Just a heads up, I bought these pieces from conicelli Toyota online, and Redding O'Reillys in store and both didn't work. I followed this video exactly as it said, and the trunk would keep falling down on its own. I waited a week, and still the same problem. I never bought parts from this videos description sadly, so maybe these will work, but I'm giving up for now. Thanks for the video tho, preciate it
Hi Dennis, excellent video. I've been having problems with the lift gate on my 2015 Highlander XLE and like others, got a quote for $1400+ tax from my local dealer. I ordered and installed the parts per your video and all works well. Thank you!!!!
Thank You for responding to my question, It very hard to find anything about the issues the 2009 Toyota highlander is having with the rear power lifet gate, hanks again Cbonz77.
I took another look at your video and the bottom right bracket showed the rubber pad, since you didn't show doing the left side I didn't know if it had a rubber pad, when I ordered my parts the left bottom bracket did not come with the rubber pad, as it turns out, it has to have one also so the company is sending one out to me, thanks
Very good video. Mine closes from the remote, inside next to steering wheel and via the button on the hatch. And opens from remote, button next to steering wheel but not via button where you press and pull to open it manually. That button suppose to open it automatically too. Anyways... pulling it to open is faster, so I ll wait more to replace.
The Toyota I'm talking about is a 2009 Highlander, limited, the power lift gate motor is broken and not working correctly, it is missing something in the lift motor/, on opening and closing, and the tail gate is jumping up and down, I'm in the process of making it a manual lift gate by disconnecting the power lift arm from the motor under the Highlander, and then the arm to the tail gate that lifts the gate, with the added struts it should be no problem manually lifting or closing the gate. I've added stronger struts to help in lifting the gate manually, I wanted your opinion on this procedure. I'M HOPING I'm doing it right after watching your -video and talking to you, Thanks for your help in this matter.
Now I have the same problem, going to use manual replacements, I can’t get the hatch to open, long beep nothing, I try to lift it by hand, nothing, any suggestions to get the hatch to raise by force? Thanks
And I'm here thinking about converting my to automatic. Lol. Well after hearing the failure, I keep my manual. At least I have a power sliding door on both side. Well this is for a 2009 Toyota Sienna.
Good job on the conversion. As of now, I don't have any problem with my lift game on my 2019 Highlander, but it's too slow to open or close. At least I know there is an option.
Is there a way to make the hatch emergency release work from the inside of the back? I like to lay in the back on a pad on the beach and I normally climb out the side.. It'd be much better if I could just pull a handle inside the back to open the back hatch.
Thanks-It saved me $$. I found it easier to get the screws back in w/o attaching the struts first. You mentioned selling the old struts on eBay. Weren't they non-functioning?
A 2009 toyota Highlander limited is a totally different replacement issue? on a 2009 Highlander limited , the lift gate has an arm coming from the actuator arm to the gate it self, that has to be removed for the gate to operate smooth once conveered to a manual lift gate, How is that done? explain?
I have a 2014 highlander limited with a flip up back window, I'm going to order the parts as listed which say they are for stationary rear window, I don't see any reason they will not work as the door frame should be the same for all highlanders, just in case do you think I may have a problem, please advise
I received the parts today. Part number 68948-0E010 did not come with the cushion pad which should be there. The highlander limited has a cushion pad on both the bottom left and right. Did yours come with pads on each bottom left and right, please advise
they are more like a rubber stopper on the bottom brackets only, they are to cushion the door when it closes, the part number you give on the bottom right come with it, my bottom left did not and the company is sending me out the rubber so yours must have had them@@cbonz7734
I cut the brackets off my automatic struts but using those brackets it won’t hold open with the manual struts. Are the brackets different for the manual struts?
As I said, you need to order the brackets with it. Bracket upper right 68945-0E030 Bracket lower right 68947-0E010 Bracket upper left 68946-0E010 Bracket lower left 68948-0E010
OK another follow up question. Does this work for all models of Highlander? I have a Highlander Limited with a subwoofer and speakers built into the liftgate as a part of the JBL audio package. I would imagine that adds weight to the liftgate.
I've changed the tail gate struts hoping these will lift the gate almost by themselves with a little a lift from me, Now QUESTION, THE ARM THAT CONNECTS TO THE TAIL GATE AND THEN DOWN TO THE MOTOR HAS TO BE REMOVED, right or NO, SEEMS LIKE IF I DISCONNECT THE ARM TO THE MOTOR THAT LIFTS THE GATE THIS WILL THEN BE ABLE OT LIFT THE GATE MANUALLY AND EASILEY, True or?
Thanks for the video. I have a 2017 Highlander Limited and I sourced the parts from a Toyota dealer in Winnipeg, MB Canada. One of my struts was not working and I was quoted $879Can for the strut. I spent $480Can on the two manual struts and the 4 brackets. Removal and installation was easy. However the new struts are not actually strong enough to hold the tailgate open. It is still an improvement on not being able to open it at all, which was the case before. If anyone has a lead on some stronger struts that would fit I would love to know.
A Bad strut was not the problem. The problem was the weight of the hatch due to the extra audio speakers that are in the Limited version of my 2017 Highlander.
There must be a way of removing the automatic ram/motor from the existing brackets. We received a used automatic ram/motor for the RHS from a parts dismantler without the brackets - has anyone any advice? We will most likely convert to conventional if this unti fails
Question that you or someone else may be able to answer. I have a 2014 Highlander - Limited and want to do the conversion from power to manual. When I look for the parts online, I keep finding that for the brackets, the description keeps saying either for car with flip up glass, or with stationary glass. They are referring to the window in the rear hatch. My Limited has a flip up glass. Not sure why this would make a difference for any of the parts. Also, I could not find a strut for flip up glass. They all say with stationary glass. The only strut I found that said with flip up glass was the expensive replacement struts for power hatch. All of these parts are at Toyota parts dealers online. I asked one parts guy and he said he did not know why Toyota shows with flip up glass or with stationary glass for the brackets. Prices for the ones that say with flip up glass where all over twice the price. Anyone with info on this would be appreciated.
Cbonz77, it appears that the 2014 to 2019 , does not have a lift motor attached to the frame of your 2014 to 2019 car, as a 2009 does , it's a little different replacement procedure, the arm that controls the lifting and closing it seems is all powered by the motor attached to the frame of the 2009 , the struts mounted on the lift gate appears to assist the the electric motor in the lift and closing of the gate, this is the procedure I want to eliminate and make it a manually lift and close by adding the recommended struts, The arm that actually lift the gate is what I'm talking about , does that arm ( connected to the motor and does all the lifting and closing) does that have to be removed for a smooth operation o manually lifting the gate up and down? As you may Know dealer want me to bring it in for the repair, in and around $1500 for the fix?????Note it seems hard to find anything on a 2009 Toyota Highlender limited on U tube, and dealer again want me to bring it in.. So the call out for help is needed. TY.Jackie
Parts: Bracket upper right 68945-0E030 Bracket lower right 68947-0E010 Bracket upper left 68946-0E010 Bracket lower left 68948-0E010 Stay assy (Strut) 68960-0E102 Stay assy (Strut) 68950-0E102 I ordered from parts.olathetoyota.com
Our 2014 Highlander has given us fits since we bought it. The liftgate has been nothing but trouble, it won't open, then it won't close if it opens. Getting the manuals ASAP! Thank you.
Thank You! I ordered the parts and just finished installing it on my 2015 Highlander. Works perfectly. Your instructions (as well as which parts to order) were invaluable, and you saved me big $$ Thanks Again!
Amber Hebert Just click on the Top Heading of this Video, where it shows a description of the video. He includes all of the part numbers as well as the web site to buy if from.
@@Pusser i was able to do it!!! just ordered the parts that would be for a lower trim rav4 without all the power crap and it worked out great. I would recommend getting new mounting points for the struts since its really hard to get the power ones off your pre existing mounting points.
Parts: Bracket upper right 68945-0E030 Bracket lower right 68947-0E010 Bracket upper left 68946-0E010 Bracket lower left 68948-0E010 Stay assy (Strut) 68960-0E102 Stay assy (Strut) 68950-0E102 I ordered from parts.olathetoyota.com
This is exactly what I've been looking for. I had no idea that converting the PITA lift gate to manual would be so easy. I went to the website listed above to order the parts and discovered that there is a typo in the part number of the upper left bracket listed above. It should be 68946..., not 68646... Most people would probably figure this out, but wanted to point it out just in case there are others like myself who don't order car parts on a regular basis.
Ok, wait a minute, now I am confused. The car in the video appears to be an LE, which is the base model that came with the manual lift gate. It's not an "LT," which I assumed meant "limited." There is no sunroof or seat heater controls beside the shift knob, and the letters on the bottom right of the lift gate appear to read "LE." I really want to do this conversion but now I'm not convinced that it will work on my XLE and I don't want to pay a restocking fee and double shipping for parts that might not work.
This was the most helpful video that I've ever watched. I ordered the parts that you listed and followed your instructions. Everything works just fine and I saved myself over $1,800. I had taken the Highlander to the local dealership for repair and they priced the parts and labor at $2,000. I ordered the parts you listed for $164, including tax and installed them inside of 1 hour. Sweet. Thanks!
I know that it was 3 years ago, but I’m so happy I found this. I ordered the parts from your list and received them in 3 days. Now my lift gate is working.
Thank you so much, DD
Yes, thanks. I'm still getting lots of replies mostly because things are getting some age on them and failing at a higher rate.
My daughter's 2015 Highlander XLE power lift gate had the same issue as many others have commented on, we watched your excellent video, ordered the parts and installed them, the lift gate now opens & closes very easily! We are very happy with the liftgate working again. Thank you so much Dennis, may God bless you and family, we greatly appreciate your kindness sharing this solution to the problem!!
Thank you so much!!!! I was quoted $1000+ by multiple repair shops. Ordered the recommended parts and fixed it myself in 20 minutes for $200.
Just did this modification to my 2014 Toyota Highlander XLE because the previous electric tailgate lift failed. The install of these manual parts works great for me. Took 20 minutes to install because I'm slow. Very easy to do. Thumbs up to the gentleman who posted this. I bought from the same place he did.
The brackets for the manual lift gate struts are the same as the power lift gate struts. The problem is getting the brackets off the power lift gate strut. There is a metal retaining clip that holds them together and I couldn't figure out how to remove the clip so had to use a vise and hacksaw. Cut half the helmet holding the bracket nipple off with the hacksaw being careful not to damage the nipple on the brackets and they come apart. This destroys the power lift gate but mine weren't working anyway. Mine now works fine. Thank you Cbonz77!
Thank you, you saved me $100 not having to order new brackets. I cut the brackets off with a grinder and a hammer. Took about 45 minutes to do the whole job.
Terrific video! I replaced the power struts on my 2020 RAV4 with manual ones with very little difficulty after watching. A few differences but nothing major and NO MORE LIFTGATE ISSUES 😊
Glad to hear as I'll be doing this to my RAV4 as well.
Very happy I saw this video. Ordered parts, installed them and my lift gate has never worked better. Thank you so much for your assistance!
Excellent! I just completed this conversion on our 2015 Highlander Limited. It works great and cost ~$137. Unfortunatedly, I paid $300 for a diagnostic at a Toyota dealer who then quoted a total of $1100 for repair. I am far ahead and very pleased!
I do recommend hand started the attaching bolts to avoid any possible cross-threading.
Hey Keith , where did you get the parts? $137???
can you please tell me how your conversion is working since you put it in, thanks
is the conversion still working ok for you, please advise
Thank you so much for taking the time show us this fix. The video made the switch fast and easy with no guess work. And now no worries about how the power liftgate will fail next!
I finally got around to ordering the parts and putting it all together with your instructions. Easy peasy and worked perfectly. It is going to make life so much easier. Thank you for the guidance.
I am very happy with this video. I ordered the parts for my highlander from Carlock Toyota based on your serial numbers, cost about $130 including shipping. They came in the mail today and me and my 7 y/o son installed the parts and had the job completed with a matter of minutes. Now, my liftgate works perfect!! Thank you so much for your assistance!!
Thank you for sharing this repair - I just purchased the exact parts for $165 and hope it turns out as well. Unfortunately, I just paid Toyota almost $200 to diagnose the liftgate on my 2014 Highlander and Toyota wanted over $1600 to replace both struts and the ECU computer! When I asked the service rep what is the best price he could do, he said he already knocked it down from $2700 because the diagnostician recommended replacing the wiring harness too. Sterling McCall Toyota on 9400 SW Freeway, Houston also wanted $750 for a valve cover gasket replacement, and other unnecessary repairs. Lesson learned - stay away from them! Thanks again!
Hate power things, they always break down eventually. Ordering those struts right away. Thanks for showing that installation, took all the guess work out, thanks again!
Just want to thank you for your video and response to my questions. I ordered the parts as you identified, did the install, and all worked perfectly. I saved over $1200 that dealer wanted to do the power replacement. The door opens smoothly and it closes easily. Parts cost me $141. You have really helped loads of us with power door issues. Thanks again.
You sir are amazing. Dealership wanted to charge me $2,400. I did everything you told me. $300 total
Thanks so much! 2015 automatic lift gate failed - replaced with parts from your list and installed as per your video - no problems at all! Many thanks for your helpful video
Thanks so much! I've been fighting my broken struts for 2 1/2 years!
Can't wait to tackle this!
I'm so glad I found this video. I didn't know I could convert it to manual. I bent one side and it's over $300 to replace the one side.
Very informative video. Our 2014 has had problems with the power lift gate since we purchased it. After 40 years of Toyotas, it amazes me that they would allow a known weakness like this to continue without addressing it. It's not enough to make me leave the brand...but it's puzzling that they just turn their backs on it. Anyway, thanks for the video and I'll be ordering my manual struts soon.
Just finished doing this conversion to my 2017 Highlander SE! Great video and the included parts numbers were fantastic - THANK YOU!
Thanks for the video. My electric ones stop working after 6 year (2014 Highlander XLE). I bought the non electric ones for $61 CAD each (I’m in Canada) at my dealer, instead of the $1500 for the electric. FYI you DON’T have to buy the brackets ($50 each so $200 for 4...) just use the one from the electric strut, may have to do some cutting on it, but as you don’t need the electric strut anymore, who cares.
Hope it helps Canadian viewers 😉
Thank you for the clear, easy to follow video. My husband and I completed this job easily with your help.
Thank you for this! This was extremely helpful on my ‘14 XLT. The only thing I found is the breaker button had to still be on for mine. Otherwise, the hatch never had any power to unlock the lock. As long as I don’t push the button or try the remote and just open it manually it works without any alarm beeps.
Thanks Cbonz77. My 2014 LE Plus started to have the same problem at the end of 2017 when the warranty was just ended. A dealer in town wanted a thousand bucks to replace the powered struts. I planned to do it myself to save a couple hundred bucks ($800 for a pairs of powered struts at the time) but I did not get around to do it. Then when I started ordering parts last month, I looked up online to see how people replaced them, I found there are so many people had the same problem even with later years. It appeared Toyota did not fix this problem. I realized this problem will happen again in 2 or 3 years replace the same part. I wondered if someone converted from power to manual. I googled up and there you were. Awesome! I just got it done today. By the way, the lower brackets (the one on the lift gate) are exactly the same as the ones I ordered. However I could not remove them from power struts.
I was able to do this myself! So easy. Your video and parts list were very helpful. Thank you!
Thank you so much sir! My father, brother in law, and I will be doing this as soon as the parts arrive. Ur a godsend for this video, thank you again!
Just a heads up, I bought these pieces from conicelli Toyota online, and Redding O'Reillys in store and both didn't work. I followed this video exactly as it said, and the trunk would keep falling down on its own. I waited a week, and still the same problem. I never bought parts from this videos description sadly, so maybe these will work, but I'm giving up for now. Thanks for the video tho, preciate it
Awesome video. So easy and such a world of difference. I’m glad I saw this before paying to have it fixed.
Hi Dennis, excellent video. I've been having problems with the lift gate on my 2015 Highlander XLE and like others, got a quote for $1400+ tax from my local dealer. I ordered and installed the parts per your video and all works well. Thank you!!!!
Our '19 RAV4 Hybrid had the same exact issue and I'm going to do the exact same thing. It's sooo SLOW anyways. Thanks!
Were you successful?
Thank You for responding to my question, It very hard to find anything about the issues the 2009 Toyota highlander is having with the rear power lifet gate, hanks again Cbonz77.
Excellent video. Thank you very much. I have the same issue with my Toyota RAV4 and I am thinking of replacing the power lift with manual struts.
Thank you very much . My daughter 14 highlander rear power hatch has been nothing but a nightmare.
Thanks for your video, just ordered listed parts for my 2015 Highlander XLE, fingers cross it will fix my lift gate problem without paying unreal 1400
Just did my daughters 2014 easy to do thanks to you..
You are a lifesaver! This was so easy and totally works!!!! .much gratitude
I see the website to order parts, but I need all of the part names or numbers. Thank you for posting this and fixing this annoying problem.
Click show more in the description
Just changed them out with manuals, awesome! Followed your instructions and they work great. Thank you.
I took another look at your video and the bottom right bracket showed the rubber pad, since you didn't show doing the left side I didn't know if it had a rubber pad, when I ordered my parts the left bottom bracket did not come with the rubber pad, as it turns out, it has to have one also so the company is sending one out to me, thanks
Very good video. Mine closes from the remote, inside next to steering wheel and via the button on the hatch. And opens from remote, button next to steering wheel but not via button where you press and pull to open it manually. That button suppose to open it automatically too. Anyways... pulling it to open is faster, so I ll wait more to replace.
Thanks so much! This worked great on our 2017 Highlander XLE.
The Toyota I'm talking about is a 2009 Highlander, limited, the power lift gate motor is broken and not working correctly, it is missing something in the lift motor/, on opening and closing, and the tail gate is jumping up and down, I'm in the process of making it a manual lift gate by disconnecting the power lift arm from the motor under the Highlander, and then the arm to the tail gate that lifts the gate, with the added struts it should be no problem manually lifting or closing the gate. I've added stronger struts to help in lifting the gate manually, I wanted your opinion on this procedure. I'M HOPING I'm doing it right after watching your -video and talking to you, Thanks for your help in this matter.
Yeah, that's a different gen so what we discussed here doesn't apply, Sorry.
good stuff man! if i ever have an issue im gonna do this
Thank you very much for the information. You’ve saved us all so much money and time. And headache.
Excellent video thank you! Parts list was very helpful
Worked like a charm. Thanks so much for the video!
Thank you for the part list and where to get them!!! You rock!!
Thank you so much! This was very informative and easy to follow. You are a great teacher!
Dennis, you're a hero! Thanks for saving me $1000!
Omg thissss! Thank you!
Now I have the same problem, going to use manual replacements, I can’t get the hatch to open, long beep nothing, I try to lift it by hand, nothing, any suggestions to get the hatch to raise by force? Thanks
And I'm here thinking about converting my to automatic. Lol. Well after hearing the failure, I keep my manual. At least I have a power sliding door on both side. Well this is for a 2009 Toyota Sienna.
No on a 2009 Highland limited ,how to remove the auto lift arm from the lift gate to make it a Manul lift gate on a 2009 highlander limited???
Good job on the conversion. As of now, I don't have any problem with my lift game on my 2019 Highlander, but it's too slow to open or close. At least I know there is an option.
This should be fixed by Toyota. Let’s sign a petition
That is crazy. My 2008 highlander has both manual and power. My 2018 Highlander is just power.
Is there a way to make the hatch emergency release work from the inside of the back? I like to lay in the back on a pad on the beach and I normally climb out the side.. It'd be much better if I could just pull a handle inside the back to open the back hatch.
Thanks-It saved me $$. I found it easier to get the screws back in w/o attaching the struts first. You mentioned selling the old struts on eBay. Weren't they non-functioning?
My problem was in the safety sensors causing the gate to reopen mid travel, the struts were good and both sold right away.
A 2009 toyota Highlander limited is a totally different replacement issue? on a 2009 Highlander limited , the lift gate has an arm coming from the actuator arm to the gate it self, that has to be removed for the gate to operate smooth once conveered to a manual lift gate, How is that done? explain?
The video clearly says 2014 to 2019 model years
Cool. You got it fixed.
Thanks for the video. Can I install power to my manual lift gate in my ‘09? Thought I’d ask
I have a 2014 highlander limited with a flip up back window, I'm going to order the parts as listed which say they are for stationary rear window, I don't see any reason they will not work as the door frame should be the same for all highlanders, just in case do you think I may have a problem, please advise
Several folks have done it and it seems to work fine.
Thank you for the reply, I think it will work also, I myself was going to look into it but your post saved me the time and effort, thanks again
I received the parts today. Part number 68948-0E010 did not come with the cushion pad which should be there. The highlander limited has a cushion pad on both the bottom left and right. Did yours come with pads on each bottom left and right, please advise
I don't remember any pads at all.
they are more like a rubber stopper on the bottom brackets only, they are to cushion the door when it closes, the part number you give on the bottom right come with it, my bottom left did not and the company is sending me out the rubber so yours must have had them@@cbonz7734
Good evening, where can lorder them and how long are they?
Look in the description. Part numbers and vendor are there.
I cut the brackets off my automatic struts but using those brackets it won’t hold open with the manual struts. Are the brackets different for the manual struts?
As I said, you need to order the brackets with it.
Bracket upper right 68945-0E030
Bracket lower right 68947-0E010
Bracket upper left 68946-0E010
Bracket lower left 68948-0E010
OK another follow up question. Does this work for all models of Highlander? I have a Highlander Limited with a subwoofer and speakers built into the liftgate as a part of the JBL audio package. I would imagine that adds weight to the liftgate.
@@cybervikes12 Don't know about that. Nobody else has had a problem with the struts holding up the door, did you get the parts I specified?
One question for you, how do you disconnect thepower lift motor when you are making the power lift gate a manual lift gate?
The video shows that
Where did you order the struts and brackets? I want to convert my 2015 Highlander to manual instead of paying $1400 to keep it powered.
I've changed the tail gate struts hoping these will lift the gate almost by themselves with a little a lift from me, Now QUESTION, THE ARM THAT CONNECTS TO THE TAIL GATE AND THEN DOWN TO THE MOTOR HAS TO BE REMOVED, right or NO, SEEMS LIKE IF I DISCONNECT THE ARM TO THE MOTOR THAT LIFTS THE GATE THIS WILL THEN BE ABLE OT LIFT THE GATE MANUALLY AND EASILEY, True or?
I'm not sure which model you're talking about. The one I address have the motor in each strut, If yours is different I don't think this will work.
Thanks for the video. I have a 2017 Highlander Limited and I sourced the parts from a Toyota dealer in Winnipeg, MB Canada. One of my struts was not working and I was quoted $879Can for the strut. I spent $480Can on the two manual struts and the 4 brackets. Removal and installation was easy. However the new struts are not actually strong enough to hold the tailgate open. It is still an improvement on not being able to open it at all, which was the case before. If anyone has a lead on some stronger struts that would fit I would love to know.
As far as I know you're the first to have this problem. I wonder if one strut is bad?
can you please tell me if a bad strut was the problem, I will be doing this same conversion on my limited
How did you did disconnect the power lift gate arm that lifts the gate from the car???
It's in the video.
@@cbonz7734 Not on a 2009 Toyota Highlander limited.
Will this work on my 2011 and what would the part numbers be for the struts and brackets
Should be the same numbers.
Does anyone know if there is something similar for a 2015 Rav4? Cbonz77?
The car I'm asking about is a 2009 Toyota Highlander limited? 2014 to 2019 is a little different, I think?
Yes, different.
would this work for my 2015 toyota rav4 limited?
Any body know if I can do the same on my 2016 Rav4 ?
A Bad strut was not the problem. The problem was the weight of the hatch due to the extra audio speakers that are in the Limited version of my 2017 Highlander.
Great video!
Thanks so much, gonna give it a shot!
Bravo Zulu sir! I’ll Be tackling this soon.
There must be a way of removing the automatic ram/motor from the existing brackets. We received a used automatic ram/motor for the RHS from a parts dismantler without the brackets - has anyone any advice? We will most likely convert to conventional if this unti fails
Thanks Dennis! I did this and it works nicely! anybody want my automatic ones?
I ebayed mine and got $125 for them.
I have a 2011 Toyota Highlander limited
Hi, i just bought a 015 Highlander and hace the same problem can someone tell me how yo search for this items please
Question that you or someone else may be able to answer. I have a 2014 Highlander - Limited and want to do the conversion from power to manual. When I look for the parts online, I keep finding that for the brackets, the description keeps saying either for car with flip up glass, or with stationary glass. They are referring to the window in the rear hatch. My Limited has a flip up glass. Not sure why this would make a difference for any of the parts. Also, I could not find a strut for flip up glass. They all say with stationary glass. The only strut I found that said with flip up glass was the expensive replacement struts for power hatch. All of these parts are at Toyota parts dealers online. I asked one parts guy and he said he did not know why Toyota shows with flip up glass or with stationary glass for the brackets. Prices for the ones that say with flip up glass where all over twice the price.
Anyone with info on this would be appreciated.
The part numbers I showed were for my flip up glass and should work for you.
Cbonz77, it appears that the 2014 to 2019 , does not have a lift motor attached to the frame of your 2014 to 2019 car, as a 2009 does , it's a little different replacement procedure, the arm that controls the lifting and closing it seems is all powered by the motor attached to the frame of the 2009 , the struts mounted on the lift gate appears to assist the the electric motor in the lift and closing of the gate, this is the procedure I want to eliminate and make it a manually lift and close by adding the recommended struts, The arm that actually lift the gate is what I'm talking about , does that arm ( connected to the motor and does all the lifting and closing) does that have to be removed for a smooth operation o manually lifting the gate up and down? As you may Know dealer want me to bring it in for the repair, in and around $1500 for the fix?????Note it seems hard to find anything on a 2009 Toyota Highlender limited on U tube, and dealer again want me to bring it in.. So the call out for help is needed. TY.Jackie
This procedure applies to the 2014 thru 2019 model years, I have no idea how 2009 is done. Sorry.
Thank you, wanted to make sure this will work for 2016 XLE. sounds like it will? Same part #s? Thank you so much! Excited to do this
Did you sell the struts yet? I need the left side for my car.
still have them if you're still interested
Sold both.
Can you please re post the link of the part number and website for this conversion. I scrolled down and couldn't find it. Thank you.
Just click Show more under the description.
Does anyone know if this works with a Limited? I've been looking for a solution for a while. It all looks the same.
They are all the same.
it worked for my 2014 XLE
hi where you order the parts for highlander 2015
Parts:
Bracket upper right 68945-0E030
Bracket lower right 68947-0E010
Bracket upper left 68946-0E010
Bracket lower left 68948-0E010
Stay assy (Strut) 68960-0E102
Stay assy (Strut) 68950-0E102
I ordered from parts.olathetoyota.com
Our 2014 Highlander has given us fits since we bought it. The liftgate has been nothing but trouble, it won't open, then it won't close if it opens. Getting the manuals ASAP! Thank you.
Great video....thanks man😃✌🏽
Thank You! I ordered the parts and just finished installing it on my 2015 Highlander. Works perfectly. Your instructions (as well as which parts to order) were invaluable, and you saved me big $$
Thanks Again!
Where did you order the struts and brackets? I also have a 2015 Highlander. I want to switch it to manual instead of paying $1400 to fix the problem.
Amber Hebert Just click on the Top Heading of this Video, where it shows a description of the video. He includes all of the part numbers as well as the web site to buy if from.
My manual struts on a 2017 will not remain open. So annoying. My highlander is the most basic highlander you can get
Has anyone done this with a 2013 rav4 or similar year?
I also have a 2013 Rav4 and am looking into doing the conversion. Any word?
@@Pusser i was able to do it!!! just ordered the parts that would be for a lower trim rav4 without all the power crap and it worked out great. I would recommend getting new mounting points for the struts since its really hard to get the power ones off your pre existing mounting points.
@coolcar159951 do you happen to still have your part list and where you got them?
very helpful thank you for the video
Can someone send me the link to order the brackets?
Can you provide me the link? Please
Parts:
Bracket upper right 68945-0E030
Bracket lower right 68947-0E010
Bracket upper left 68946-0E010
Bracket lower left 68948-0E010
Stay assy (Strut) 68960-0E102
Stay assy (Strut) 68950-0E102
I ordered from parts.olathetoyota.com
Thank you sir!
omg i love you
This is exactly what I've been looking for. I had no idea that converting the PITA lift gate to manual would be so easy. I went to the website listed above to order the parts and discovered that there is a typo in the part number of the upper left bracket listed above. It should be 68946..., not 68646... Most people would probably figure this out, but wanted to point it out just in case there are others like myself who don't order car parts on a regular basis.
Ok, wait a minute, now I am confused. The car in the video appears to be an LE, which is the base model that came with the manual lift gate. It's not an "LT," which I assumed meant "limited." There is no sunroof or seat heater controls beside the shift knob, and the letters on the bottom right of the lift gate appear to read "LE." I really want to do this conversion but now I'm not convinced that it will work on my XLE and I don't want to pay a restocking fee and double shipping for parts that might not work.
Update. This worked just like in the video, on my 2014 Highlander XLE.
@@jennifermathews1072 Very nice! Thanks for the update.
@@jennifermathews1072 Does the rear glass open/close function with this conversion?
@@Globeguy1 yes