2015 Tacoma TRD Snugtop Defective Lock

Just came back from a 3 week trip and went to unload the truck and my SnugTop lock won't open. Couldn't pry open, went to the dealer and although they don't seem to know anything were helpful but were afraid of liability of breaking the window but did say it was the actual lock. I called SnugTop who were not helpful and said we could drill it but would most likely break the window.
Does anyone have suggestions since the back is packed and I don't feel like busting the window and paying several hundred dollars or more to replace it. Poor design from Snugtop. Thanks

 

Is the back too full to try to reach the lever through the rear slider window with a pole or something you can get into the cab?

 

Since you say back is packed, I bet something is up against the inside handle preventing movement. Do you know if your latches are operated by cables or rods as pictured above?

 

The back is packed, leaving about 2" from the glass, it has clearance and we attempted a few shifting techniques. The topper has wings but things are packed tightly against them. This top uses the rods, so your picture is very helpful. We are attempting going through the bottom of the window at the tail gate and then as a last resort have a locksmith drill the tumbler in hopes of opening. The risk is window breakage and cost. Thanks for your responses.

 

Call a locksmith, as one my self, I would just drill out the lock pins/waffers, and open it with a screwdriver. Then replace the lock assembly after it was open. Locks are cheaper and easier to replace than a window.

 

Mine in the winter will have the same problem. I usually have to give the window CPR over the two latches a few times to loosen things up.

Does the key even turn? If it does then drilling out the lock will be a waste of time. Try grabbing the key with a set of pliers. The key to unlock looks nice in the back but a small key is a horrible lever.

 

I don't see how drilling out the core would break the window - the core sits within a housing in the handle.

 

Mine has been stuck before due to interference at the inside handle that I was able to move out of the way.
You definitely don't want to break the glass. Mine spontaneously shattered for reasons unknown and it was $550 plus 4 months of waiting to replace. Snugtop only sells it as the whole assembly- glass, lock, lift struts, latches and all.

 

Resolved: Thanks for all your input on this, it really helped to bounce things around. The lock appeared frozen and key was moving over the tumblers. I finally called the Lock Smith and fortunately the lock could be picked and two news keys for $60. He said the tumbler was fine but the keys were worn. However my trust is gone so I am going to purchase a T handle to install. The question about the glass breakage is I suppose because the glass is tempered usually bursts when a bind exists and there are three holes in the glass that are close together mounting the key insert and housing that make it more likely to cause breakage.

 

I had the flush key operated lock on my last shell and it sucks, current shell has the pop out t-handle and is way better.