Q: My car thinks the trunk is always open
My rear gate is always open on my 2010 Toyota Highlander. And by that, I mean that my 2010 Toyota Highlander is convinced that the rear gate is AlWAYS OPEN. It is not always open and the computer cannot seem to tell when I close it. This vehicle has 65,000 miles on it so I will have it for a while. How can I make this madness stop? I’ve closed the gate so many times, I really just want the car to acknowledge that!
This condition is likely caused by the door latch not recognizing that the door is closed. This could be due to mis-alignment of the door, a faulty latch, or a faulty striker. Another possible cause is the improper closing/latching of the rear door glass. A local mechanic, like those with YourMechanic, can diagnose an alignment or electrical issue with the rear door/glass/latching mechanisms.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Radiator fan and air conditioning fan not working
Hello. A broken compressor is the most likely cause when the radiator and air conditioning fans don't turn. However, there are other causes for the fans to not turn such as fuses, relay, or wiring to the fans. Also, the...
Car stalling since EGR valve replacement
You may have a bad EGR valve or it may be stuck open. Sometimes you can push on the rubber diaphragm on the EGR valve and it will free it up. I would recommend having a technician come out and...
Fuel cutoff switch light is on
Ok here is what I found about the fuel cutoff switch. Sometimes the connectors to the inertia switch located in the trunk become corroded and need to be cleaned and re-terminated. I would recommend having a technician come out and...
Replacing pinion bearing on a 2002 Ford Explorer
Yes, why not get a used unit? Unfortunately, replacing those pinion things is a very complex and involved job. You need years of experience for a job like this. Now, sometimes I would take the differential off of a vehicle,...
Squealing sounds when the truck is under load
Hello. Firstly, I suggest checking for vacuum leaks, the turbo piping for leaks, and the exhaust tubing that goes to the EGR valve for any cracks. Any of those conditions could cause high pitched noises. I've noticed that a few...
replaced brake shoes in the back (they are drums,) but now they dont work...
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 2001 Ford Escape. You may have put in a spring incorrectly or did not adjust them tight enough before putting on the drum. If you think there is a missing spring then...
My front tires are kicked out at the bottom of the tires. Ball joint problem?
What you are describing is negative camber. Many vehicles have slight negative camber to promote stability on turns but the amount is minimal, perhaps 0.50 to 1 degree. If the negative camber on your vehicle exceeds the factory specification, typically...
if my transmission fluid was filled a quart over could this cause my reduced engine power light to come on?
Hi there. Usually the reduced power light is caused by an engine component failure, like the throttle body, TPS or bad O2 sensors. It is very possible that the additional transmission fluid has created a trouble code that might have...
Loud clunking noise when i drive over pot holes and bumps. Any idea what this could be?
Unfortunately, as our vehicles age, the parts will just wear out. There are a few possible issues that can cause a clunk when going over bumps (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/clunking-noise-when-i-drive-over-bumps-inspection), in a vehicle that is getting up there in mileage. Worn shocks/struts, worn...
Related articles
2012 Toyota Sienna vs. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan: Which One Should I Buy?
The battle of the minivans: Toyota Sienna versus the Dodge Grand Caravan. Both of these comfy people-movers provide options galore, and the minivan is meant to get everyone where they need to go safely and quickly, at a reasonable cost...
How Long Does a Door Striker Plate Last?
Have Have you ever wondered how your door stays firmly locked with your vehicle kept safe and secure? There are a number of components involved in the vehicle's locking system, one of which is the door striker plate. This part...
How to Open a Frozen Shut Car Door
During During the winter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-do-i-prepare-my-car-for-winter) or on a particularly cold night, it is not uncommon to see your doors frozen shut. For the most part, the heat from the sun takes care of any thin layers of ice that form...
Browse other content
Services
Cities