Toyota 2000 Sienna Hatchback latch broke

Posted by Toyota Ed on Nov 26, 2008

There is no other way to open the hatch from the exterior, you have to remove the inner hatch trim panel to access the latch mechanism.

From inside the vehicle, remove the pull handle, if it has one.

Starting at the bottom, pull inward (towards the front seats) to release the plastic clips that holds the panel to the body. Once the panel bottom and sides are loose, pull the panel up towards to release the clamp at the meeting point between the glass and the panel. After the panel is removed, pull on the wire or the pivot that leads to the latch. Not "easy", but not too difficult. It is best to do this when the vehicle is warm. If the vehicle is sitting out in the cold, expect the plastic trim panel clips to break. Try it, and let me know how you make out.