All You Need To Know About Power To Manual Liftgate Conversions
A liftgate is a large door on the rear of many Toyota models, including SUVs, hatchbacks, and crossovers. It is either manually operated or electrically powered and makes accessing and loading large items a breeze.
We look into the differences between these two liftgate types and explain how you can convert your power liftgate to a manually operated one.
Manual Liftgates
A pair of lift cylinders (liftgate struts) support manual liftgates. They cannot be operated remotely and require you to lift and close them manually. Manual liftgates are cheaper to repair than powered liftgates, with fewer components to go wrong.
Many Toyota models are offered with manual liftgates as standard, and a power liftgate is usually an option on higher end models. For more in-depth coverage on the reliability of manual and powered liftgates, read our blog here.
Power Liftgates
Power liftgates use an electric motor to power the liftgate cylinders and open and close the hatch. They can be operated remotely from a key fob or button inside the car, and they may also unlock or lock automatically based on the proximity of the smart key fob.
Certain powered liftgates also offer hands-free operation. They can be opened or closed by waving your foot underneath the rear bumper when the smart key is on your person. In every other way, hands-free liftgates operate the same as a regular power liftgate. Click here for more information on the pros and cons of manual and powered liftgates.
Power To Manual Liftgate Conversions
In certain cases, you may want to convert your powered liftgate into a manual one. This can be due to the high cost of the replacement parts, or perhaps because you prefer the simpler design and lower maintenance costs of a manual liftgate.
In case of emergencies, powered liftgates can be operated manually. Some models may require you to press a switch on your dashboard or in your glovebox. More on that topic here.
If you want to permanently convert your powered liftgate to a manually operated one, then take a look at our most popular conversion blogs here:
- Highlander Power Liftgate Conversion
- Sienna Power Liftgate Conversion
- RAV4 Power Liftgate Conversion
OEM Vs Aftermarket Liftgates
OEM Liftgate Parts
- Designed to Toyota’s high standards
- Work and fit just like the original
- Come with Toyota’s 12-month parts guarantee
Converting your powered liftgate into a manually operated one is a DIY job that can be done in your own garage. Especially if you stick to OEM replacement parts that are designed to fit and operate exactly like the original items.
Aftermarket Liftgate Parts
- Are generic designs
- May not fit correctly
- Rarely come with a guarantee
Aftermarket liftgate parts may be slightly cheaper, but they are designed down to a price, and don’t have to meet Toyota’s exacting standards. This means they may not fit right or work like the original part, which can cause damage to your vehicle. Find out more about the differences between OEM and aftermarket liftgates here.
OEM Liftgate Parts From Olathe Toyota Parts Center
Liftgate conversions are pretty popular now-a-days. If you've made the swap on your Toyota, we'd love to see the results. You can submit video or images of your conversion here and be entered to wind some swag.
Olathe Toyota Parts Center has over 15 years of online sales experience, and we stock only Toyota approved OEM parts that are backed by a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Check out our vast range of Toyota liftgate parts and replacement liftgates. For more information, contact us online or give us a call at 1-866-596-1970.