lhagoodlh

Can anyone give me the step by step instructions to remove the back door panel from my 2004 GX470? My back door will not open and the dealership wants 700$ to repair.

chiph9

There was someone else with this problem posting about 5 months ago. I don't know what he did to resolve it.

Here's the parts diagram.

http://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.co...rimLevel=19100

Looks like you pull down on the top trim piece to unclip it, then pull the side pieces sideways to unclip them. Before removing the bottoms section (pull towards you) you might need to remove some screws under the handle (not sure).

Chip H.

ALAN553

if you cant open the back door, getting the inside panel and trim off might be a bit of a challenge

Davenlei

iTrader: (1)

I recall reading a year or to ago when your back door handle fails (cannot open the rear hatch anymore), you cannot take off the back panel and must cut through it to release the back door effectively destroying the hatch inner panel. So you may have to purchase a new inner hatch panel if you want it to work again.

chiph9

Worth trying, before breaking out the Sawzall.

Chip H.

JTSMG

You can remove the inner panel without drilling... but I'm not sure how to remove the door lock?

Tdoll

I am looking at a picture of the rear door with the panel removed and it looks like to there is room to work inside the door, visible bolt heads, Probably the door handle and actuator. That's where I would start removing stuff until I got the door open. lol

Tdoll

maxx430

what are the chances of this failure happening? I remember someone, not sure which forum, installed an unlock level on the inside of the door. Wondering if this is something we all should be considering.

scoarer400

bringing an old thread back to life. has this issue been solved? this just happened to me on my '06 GX470. my rear hatch is stuck closed. i have the panel removed and it seems like the handle latch is functioning. I can hear the lock/unlock when i use my key fob and power door locks. but my door seems jammed shut. any help is appreciated.

chiph9

You should be able to see/feel a cable going from the handle mechanism up to the lock. If you pull/push on it the door should open. If not, look for a good mechanic.

Part #8 is for the electric release, but there's likely a control rod going from the handle to the lock mechanism.

https://www.mylparts.com/v-2004-lexu...body--liftgate

Chip H.

Bhndthbck

the problem I found after i got the trim removed on mine, the bolts are between the door frame and the door.
So I got out the drill with a sizeable bit and went to work drilling lots of holes in the lock body from inside the frame of the door.
It took 5 or 6 before the lock body started to work loose, then used a pond screwdriver to break up and pry out the broken pieces.
hope this helps.

Bhndthbck

the problem I found after i got the trim removed on mine, the bolts are between the door frame and the door.
So I got out the drill with a sizeable bit and went to work drilling lots of holes in the lock body from inside the frame of the door.
It took 5 or 6 before the lock body started to work loose, then used a pond screwdriver to break up and pry out the broken pieces.
hope this helps.

DarylDean

Same Issue
My door is shut and I can't open it.
Could someone please share how they finally got the Panel off?? I am stumped

Bhndthbck

Start in the middle at the top and remove the trim piece by piece down the sides. Aside from a couple of screws for the handle and maybe something else, it just pops off.