Anyone else have problems with their hood catch release handle?

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Yeah. I’d have to go out and look to remember the set up on the other end, but maybe try a parts yard.

Or, a member here has a part out truck. Try him.


https://www.tundras.com/threads/2001-tundra-ac-sr5-v8-part-out.65917/page-3#post-1998899

 

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.

 

Really! the parts are discontinued? ‍I’m at 270k and my whole latch assembly is cobbled together, I was hoping to just order everything new from Toyota.

 

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








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.

 

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

My current hood is held closed with zip ties, a wood screw and a dry wall screw insert plastic piece.

 

It’s the the handle you grab when you open the hood under the grille.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I took one from the salvage yard

It was a different part though. Small white plastic thing.

 

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

 

I just finished ordering the clip 697590c010 which is what broke on mine nit sure if that is what everyone is referring too.

 

Yeah, that’s what broke on mine. Mine was white. How much? $10?

 

I ordered two as top and bottom are the same clips. I believe it was like $13 for two they have them on ebay.

 

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.

 

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.

 

~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.

 

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.