LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Trunk Lid Latch Actuator

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Old 03-03-13, 12:19 PM
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PlotPoint
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Default Trunk Lid Latch Actuator

Trunk lid not closing (the small c-shape dealie doesn't retract so when the lid is closed it just bounces off the striker). A mechanic who looked at it told me there was a spring that controls whether that part retracts, and if that is shot then I need to replace the whole thing.

There is no 'motor' in the actuator, correct? Is spending $370 on a new lid latch actuator the only option? I can get a used one off eBay for less, but then there would be no guarantee that one will last either. I would rather fix the one that is in there and if that is not possible then just buy new.

I can insert the key in the trunk lock and turn it. I removed a part of the trunk liner and can see that the actuator 'turns' when I turn the key. So that's working. There is a thin metal rod that comes out of the actuator, but I cannot see the other end of it, which is where I suspect the problem is. I was just wondering if anyone here has had this thing apart and knows where this 'spring' is? If so, is this something that is fixable? It isn't the fuse -- already checked that.
Old 03-03-13, 12:47 PM
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PureDrifter
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what year is your mitsubishi galant?

Year and model in every thread please...

Last edited by PureDrifter; 03-03-13 at 02:49 PM. Reason: edited for clarification
Old 03-03-13, 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by PureDrifter
what year is your mitsubishi galant?
i dont get it
Old 03-03-13, 03:36 PM
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sha4000
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Originally Posted by 1sWt2GS
i dont get it
Without knowing the year there is no way to properly suggest a fix since there are many differences between model years. So It might as well be a Galant.
Old 03-04-13, 11:13 AM
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happens all too often around here...
Old 03-04-13, 02:08 PM
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billydpowe
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hay plotpoint, do a search, I have posted photos of the male and female sections of the latch a couple of times. maybe they will help....
Old 03-08-13, 07:24 AM
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sorry, ls400, 1st gen.
Old 04-10-14, 08:02 AM
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Any update on this? I have a 1995 LS400 and I have the exact same problem going on. I can stick a screwdriver in the latch mounted on the tank to act like the striker mounted on the body behind the bumper and it grabs it only if it's manually pushed in there. Then it will release by the trunk pop switch in front on the left knee (when sitting in the drivers seat). I am going to try and see if the latches are adjustable and go from there. I have a suspicion that the motor is bad and that's why I can get it to latch by manually putting a screwdriver in place but the popper feature is still good.
Am I correct when I say that by design, the trunk gets "sucked" in by that motor when closed?
Old 04-10-14, 09:01 AM
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dveneman
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Originally Posted by dhhd
Any update on this? I have a 1995 LS400 and I have the exact same problem going on. I can stick a screwdriver in the latch mounted on the tank to act like the striker mounted on the body behind the bumper and it grabs it only if it's manually pushed in there. Then it will release by the trunk pop switch in front on the left knee (when sitting in the drivers seat). I am going to try and see if the latches are adjustable and go from there. I have a suspicion that the motor is bad and that's why I can get it to latch by manually putting a screwdriver in place but the popper feature is still good.
Am I correct when I say that by design, the trunk gets "sucked" in by that motor when closed?
I am not qualified to say how to repair your trunk opener.
But dont ask this seller who appears to have lost his keys and had to get into the trunk. HAAA!

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/4413144234.html

Last edited by dveneman; 04-10-14 at 09:05 AM.
Old 04-11-14, 12:48 AM
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cgawelko
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Originally Posted by dveneman
I am not qualified to say how to repair your trunk opener.
But dont ask this seller who appears to have lost his keys and had to get into the trunk. HAAA!

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/4413144234.html

I dont want to live on this planet anymore..........


I dont think ive EVER needed in my trunk bad enough to damage the body.... If anything, I would punch out the window and remove the rear seats. I think this guy was hiding his stash in the trunk and the local less than favorables tried to crowbar in.... For the record I have had to punch out a window before..... $110 for the window vs. smashing up my paint and body, Ill take the window anyday.
Old 04-11-14, 05:07 AM
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sha4000
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Originally Posted by cgawelko
I dont want to live on this planet anymore..........


I dont think ive EVER needed in my trunk bad enough to damage the body.... If anything, I would punch out the window and remove the rear seats. I think this guy was hiding his stash in the trunk and the local less than favorables tried to crowbar in.... For the record I have had to punch out a window before..... $110 for the window vs. smashing up my paint and body, Ill take the window anyday.

I doubt that person was trying to get into their trunk, it looks like some kind of accident but who knows. You can't access the trunk off an LS through the back seat since that is where the gas tank is located.

Last edited by sha4000; 04-14-14 at 10:50 AM.
Old 04-11-14, 06:31 AM
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Check out the link before it's gone. There is more indication that the damage was "lost key" induced.
Controlled substances likely had somethng to do with it. Yes CG.This can be a frightening planet.
Old 04-11-14, 06:52 AM
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sha4000
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Wow I stand corrected, I did not see the link. They obviously forced their way into the trunk. It should be a crime what they did lol. They would have come out cheaper and been able to sell that car for more. Someone in the area should pick it up for a parts car.
Old 04-11-14, 06:57 AM
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dveneman
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Originally Posted by sha4000
Wow I stand corrected, I did not see the link. They obviously forced their way into the trunk. It should be a crime what they did lol. They would have come out cheaper and been able to sell that car for more. Someone in the area should pick it up for a parts car.
I thought about that. Storage is a problem. And I am reluctant to deal with seller. Ha!

Wish they would have owned a Galant.
Old 04-14-14, 09:27 AM
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dhhd
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Smh.. no help :/
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