LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Outside trunk opener button melting (merged threads)

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Old 09-05-12, 01:18 PM
  #16  
Playdrv4me
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What on earth?!
Old 09-10-12, 07:36 AM
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ctburrough
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I have contacted Lexus, they responded saying that they are looking into it. Will keep you all posted once I receive a response.
Old 09-10-12, 09:59 AM
  #18  
AlexusAnja
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Originally Posted by ctburrough
I am having the same problem with my 08ES350. The button is actually dripping onto the bumper. I have contacted the dealership to see that they are going to do. I don't think that Lexus should expect its owners to pay for this repair because this is not normal wear and tear, this is definately a defect. Buttons break and fall off, but they are not supposed to melt. If I don't get any where with the dealership I will just order it from Sewell and do it myself.
WHAT THE !??!?! that looks like chocolate syrup. Ugh.. this is really strange.
Old 09-17-12, 03:33 AM
  #19  
lextout
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whats the heck is going on there, it looks like theres a lexus ghost that has been bbq'n back there.
Old 09-19-12, 07:52 PM
  #20  
jayclapp
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We're all a bit concerned about something like this happening to our cars, knowing that repairs can be expensive. While I don't expect to see the "melting" button, this has made me aware of how I use the button on the trunk. I grip the raise bar and pull upon the button,all the while continuing to exert pressure on the button. That is probably not a good thing to do. The rubber button just allow the flexibility to push an electrical button on the other side of the button. Continued hard pressure will likely cause the rubber to erode away and eventually either crack or develop a hole at the contact point (I just had this happen on a similar button on a small hearing aid box).

Consequently I am trying to learn to slide my finger off the trunk button after the electrical contact is made and the trunk is unlocked, reducing pressure and undue wear on the rubber cover while the trunk is opened further.

Just thought I'd share this.
Old 09-20-12, 02:09 AM
  #21  
sajack
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My trunk button has survived 10 Louisiana summers and it still looks like new.

Last edited by sajack; 09-20-12 at 03:32 AM.
Old 09-20-12, 02:39 PM
  #22  
malrafe3i
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mine have actually been slowly melting off dunno wht to do
Old 09-24-12, 05:51 AM
  #23  
ctburrough
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Well, I have good news. Lexus replaced the button and all is well. Hopefully this one can weather the heat and not melt.
Old 09-24-12, 05:55 AM
  #24  
ctburrough
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Response to jayclapp:

Well that is true. However, the rubber didn't erode away, nor did it crack or develop a hole. I was MELTING! I hardly ever even use the button actually. I usually pop the trunk from inside the car or use the remote as I approach the car. I think they should have used a better quality rubber and hopefully they haven't used this material on some other part of the car that owners need to know about.
Old 02-02-14, 06:37 PM
  #25  
Bob04
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Default Replaced my melted trunk opener switch today

Pretty easy. Just removed the truck lid liner and unplugged/unbolted the old one. Didn't really have to remove the trunk lid liner completely. Just the right side. Plugged in the new one and bolted it back in, then reattached the trunk lid liner. Done. 30 minutes max. Nice to be able to open my trunk again without fiddling with the keys or going to the switch inside the car. Not sure what happened to my old switch, but it was a melted, gooey mess.

Got the part from sewellparts with the CL discount for only $51.74 plus shipping. Not sure what it would have cost at the dealer to have it replaced, but I'm pretty sure it would have been a lot more than that. The partnership between CL and Sewellparts is a great deal for the members here.
Old 02-02-14, 07:40 PM
  #26  
LiCelsior
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how the heck did it melt?
Old 02-02-14, 08:11 PM
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lsdude
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I have the same problem. It must be from the Florida heat or the previous owner's lotion on her hands.

Bob04, what is the part number? TIA.
Old 02-02-14, 08:19 PM
  #28  
DaveGS4
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Originally Posted by LiCelsior
how the heck did it melt?
Not an uncommon problem

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...n-melting.html

I located it just looking through Sewell parts breakdown on their site

Found where I ordered it, but no part number. Part was called one of the below (or maybe I ended up ordering both)


E. SWITCH, LUGGAGE ELEC
F. SUPPORT ASSEMBLY, LUGGAG

I brought the parts and local Lexus dealer covered the labor under goodwill.
Old 02-02-14, 08:23 PM
  #29  
yardie876
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Must be made of the same material that Toyota and Lexus made some of their dashes out of that turned into a sticky mess. My friend made the mistake of passing a cloth over the dash of her Camry to clean it and now her dash is permanently hairy.
Old 02-03-14, 05:40 AM
  #30  
Bob04
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Originally Posted by lsdude
I have the same problem. It must be from the Florida heat or the previous owner's lotion on her hands.

Bob04, what is the part number? TIA.
The part number on sewellparts site was 8494550010. That is for a 2004-2006 model LS430. Must be different for 2001-2003.


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