So I broke something on my rear hatch door lock.

[Scott Free]

The latch was feeling a little gummy, so I inspected it yesterday and it appeared to have a few torn bits of plastic around the latch mechanism. So I tore them off.

Now the latch engages, but the hatch door has what feels like 1/4" of play in it when it's closed, and the "door ajar" light is on all the time. Anyone know what bits I need to replace? I looked at the exploded view in the FSM, but it didn't really seem to break down the internal parts of this entire mechanism.

 

[blkprj80]

Try pushing it all the way in with a round pin or something, sliding that pin sideways. I use a stubby Phillips screwdriver on mine. It should click twice. If you get the second click, check your door open light - it should be out.
Release it with the latch handle before you try to close it or you may break it.
It might be as simple as adjusting the loop shaped striker part.

 

[Scott Free]

I can manipulate it with a screwdriver and get it to click twice, and that did get the door ajar light to go off. However, it won't engage to the second click just by shutting the hatch onto the latch. Hmm.

 

[ToyotaDon]

The black plastic used to cover the part that appears brass-colored in your picture (the latch itself). Without those pieces in there, you would have some extra play. Adjusting the latch or striker may solve it, but it may be necessary to replace the latch assembly.