When a power tailgate stops holding itself open, or the motor whines and the gate sags, the strut is usually the failed part — not the control module. Replacing the strut is far cheaper than replacing the system. The challenge is identifying the correct part number.
Where to find the OE number
- On the strut itself. Nearly all OEM power struts carry a laser-etched or printed part number on the cylinder body, often near the motor end. It may be partially hidden by the rubber boot — slide it back.
- On the vehicle data plate. The VIN-derived build sheet lists the original part number for the tailgate assembly.
- From the dealer parts counter. Give the VIN and ask for the tailgate strut part number. This is the most reliable route and usually free.
- From a parts catalogue. Most manufacturers publish exploded diagrams by VIN. Look under "Back Door" or "Tail Gate" and find the stay/damper assembly.
Typical part number formats by brand
| Brand | Example format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota / Lexus | 6891009010, 6891009130 | 10 digits; left and right differ, often by one digit |
| Honda / Acura | 74961TLA305, 74981TLA305 | Alphanumeric; 74961 and 74981 are common left/right prefixes |
| Nissan | 90450-xxxxx | Hyphenated; the suffix identifies the trim level |
Left and right are usually different
This catches people out constantly. On most vehicles the two power struts are not interchangeable — they are mirror images with different mounting orientations, and often different stroke lengths. Toyota numbers them in pairs:
| Vehicle | Left | Right |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | 6892009010 | 6891009010 |
| Toyota RAV4 (later) | 6892042020 | 6891042060 |
| Toyota Highlander | 6891009120 | 6891009130 |
| Honda CR-V | 74981TLA305 | 74961TLA305 |
Always order in pairs. A new strut on one side and a worn strut on the other causes uneven loading and premature failure of the new part.
Cross-referencing to an aftermarket replacement
A correct cross-reference must match on more than the number. Confirm all of the following:
- Stroke length and fully extended / retracted dimensions
- Ball or eye end fitting type and thread
- Motor connector type and pin count
- Force rating in newtons
- Left/right orientation
If a supplier can only tell you "it fits", and cannot give you dimensions and connector type, the part is a guess.
When to replace the strut, and when to retrofit the whole system
| Situation | Correct action |
|---|---|
| Vehicle already has a factory power tailgate; one or both struts have failed | Replace the struts. Cheapest and fastest fix. |
| Vehicle has a factory power tailgate; struts are fine but the module has failed | Replace the module. Struts are usually still good. |
| Vehicle has a manual tailgate | Retrofit a complete kit. There is no strut to replace. |
| Struts failed well before expected life | Investigate alignment and bracket condition first — the strut may be a symptom. |
Why replacement struts should need no programming
A replacement strut is a mechanical and electrical component, not a control unit. If a supplier tells you the vehicle needs coding after fitting a replacement strut, question it. The module holds the configuration; the strut just executes.
What does matter is the connector and the motor characteristics. A strut with the wrong current profile can cause the module to log a fault or trigger anti-pinch unnecessarily.
Ordering checklist
- ☐ OE number read off the original strut or confirmed by VIN
- ☐ Left and right both identified, ordered as a pair
- ☐ Stroke length and end fitting type confirmed
- ☐ Motor connector type and pin count confirmed
- ☐ Force rating matched to the original
- ☐ Confirmed that no programming is required
JYJ replacement struts
We carry 202 OE strut references covering Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Nissan and others. Each is a same-specification direct replacement — no programming, no matching, fitted in minutes. If you have a part number that is not on our list, send it to us; we can usually cross-reference or develop it.