2024+ Tacoma - Removing and Installing the Tailgate

[4gtacoadmin]

This thread consolidates the information from pages 143-146 of your 4th Gen Tacoma owner's manual, plus community best practices from experienced DIYers. The power tailgate system adds complexity compared to prior generations, so careful attention to the disconnection sequence and post-removal initialization is important.

Tacoma Tailgate: Remove, Install & Reconnect Guide​

Safety Precautions​

Critical Warnings

The jam protection function may not work if something gets caught just before the tailgate fully closes. Be careful to not get fingers or anything else caught.

The jam protection function may not work depending on the shape of the object that is caught. Be careful to not get fingers or anything else caught.

Electrical Safety (CRITICAL)

Disconnect the wire harness between the tailgate and the vehicle. Failure to do so may result in serious personal injury or damage to the vehicle components.

Important Operational Notices

Do not apply excessive force to the tailgate while the tailgate closer is operating. Applying excessive force may cause the tailgate closer to malfunction.

Make sure that there is no ice between the tailgate and frame that would prevent movement of the tailgate. Operating the power tailgate when excessive load is present on the tailgate may cause a malfunction.

Take care not to damage the sensors (installed on the right and left edges of the power tailgate) with a knife or other sharp object. If the sensor is disconnected, the power tailgate will not close automatically.

Do not pull out all of the tailgate wire harness before opening the tailgate.

Store the removed tailgate with the back-up camera lens facing upward.

Avoid possible contact between tailgate and rear bumper during tailgate removal and reinstall.

Pre-Removal Preparation​

Step 1: Disable Power Tailgate Systems

Before any mechanical work, turn off the power tailgate system and opening alert through the vehicle's multi-information display:

1. For 7-inch display: Press the power tailgate settings button
2. For 12.3-inch display: Navigate to "Settings" menu and select power tailgate options

The changed power tailgate settings are NOT reset by turning the engine switch to OFF. To restore original settings later, manually change them back on the multi-information display.

Electrical Disconnection Procedure​

Step 2: Prepare Connector Covers

Gather the four connector cover types (Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D). Store the connector covers in the glove box in a plastic bag when not using. You will need these during disconnection to prevent contamination.

Step 3: Open the Tailgate

Open the tailgate completely. For vehicles with power tailgate, use the power button to open fully.

Step 4: Disconnect Connectors (Part 1 - Connector Position)

1. Push the tab on the connector lever
2. Move the connector lever to the disconnect position
3. Disconnect the wire harness connectors completely

Step 5: Install Protective Covers (Part 1)

Install the protective covers to the wire harness connector on the vehicle body frame:

1. Type C cover - Install to one vehicle body connector
2. Type D cover - Install to second vehicle body connector

Connector shapes differ. Match each cover to the correct connector type.

Step 6: Disconnect Wire Harness (Part 2 - Vehicle Bed Side)

1. Locate the plastic wire protector in the vehicle bed (on floor under tailgate opening)
2. Press the tabs on the protector to release
3. Pull out the plastic protector completely
4. Pull out the wire harness from the vehicle bed toward the exterior

Important: Do not pull out all of the tailgate wire harness before opening the tailgate.

Step 7: Install Protective Covers (Part 2)

Install the protective covers to the wire harness connector on the tailgate connector:

1. Type A cover - Install to one tailgate connector
2. Type B cover - Install to second tailgate connector

Connector shapes differ. Match each cover to the correct connector type.

Mechanical Removal Procedure​

Step 8: Release Support Cable Brackets

1. Open the tailgate to the angle where brackets on the support cables are accessible from the lugs on both sides
2. Lift the support cable bracket up and slide it off the lug
3. To fully unhook the clip: Keep pulling upward on the clip of the bracket while unhooking it completely from the cable assembly

Support cables are under tension. Support the tailgate as you release brackets to prevent it from swinging suddenly.

Step 9: Remove the Tailgate (Right Side)

Following the exact angles is critical for safe removal:

1. Tilt the tailgate to approximately 45° from vertical
2. Pull out the right side of the tailgate to unhook the right side bracket

Step 10: Remove the Tailgate (Left Side)

1. Tilt the tailgate down/up to approximately 15° from vertical
2. Slide the tailgate a little to the right to unhook the left side bracket
3. Carefully remove and support the tailgate - it may be heavy

Store the removed tailgate with the back-up camera lens facing upward. Avoid possible contact between tailgate and rear bumper during tailgate removal and reinstall.

Specifications​

Connector Cover Types: Four connector cover types are provided (Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D). Store the connector covers in the glove box in a plastic bag when not using.

Support Cable Release Angles: Tilt the tailgate to about 45° from vertical and pull out the right side to unhook the right side. Then tilt the tailgate up to 15°. Then slide the tailgate a little to the right to unhook the left side.

Power Tailgate System: Initializing the power tailgate (vehicles with power tailgate) is required. See your owner's manual Page 141 for complete initialization procedure.

Reinstallation Procedure​

To attach the tailgate, follow the removal procedure in reverse order:

1. Reconnect the wire harness (reverse of disconnection)
2. Install connector covers to vehicle body (matching types)
3. Route wire harness properly (reverse of removal)
4. Install connector covers to tailgate (matching types)
5. Mechanically reinstall tailgate:
   • Align tailgate at 15° angle
   • Unhook left side first (reverse angle sequence)
   • Align tailgate to 45° angle
   • Unhook right side
   • Reattach support cable brackets (push clip to secure)
6. Enable power tailgate system via multi-information display
7. Perform power tailgate initialization (Page 141) - CRITICAL

Do not apply excessive force to the tailgate while the tailgate closer is operating. Applying excessive force may cause the tailgate closer to malfunction.

Post-Removal Procedures​

System Notifications While Tailgate is Removed

While the tailgate is removed, an open tailgate icon will display each time the engine switch is turned ON. To remove this icon:

• Press the power tailgate settings on meter control switches
• OR access the customize menu on the multi-information display to clear the indicator

This icon will reappear until the tailgate is reinstalled and the system is initialized.

Community Tips & Real-World Context​

Pro Tips from DIYers​

Label Connectors During Disconnection

The 4th Gen Tacoma has multiple connector types (backup camera, brake light, license plate illumination). Label or photograph connector positions before disconnection to prevent reassembly confusion. Many experienced DIYers recommend marking connectors with painter's tape numbered 1-4.

Apply Dielectric Grease to Connectors After Reconnection

Water intrusion is common in the connector area under the hitch, especially in wet climates. Applying dielectric grease to all connectors during reassembly prevents corrosion and intermittent electrical failures. This is a simple preventative step that saves frustration later. Standard automotive dielectric grease (available at any parts store for $5-15) is sufficient for the entire tailgate harness.

Realistic Time Expectation

Experienced DIYers report this task takes 45-90 minutes for removal and reinstallation, including careful harness management. First-timers should allow 2+ hours. The 4th Gen system is more complex than prior generations due to the power tailgate and backup camera integration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid​

Forgetting Power Tailgate Initialization After Reinstallation

This is the #1 issue reported by DIYers. Successfully removing and reinstalling the tailgate is only half the job. The power tailgate system must be re-initialized (Page 141) after electrical reconnection. Without this step, the jam protection function will malfunction and the system will not auto-close properly. Even if the manual reference seems vague, this step is critical.

Failing to Disable Power System Before Removal

Starting work without turning off the power tailgate system through the multi-information display can trigger system malfunction errors. These errors may require a dealer visit to reset. Always disable the system first.

Pulling Excessive Force on Support Cable Brackets

The support cable bracket clip mechanism can be damaged by excessive force. Follow the procedure carefully - lifting upward while pulling the clip releases the bracket smoothly. Rushing this step can require bracket replacement.

Not Following Harness Sequence

The manual explicitly warns: "Do not pull out all of the tailgate wire harness before opening the tailgate." Pulling all harness before proper positioning can damage connectors or routing.

Ignoring Connector Water Protection

Water accumulates under the hitch after car washes or heavy rain. Without dielectric grease protection, this causes intermittent power tailgate failures. Apply protection during reassembly.

Helpful Context​

Why 4th Gen Removal is Different

The automated power tailgate system and backup camera integration make 4th Gen removal more involved than 3rd Gen (previous generation). However, the basic procedure is straightforward if followed carefully. Understanding why each step matters helps you execute them correctly.

Support Cable Angle Specifics

The 45° then 15° angle sequence is engineered into the tailgate design. These specific angles release tension on the support cables safely and prevent the tailgate from dropping suddenly. This is not arbitrary - it's the designed safe removal sequence.

Source Attribution​

Manual Content Sources

Toyota Tacoma Owner's Manual (4th Gen, 2024+) - Pages 143-146

Community Tips Sources

TacomaWorld Forum - Tailgate removal and connector discussions
Tacoma4G Forum - Power tailgate troubleshooting and maintenance topics
4thGentacoma Forum - Community-reported tips and common issues

Source Note

This thread combines official Toyota owner's manual instructions with verified community experience from established 4th Gen Tacoma forums. Manual content is always primary and authoritative. Community tips supplement the manual with real-world context and lessons learned by other owners.