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Anyone else have problems with their hood catch release handle?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by RedTundra02, Mar 30, 2021.

  1. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:13 PM
    #1
    RedTundra02

    RedTundra02 [OP] New Member

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    About 3 years ago the hood catch release handle inside the front grill of my 2002 broke. The plastic piece that holds the release rod broke. I rigged it with some wire to get it working and attempted to get a new handle but was told by the dealer that the part was discontinued. I was also unable to find it online.

    That repair lasted until last week when more of the plastic broke. I repaired it this time with some super glue and a washer but would like to find a better solution. Has anyone else had any problem with their handle breaking? Is there another handle that will work?
     
  2. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:38 PM
    #2
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Hand Protectors
    I used a Super Duty Zip Tie. Been holding for about 2 years. Stays flexible yet holds the rod tight in the hole. Put a little lube around the Latches and Catches for good love.

    They do sell those Plastic Clips at the autozoned which I believe are the same style as the tailgate clips. You could check there for them, but Zip Tie same gauge or a little bigger in the pic will work.



    upload_2021-3-30_19-36-15.jpg
     
    Sunnier likes this.
  3. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:45 PM
    #3
    RedTundra02

    RedTundra02 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks, mine broke on the other end of the rod at the handle. When the last piece broke there was nothing left to hold the rod so I super glued a washer to the handle and slide the rod through the washer.
     
  4. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:48 PM
    #4
    Hny_Bdgr

    Hny_Bdgr New Member

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    If it fits it ships
    it was broken on my old 03 i used a ziptie but on my 2000 i took it off and use my winch hook to sandwhich it between the hood and the bars of my arb bumper
     
  5. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:51 PM
    #5
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Hand Protectors
  6. Mar 30, 2021 at 8:39 PM
    #6
    Sunnier

    Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

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    Yes, mine breaks intermittently; that wire end backs out of the hole in the lever. I’ve used side cutters to bend the wire better— it’s holding for now.
     
  7. Mar 30, 2021 at 9:35 PM
    #7
    Diablo169

    Diablo169 ROKRAPR

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    Really! the parts are discontinued? ‍:angrygirl:I’m at 270k and my whole latch assembly is cobbled together, I was hoping to just order everything new from Toyota.
     
  8. Mar 30, 2021 at 9:39 PM
    #8
    SouthPaw

    SouthPaw The headlight guy

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    Are you talking about this piece? I know because I’ve looked too and it’s been discontinued and mine broke too lol.


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    They are on eBay or junk yard. Mine broke when I removed the grille to replacement because the bushings/nuts were rusted solid to the bolts. After trying to remove them, they began spinning inside the handle. I had to break it off to finally get it removed. To open the hood, simply push the rod that connects to it up toward the hood and it works like normal. I’ll try and make a video tomorrow.
     
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    #8
  9. Mar 30, 2021 at 9:47 PM
    #9
    Diablo169

    Diablo169 ROKRAPR

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    I don’t even know what piece that is, but I’m sure mine is broke :annoyed:

    My current hood is held closed with zip ties, a wood screw and a dry wall screw insert plastic piece.
     
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  10. Mar 30, 2021 at 9:47 PM
    #10
    SouthPaw

    SouthPaw The headlight guy

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    It’s the the handle you grab when you open the hood under the grille.
     
  11. Mar 31, 2021 at 2:55 PM
    #11
    RedTundra02

    RedTundra02 [OP] New Member

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    Yes, that is the piece that I have been repairing. The first time the rod holder part broke I attempted to remove the handle assembly ( hoping to find a new one) but the first bolt broke off when I tried to remove it. The other bolt did not break but did not come out either, it just spins now but does not come out. It's a mess that I keep repairing and I would love a better long term solution. At this point if it breaks beyond repair the only option I know would be to use a wire to pull the latch through the grill but hopefully it never comes to that.
     
  12. Mar 31, 2021 at 7:17 PM
    #12
    SouthPaw

    SouthPaw The headlight guy

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    Here you go:
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/5354030020-Genuine-Toyota-LEVER-ASSY-AUXILIARY-CATCH-RELEASE-53540-30020-/133383734008

    Like I said, it opens just fine without it if you push the rod straight up.
     
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  13. Apr 1, 2021 at 12:27 PM
    #13
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Took a pic today of the other business end. My clip had broken as well but still remained mostly intact. I Zip Tied that end up tight with the remaining Plastic. Holding nicely 2 years plus. Lube it all nicely.

    Sounds like its best not to try and remove this release handle two bolts without a major back up plan.


    upload_2021-4-1_15-26-42.jpg
     
  14. Apr 1, 2021 at 1:39 PM
    #14
    RedTundra02

    RedTundra02 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks, I went ahead and ordered one to have as a backup if my latest repair breaks.

    Based on my experience I wouldn't touch the two bolts unless you have no choice. In my case they weren't the problem until I tried to remove the handle.
     
  15. Apr 1, 2021 at 2:54 PM
    #15
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy Truck repair enthusiast; Rust Aficionado

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    I took one from the salvage yard

    It was a different part though. Small white plastic thing.
     
  16. Sep 21, 2022 at 6:43 PM
    #16
    S-Man

    S-Man New Member

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    Mine just broke today :( Any solutions? Can't find these things anywhere.

     
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  17. Sep 21, 2022 at 7:26 PM
    #17
    Dave8699

    Dave8699 Trackrat

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    I just finished ordering the clip 697590c010 which is what broke on mine nit sure if that is what everyone is referring too.Screenshot_20220921_222541.jpg
     
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  18. Sep 21, 2022 at 8:28 PM
    #18
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy Truck repair enthusiast; Rust Aficionado

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    Yeah, that’s what broke on mine. Mine was white. How much? $10?
     
  19. Sep 21, 2022 at 8:31 PM
    #19
    Dave8699

    Dave8699 Trackrat

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    I ordered two as top and bottom are the same clips. I believe it was like $13 for two they have them on ebay.
     
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    Jack McCarthy[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Sep 22, 2022 at 5:36 AM
    #20
    shifty`

    shifty` Is the Gila Copter a love machine?

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    Huh. I wonder if, size-wise, the new, beefy tailgate clips would work in this case. They're pretty stout. That hood latch is one I hadn't thought of lubricating, but it probably needs it just like the tailgate latches.

    Anyway, in the event someone finds that part gets discontinued, Dorman has a variety pack for doors, hoods, trunks, tailgates. More info here.
     
  21. Sep 23, 2022 at 11:21 AM
    #21
    Hummer

    Hummer New Member

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    I replaced that clip on my truck 3 years ago. Can't find where I got it but it was from a Toyota dealer selling online.
     
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  22. Sep 23, 2022 at 11:29 AM
    #22
    shifty`

    shifty` Is the Gila Copter a love machine?

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    ~30% off the $3.65 MSRP if I choose to pick it up from my local dealership via https://parts.toyota.com

    I'll hafta add this to my little list of extras I should probably add to my next parts order.

    upload_2022-9-23_14-28-18.jpg
     
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  23. Sep 23, 2022 at 11:42 AM
    #23
    shifty`

    shifty` Is the Gila Copter a love machine?

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    Just for reference, in case anyone needs it, maybe the later-gen trucks are different or something, but this is what I'm pulling up for the two main latch pieces, maybe it's the handle you guys are breaking off, and it's the first part? The second one is just the rod, clip, and mechanism.

    upload_2022-9-23_14-42-23.jpg
     

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