Tailgate not soft opening

So the other day was carrying too much hardier backers and was sitting on top of the tailgate some. I went to offload by opening the tailgate while holding the boards. Well at the same time I kinda dropped the boards and opened the gate at the same time. Now the tailgate doesn’t do that soft open anymore. Doesn’t totally slam down but I really liked the soft opening. Anybody know how I can fix this? Is it just the hinge that needs to be replaced?

 

There is a shock behind the drivers side tail light. May have gone bad.

 

Ohh thank you. Yea I’m sure that’s it. I looked it up and I’m guessing this is the part.

https://parts.toyotaofcoolsprings.com/oem-parts/toyota-support-cylinder-661400c030

 

That looks to be the correct part.

 

Same thing happened to me. Truck is still under certified warranty so took to dealership. They hemmed and hawed for awhile before deciding would be covered. Says bumper to bumper and tailgate is inside bumper. Did have to pay 50 buck deductible which is in the contract. Without coverage was gonna be around 200 bucks to fix.

 

Your shock may be the issue or it could be the bushing in the hinge on the shock side. Mine quit soft opening because the bushing cracked. That let the tailgate open 1/3rd the way before the shock applied, then the tailgate would open really fast with a slight thunk when the cables stopped it. I thought I had pictures but can't find them.

 

My Tundra just started doing the same thing. When I bought my truck at Toyota, I got their bumper to bumper warranty for 7yr/84k miles. Paperwork says it’s called Toyota Extra Care Certified Platinum coverage. I’m calling the dealer tomorrow to get this fixed. Hopefully it’s covered. I’ll update once I hear back

 

It should be. Mine on my 2014 was covered on my 7/100,000 Platinum warranty, no deductible.

 

Look at the bushing on the driver side. The plastic is probably cracked. Letting the tailgate move before the shock starts to engage.

 

Turns out it was the Tailgate Lift support part#: 66140-0C030. The service rep told me it’s covered under warranty and ordered the part. Just waiting on it to arrive to schedule another appointment. Thanks guys

 

I was told that it was not covered on my warranty. They told me that bumper to bumper means radiator to rear diff. Argued with them that is not what those words mean. I got super pissed and just walked out after arguing with the service advisor. First time ever trying to get something warrantied too.

 

Go to another dealer if you can. If it’s a TSA you can always contact Corp and open a case. You shouldn’t have to if you’ve got an extended warranty.

 

Yes I have an extended warranty, thats almost out. I will definitely be doing that. Thanks. BTW what's a TSA?

 

Toyota Service Agreement
Their extended warranty.
I guess it’s called a VSA

 

Gotcha , thanks

 

Can you just buy the bushing?

 

At the time, I had to buy the hinge with the bushing already on it.

 

Get a new bolt that mounts the hinge too. Mine was tight and stripped easy.

Hinge 66102-0C020
Bolt 90148-A0008
About $50 shipped.