The Toyota Tacoma tailgate can be locked, unlocked, opened, and closed using the procedures described below, depending on the vehicle's equipment and tailgate configuration.
WARNING
Caution while driving
Observe the following precautions whenever the Toyota Tacoma is being driven.
Failure to follow these precautions may result in death or serious personal injury.
- Do not drive the vehicle while the tailgate is open. Make sure it is completely closed and secured before driving.
- Do not allow anyone to sit, stand, or ride on the rear step bumper while the vehicle is moving or being operated.
Locking/unlocking the tailgate
Smart key system (vehicles with power tailgate)
Carry the electronic key with you to enable the Toyota Tacoma smart key system functions for the power tailgate.
- Opens/closes the tailgate
The power tailgate can be opened or closed using the applicable smart key function. After the tailgate has been locked, it cannot be unlocked again for approximately 3 seconds. - Locks the tailgate and all the
doors
After locking the Toyota Tacoma, check that the tailgate and doors are securely locked before leaving the vehicle.
Opening/closing the tailgate (vehicles without power tailgate)
Opening the tailgate
Unlock the tailgate before attempting to open it.
- Pull the tailgate handle to release the latch.
- Lower and open the tailgate carefully.
If equipped with a damper, the Toyota Tacoma tailgate will lower gradually rather than dropping quickly.
The support cables hold the tailgate in a horizontal position once it has been fully opened.
*: If equipped
Closing the tailgate
Lift the tailgate upward and close it firmly until the latch engages.
After closing the tailgate, pull it gently toward you to confirm that it has latched correctly and is securely locked.
NOTICE
After closing the tailgate
After the tailgate has been closed, pull it gently toward you to make sure the latch has fully engaged and the tailgate is securely locked.
Changing the setting of tailgate opening alert
If the Toyota Tacoma tailgate is left open, a warning message is displayed on the multi-information display to notify the driver.
Settings can be changed on
(vehicles with 7-inch display) or "
Settings" (vehicles with 12.3-inch
display) screen of the multi-information
display. Select the "
Alert" option and adjust the tailgate warning settings as required.
Changes made to the Toyota Tacoma tailgate alert settings are retained even when the engine switch is turned to OFF. To return to the original configuration, the settings must be changed manually again through the appropriate settings screen on the multi-information display.
Opening/closing the tailgate (vehicles with power tailgate)
Using the wireless remote control
Press and hold the applicable switch on the wireless remote control.
The Toyota Tacoma power tailgate will automatically open or close according to its current position.
If the switch is pressed while the power tailgate is moving, the direction of operation is reversed. After two switch operations that reverse the tailgate movement, the function stops operating temporarily.
Opening/closing the tailgate from the inside
Press and hold the interior power tailgate switch.
The power tailgate will automatically open or close, depending on its current position.
Make sure the tailgate is unlocked before attempting to operate it from inside the vehicle.
If the switch is pressed while the Toyota Tacoma power tailgate is opening or closing, the direction of movement will reverse. After two switch operations that reverse the movement, the function will stop temporarily.
Opening the tailgate
When the tailgate is unlocked: Press the tailgate opener switch to begin automatic opening.
When the tailgate is locked: Carry the electronic key on your person and press the tailgate opener switch so that the smart key system can authorize the opening operation.
The Toyota Tacoma power tailgate will then automatically open.
Pressing the tailgate opener switch while the power tailgate is moving reverses its direction of travel. After two additional reversing operations, the switch function will temporarily stop operating. To reactivate the switch function, manually close the tailgate completely.
The support cables hold the Toyota Tacoma tailgate in a horizontal position when it is fully opened, helping support the tailgate during loading, unloading, and normal use.
Tailgate opener switch on tail lamps
Tailgate opener switch on tailgate handle
Closing the tailgate
Using the tailgate opener switch on tail lamps
Press the tailgate opener switch located on the tail lamp to begin the closing operation.
The Toyota Tacoma power tailgate will automatically move to the fully closed position.
If the switch is pressed while the power tailgate is opening or closing, the direction of movement will reverse. After two switch operations that reverse the tailgate movement, the switch function will stop temporarily.
Close assist
From the fully open position, lift the tailgate upward by at least 0.8 in. (2 cm) using your hands or knee to initiate the close assist function.
Once the movement is detected, the Toyota Tacoma tailgate close assist activates and the power tailgate automatically continues closing until it reaches the fully closed position.
Changing the setting of tailgate opening alert
If the tailgate is left open, a warning message appears on the multi-information display to notify the driver that the Toyota Tacoma tailgate has not been closed.
The tailgate opening alert settings can be adjusted on
(vehicles with 7-inch display) or through the "
Settings" screen (vehicles with 12.3-inch display) of the multi-information display.
Select the "
Alert" option and adjust the applicable tailgate warning setting as required.
Tailgate closer
If the tailgate remains only partially latched, the tailgate closer automatically pulls it into the fully closed position so that the latch can engage completely.
The tailgate closer operates regardless of the current engine switch state.
Battery saving function
When the engine switch is off and the Toyota Tacoma tailgate remains open for more than 8 hours, the close assist function may become temporarily unavailable as part of the battery-saving operation.
Unlocking the doors or opening a door while carrying the electronic key can wake the system. After the system is reactivated, the close assist function becomes available again.
Power tailgate operating conditions
The power tailgate can automatically open and close when the following operating conditions are satisfied:
- The power tailgate system is enabled.
- The tailgate is unlocked.
However, if the tailgate opener switch on the tailgate handle or one of the tail lamps is pressed while the electronic key is being carried, the Toyota Tacoma power tailgate can operate even when the tailgate is locked.
- The vehicle speed is below approximately 2 mph (3 km/h).
Operation of the power tailgate
- The emergency flashers flash twice to indicate that the power tailgate is beginning an automatic opening or closing operation.
- When carrying the electronic key, the tailgate can be operated even while the other Toyota Tacoma doors remain locked.
- If the power tailgate system is disabled, automatic power operation is unavailable. However, the tailgate can still be opened and closed manually after pressing the tailgate opener switch located on the tailgate handle or tail lamps.
- If an abnormal condition involving a person or object is detected while the power tailgate is opening automatically, the opening operation will stop.
- Cargo that presses against or rests heavily on the tailgate may cause the tailgate to open more quickly than expected. Before operating the power tailgate, lift, move, or reposition any cargo that is pushing against the tailgate to reduce this risk.
If a person pushes downward on the tailgate with a force greater than 99 lbf (441 N, 45 kgf), the clutch in the spindle may slip, causing the Toyota Tacoma tailgate to open faster than during normal powered operation.
Jam protection function
The Toyota Tacoma power tailgate motor includes a detection function designed to recognize an obstruction, and additional sensors are positioned on both sides of the tailgate. If an object, person, or other obstruction interferes with the power tailgate while it is closing, the system detects the resistance and automatically stops tailgate movement.
After the jam protection function has operated, the power tailgate system is temporarily disabled to prevent continued automatic movement while the obstruction or abnormal condition may still be present.
The Toyota Tacoma power tailgate system becomes enabled again after the tailgate has been manually moved to the fully closed position.
Initializing the power tailgate
If the tailgate has been removed and reattached, or if the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reinstalled, the Toyota Tacoma power tailgate system must be initialized. Complete the initialization by manually closing the tailgate all the way until it reaches the fully closed and latched position.
Manual mode
The power tailgate switches to manual operation under any of the following conditions:
- The jam protection function has been activated after an obstruction is detected.
- The power tailgate system has been turned off through the multi-information display settings.
- An internal malfunction or failure is detected within the power tailgate system.
- The tailgate has been removed and reattached, including reconnection of the wire harness connectors, but the tailgate has not yet been manually moved to the fully closed position.
- The vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected while the tailgate was open, and the tailgate has not yet been completely closed to initialize the system.
Customization
Certain Toyota Tacoma power tailgate functions and related operating settings can be customized according to the available vehicle configuration.
WARNING
Tailgate closer
- If the tailgate is left only partially latched, the tailgate closer will automatically pull it into the fully closed position. There may be a delay of several seconds before the tailgate closer begins operating. Keep your fingers, hands, clothing, and other objects away from the path of the power tailgate and the tailgate hinges during this time. Becoming caught in these areas may cause fractures or other serious injuries.
- Use particular caution around the Toyota Tacoma tailgate closer because this function can still operate even when the power tailgate system itself has been canceled or disabled.
Power tailgate
Observe the following safety precautions whenever operating the Toyota Tacoma power tailgate.
Failure to follow these precautions may result in death or serious injury.
- Before opening or closing the power tailgate, carefully check the surrounding area. Make sure there are no people, obstacles, loose objects, or belongings positioned where they could be struck, trapped, or caught by the moving tailgate.
- If anyone is standing near the rear of the vehicle, make sure that person is safely away from the tailgate and any cargo that could move as the tailgate opens. Inform nearby people before operating the power tailgate so they are aware that it is about to open or close.
- If the power tailgate system is switched off while the tailgate is moving automatically, automatic operation stops immediately.
The tailgate must then be operated manually. Use extra caution when the Toyota Tacoma is parked on an upward incline, as the tailgate may move or open unexpectedly once automatic control has stopped.
- If one or more power tailgate operating conditions are no longer satisfied, a buzzer may sound and automatic opening or closing may stop. The tailgate must then be moved manually. Exercise additional care when the vehicle is on an upward incline because the tailgate may open abruptly due to its position and weight.
- Do not place a heavy load or apply excessive downward force to the edge of the tailgate while it is opening.
Such force may interfere with normal operation and could cause the tailgate to open suddenly or move in an unexpected manner.
- In the following situations, the Toyota Tacoma power tailgate system may detect an abnormal operating condition and automatically stop movement. If this occurs, the tailgate must be operated manually. Use particular caution on upward inclines, where the tailgate may open suddenly after automatic operation has stopped.
- When the moving tailgate contacts an obstacle or another object that interferes with its travel.
- When battery voltage suddenly decreases, such as when the engine switch is turned to ON or the engine is started while the power tailgate is operating automatically.
Jam protection function
Observe the following safety precautions whenever using the Toyota Tacoma power tailgate and its jam protection function.
Failure to follow these precautions may result in death or serious injury.
- Never intentionally use your hand, arm, leg, or any other part of your body to activate or test the jam protection function. The system is not intended to be tested by deliberately placing a person in the path of the moving tailgate.
- The jam protection function may not operate if an object becomes caught immediately before the tailgate reaches the fully closed position. Keep fingers, hands, clothing, and other objects away from the closing area at all times.
- Depending on the size, shape, or position of the object that becomes trapped, the jam protection function may not operate as expected. Always make sure that fingers and other objects remain clear of the Toyota Tacoma tailgate while it is moving.
NOTICE
To prevent tailgate closer malfunction
Do not push, pull, or apply excessive force to the tailgate while the tailgate closer is operating. Excessive force can interfere with the automatic closing mechanism and may cause the Toyota Tacoma tailgate closer to malfunction.
To prevent damage to the power tailgate
- Before operating the power tailgate, make sure that ice, packed snow, or other material has not accumulated between the tailgate and the vehicle frame in a way that could restrict movement. Operating the Toyota Tacoma power tailgate while excessive resistance or load is present may damage the mechanism or cause a malfunction.
- Take care not to cut, scratch, puncture, or otherwise damage the sensors installed along the right and left edges of the power tailgate with a knife, tool, or other sharp object. If one of these sensors becomes damaged or disconnected, the power tailgate may no longer close automatically.
Changing settings of the power tailgate system (vehicles with power tailgate)
The Toyota Tacoma power tailgate system settings can be adjusted through the multi-information display. Display the
(vehicles with
7-inch display) or "
Settings"
(vehicles with 12.3-inch display)
-
screen from the settings area of the multi-information display, then select the applicable power tailgate options.
Changes made to the power tailgate settings remain stored even after the engine switch is turned to OFF. If you want to return the Toyota Tacoma power tailgate system to its previous or original configuration, the settings must be changed manually again through the multi-information display settings screen.
Removing the tailgate
Before removing the tailgate
Before removing the Toyota Tacoma tailgate, turn off the tailgate opening alert and, on vehicles equipped with it, disable the power tailgate system. Use the appropriate connector covers* during tailgate removal to protect the disconnected wire harness connectors from dirt, moisture, dust, and other contamination.
*: Contact a Toyota dealer for information about obtaining the appropriate connector covers.
- Connector cover (Type A), used for the corresponding tailgate connector.
- Connector cover (Type B), used for the corresponding tailgate connector.
- Connector cover (Type C), used for the applicable vehicle-side wire harness connector.
- Connector cover (Type D), used for the applicable vehicle-side wire harness connector.
When the connector covers are not being used, store them together in a plastic bag inside the glove box so they remain clean and readily available for future Toyota Tacoma tailgate removal.
1. Open the tailgate completely before beginning the removal procedure.
Vehicles without power tailgate
Vehicles with power tailgate
2. Press the tab A to release the connector lock, then move connector lever B in the indicated direction.
3. Carefully disconnect the wire harness connectors, avoiding excessive pulling, twisting, or force on the wiring.
4. Install connector covers Type C and Type D onto the corresponding wire harness connectors located on the Toyota Tacoma vehicle body frame.
The connectors are different in shape, allowing the individual connections to be identified during installation.
Match each connector cover to the corresponding connector and install it securely so that the exposed electrical connection is properly protected.
- Connector cover (Type C) for the corresponding vehicle body connector.
- Connector cover (Type D) for the corresponding vehicle body connector.
5. Remove the plastic wire protector located in the Toyota Tacoma bed by pressing the retaining tabs while carefully pulling the protector outward from its installed position.
6. Carefully pull the wire harness out through the vehicle bed, guiding it through the opening without twisting, pinching, or placing excessive tension on the wiring.
7. Install connector covers Type A and Type B onto the corresponding wire harness connectors on the tailgate to protect the exposed electrical connections while the tailgate is removed.
Each connector has a different shape, which helps identify the correct protective cover for the applicable connection.
Fit each connector cover onto its matching Toyota Tacoma tailgate connector and make sure it is properly seated before continuing with the removal procedure.
- Connector cover (Type A)
- Connector cover (Type B)
Removing the tailgate
1. Open the Toyota Tacoma tailgate to an angle that allows the support cable brackets to be released from the mounting lugs on both sides.
Lift each support cable bracket upward and slide it away from the corresponding lug.
To disengage the support cable bracket, continue lifting the clip on the bracket while carefully unhooking the bracket from its mounting point.
- Support cable bracket
- Clip
2. Tilt the tailgate to approximately 45º from the vertical position, then carefully pull the right side of the Toyota Tacoma tailgate outward to disengage it from the right-side hinge connection.
3. Raise the tailgate until it is positioned at approximately 15º, preparing it for removal from the remaining hinge connection.
4. Slide the tailgate slightly toward the right to disengage and unhook the left side from its mounting point.
To reinstall the Toyota Tacoma tailgate, perform the removal procedure in reverse order, making sure all hinge connections, support cables, wire harness connectors, and protective components are correctly returned to their original positions.
WARNING
Before removing the tailgate
Always disconnect the wire harness between the tailgate and the vehicle before beginning the physical tailgate removal procedure.
Failure to disconnect the harness correctly may result in serious personal injury or damage to the Toyota Tacoma tailgate wiring, connectors, or other vehicle components.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the tailgate wire harness
Do not pull the entire tailgate wire harness out of the vehicle bed before opening the tailgate. Follow the specified sequence to avoid stretching, pinching, or damaging the wiring.
To prevent damage to the camera lens
When storing the removed Toyota Tacoma tailgate, position it so that the back-up camera lens faces upward. This helps prevent the lens from contacting the ground or another surface and becoming scratched or damaged.
To prevent damage to the tailgate and rear step bumper
During tailgate removal and reinstallation, carefully control the position of the tailgate to prevent it from contacting the rear step bumper. Contact between these components may damage their surfaces or surrounding parts.
After removing the tailgate
While the Toyota Tacoma tailgate is removed, an open-tailgate icon will appear on the display each time the engine switch is turned to ON.
The displayed icon can be cleared by using the meter control switches or by adjusting the applicable customization setting.
Rear step bumper
The rear step bumper provides rear-end protection and also serves as a convenient stepping area when accessing or loading the Toyota Tacoma bed.
When using the rear step bumper as a step, place your foot only on the shaded area indicated in the illustration to maintain proper footing.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the rear step bumper
Do not allow more than one person to stand on the Toyota Tacoma rear step bumper at the same time, as excessive loading may damage the bumper or related components.
Bed step
The bed step provides an additional convenient foothold for easier access to the Toyota Tacoma cargo bed during loading or unloading.
- Deploy the bed step for easier access to the cargo bed.
- Stow the bed step when it is no longer required.
