RX 350 tailgate closes by itself
#1
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RX 350 tailgate closes by itself
My 2007 RX 350 tailgate closes by itself some times. When it gets to the top, it just beeps and comes down right away. I took it to the dealer today, and was told the hatch struts are weak and need to be replaced. However, another dealer told me it could be problems with the motors. Anyone has experience with this? Thanks.
#2
Not a service advisor, but I too would lean towards weak struts. The struts act as counterbalances and if weak they would transfer more of the load to the motors causing them to overload. That would be sensed and they would reverse.
In the same sense, weak motors would overload and that would be sensed and they would reverse.
More reasons I'm not a service advisor.
In the same sense, weak motors would overload and that would be sensed and they would reverse.
More reasons I'm not a service advisor.
#4
Have the struts been cleaned and properly lubricated? Though not unheard of, it seems a bit early to fail, IMO. Usually, the first sign of problems show in cold conditions. Have you tried opening the hatch manually by hand to see how it operates?
#5
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My 2007 RX 350 tailgate closes by itself some times. When it gets to the top, it just beeps and comes down right away. I took it to the dealer today, and was told the hatch struts are weak and need to be replaced. However, another dealer told me it could be problems with the motors. Anyone has experience with this? Thanks.
#6
I used to use a spray lubricant from Permatex, however, I can no longer find it. Grabbed a can of Liquid Wrench (Gunk) Silicone Spray to try from the local parts store. Worked well, but I thought it had a strong odor to it. Have been happier with a can of CRC Heavy Duty Silicone. A little goes a long way.
#7
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Thank you all for the suggestions! I live in Southern CA, so the weather is never a factor. I will try to lubricate it first and report back.
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Ok now I have tried the silicone lubricant, it seems to help a little but didn't get rid of the problem. After the spray, the gate may operate normally for a few times, then the problem happens again. Does it mean I really need to change hatch struts now?
#9
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Hello I need help again, please!
I tried the lubricant. it didn't seem to resolve the problem. So I sent it to the same dealer who said the problems to be with the hatch struts three months ago. This time around they said the hatch structs are good, but he motor is weak. I am very upset about them flipping back and forth. They asked for $1400 to replace the motor.
Any suggestions to this situation? Thanks in advance.
I tried the lubricant. it didn't seem to resolve the problem. So I sent it to the same dealer who said the problems to be with the hatch struts three months ago. This time around they said the hatch structs are good, but he motor is weak. I am very upset about them flipping back and forth. They asked for $1400 to replace the motor.
Any suggestions to this situation? Thanks in advance.
#11
Pole Position
I would turn the power liftgate off, and open it manually and see if you can rule out strut failure. If and only if you are 100% sure that it is not the struts, then have the motor replaced. My reasoning is that couple hundred bucks beats 1400. Or if you could live without the power liftgate, turn it off and leave it off, and just use the door manually and spend the 1400 on something else more worthwhile. Good luck.
Lots of people here have had good experience with the guys that RX330inFL recommended above if you decide to try replacing the struts.
Lots of people here have had good experience with the guys that RX330inFL recommended above if you decide to try replacing the struts.
#12
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Problem Solved
I had this problem, found this post and followed the consensus advice - lubricate the struts. Big mistake. The door would no longer stay open at all, i.e. you would have to physically hold it up while trying to get something out of the car.
The problem, as stated by a couple of posters, is that the struts are weak. The automatic door is designed to close when only a couple pounds of downward force is applied to the door when it is fully open. Because the struts are weak and cannot support the full weight of the door at the topmost position, it automatically closes.
The fix is to replace the struts. The quote from the dealer was $1200. Seriously. Good news is you can buy the parts on-line. I bought a pair of "StrongArm" Lift Supports on Amazon for a little over $60, and installed them in under 30 minutes. The automatic door opener now works like a charm.
Be careful, after removing the old struts - the door is *heavy* and propping up with a board or pole can be dangerous! You should have someone help hold the door up while you're working.
Hope this helps someone.
The problem, as stated by a couple of posters, is that the struts are weak. The automatic door is designed to close when only a couple pounds of downward force is applied to the door when it is fully open. Because the struts are weak and cannot support the full weight of the door at the topmost position, it automatically closes.
The fix is to replace the struts. The quote from the dealer was $1200. Seriously. Good news is you can buy the parts on-line. I bought a pair of "StrongArm" Lift Supports on Amazon for a little over $60, and installed them in under 30 minutes. The automatic door opener now works like a charm.
Be careful, after removing the old struts - the door is *heavy* and propping up with a board or pole can be dangerous! You should have someone help hold the door up while you're working.
Hope this helps someone.
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sci5 (10-28-21)
#13
I have the very same stupid problem with my 2006. first i replaced the computer (ECM) 199.99 brand new e-bay (100.00 install at Lexus dealer). Didn't make any difference. I ordered struts to see if that will help(waiting for them to come in) Lube the old ones didn't work. Most of these goofy back doors have failed, are failing or are going to fail. That's why I purchased a RX in the first place and that is the reason I will never buy another one. The door has almost taken my head off a couple of times. Real sad.
#14
Pole Position
I have the very same stupid problem with my 2006. first i replaced the computer (ECM) 199.99 brand new e-bay (100.00 install at Lexus dealer). Didn't make any difference. I ordered struts to see if that will help(waiting for them to come in) Lube the old ones didn't work. Most of these goofy back doors have failed, are failing or are going to fail. That's why I purchased a RX in the first place and that is the reason I will never buy another one. The door has almost taken my head off a couple of times. Real sad.
#15
In these cases the first thing you do, and something you should consider on a quarterly basis, is to open the hatch and clean the lifts with a proper lubricant. It is sufficient to just spray into a rag and use that to wipe the lifts. I use a silicone spray and wipe the rubber around the hatch area at the same time. Make sure this easy-to-do and inexpensive item is not the cause for a future problem.
Next, if you have to replace the lifts. If you can DIY, great. If not, take it to a shop, any shop. While I have never used the following place I understand others have had good luck with their replacement parts, so I routinely point to these:
http://www.autopartsbylou.com/lift-s...=mmy&x=18&y=11
If these do not solve your problem at least you will know they have been replaced and/or tended to and are some of the least expensive repairs you can do on your RX. Even if the motor or computer are a problem you should still be able to open and close the hatch manually. Some will have a problem with having to do that. My response to those individuals is unprintable here.
Personally, I still have the original lifts on my 2004 and even in the near freezing temperatures in PA and FL I have been in the last few months they work without problem.