RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2004 -2009 RX330, RX350 and RX400H models

Tail gate lift problems

Old 01-29-16, 02:00 PM
  #1  
kampels
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
kampels's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Utah
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Tail gate lift problems

Hello,

I have a 2005 RX, the tail gate started to act up, first it wouldn’t always work, then I could only lift it manually. I greased the struts and checked the fuse. After doing this it will only lift manually about six inches. The motor seems to be trying to lift the gate and makes a noise, but I’m stuck at six inches! Any advice?
Old 01-29-16, 08:40 PM
  #2  
LSBen
Pole Position
 
LSBen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: CA
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

Have you ever replaced your rear struts? If not, then that's the culprit
Old 01-29-16, 11:45 PM
  #3  
litzdog911
Pole Position
 
litzdog911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: WA
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

You need to replace the rear struts. Search this forum for tips on which ones are the best quality.
Old 01-31-16, 09:01 AM
  #4  
robbyk
Pit Crew
 
robbyk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: CA
Posts: 239
Received 7 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by kampels
Hello,

I have a 2005 RX, the tail gate started to act up, first it wouldn’t always work, then I could only lift it manually. I greased the struts and checked the fuse. After doing this it will only lift manually about six inches. The motor seems to be trying to lift the gate and makes a noise, but I’m stuck at six inches! Any advice?
I had similar problem, local Lexus Dealer replaced the rear hatch's motor, problem solved. Do not know the total cost as it was done under extended warranty.
Old 02-01-16, 09:58 AM
  #5  
stevies30
Driver
 
stevies30's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 179
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

robbyk is right. You need a new motor.
Old 02-01-16, 10:25 AM
  #6  
jakenbake
Lead Lap
 
jakenbake's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Arizona
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

I would start with the struts. Much cheaper than a motor and very likely the problem.
Old 02-01-16, 10:37 AM
  #7  
stevies30
Driver
 
stevies30's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 179
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

I was having the same problem and replaced the struts which didn't fix the problem. When I replaced the motor it worked perfectly again. If you want new struts, buy them but the motor is the problem
Old 06-07-16, 09:43 AM
  #8  
arsooner
Driver School Candidate
 
arsooner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 17
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

06 RX 400h, trys to open (about and inch) then closes. Then an hour or so later opens just fine, dash or keyfob. Motor sounds strong, guessing these are the original shocks. Shocks or motor? Guessing shocks?
Old 06-08-16, 09:02 AM
  #9  
robbyk
Pit Crew
 
robbyk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: CA
Posts: 239
Received 7 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by arsooner
06 RX 400h, trys to open (about and inch) then closes. Then an hour or so later opens just fine, dash or keyfob. Motor sounds strong, guessing these are the original shocks. Shocks or motor? Guessing shocks?
See my previous post.

Mine would do the same, I know it does not make sense but it was weather dependent. On warm days I could hardly get it to work, when it was relativity cool the rear hatch would work just fine.

What I was told at the dealership is that if you need new shocks the rear hatch would not stay in the up position when opened all the way. Also if your shocks are shot the rear hatch would not work at all, in case you have shocks that closed frozen.
You might want to try new shocks first, much cheaper than a new motor.
Old 06-13-16, 06:15 AM
  #10  
arsooner
Driver School Candidate
 
arsooner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 17
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Thxs, will go the shock route first.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nkt001
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
6
07-04-18 04:53 AM
1111GS
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
6
05-19-14 09:19 AM
PearlLex
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
5
11-08-04 06:10 AM
LophatRX
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
1
10-16-04 08:23 PM
eddied106
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
4
06-08-03 10:33 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Tail gate lift problems



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:50 PM.