antigeek

It seems that my '02 SC430 (born-on date: 10/2001) hydraulic trunk lid lifters are not very effective in this cooler weather. I have the lumps on my head to prove it.

I know that lifters can behave poorly in cold weather, but I don't remember this happening the last 2 winters. Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions on if they're faulty & need to be replaced by the dealer?

Thanks. Happy holidays to all (I wish I had gotten my car with a big red bow on it).

Phu

I've noticed mine doing the same thing. I'll have Lexus look into it at my next oil change.

stevelaw

This is strange - my 2002 (Oct build date) model just started having the same problem a couple of weeks ago. Being in Fla, can't blame this one on cold weather! I'm coming up for service interval soon and plan to have it fixed.

As a side note, I recall having similar problems with my 1992 SC400 about three years after I got it.

loflin

Just noticed the same thing, progressively worse over the last couple of months. Worse now that cold is here. Lexus will fix next time I'm in.

antigeek

I'll check my service records for my '93 SC400, but I don't remember it happening to it.
Then again, the current one bonked me on the head a few times, so ...

JCtx

Those things don't last forever; 3 to 4 years is normal. The high-pressure gas inside gradually finds its way out, to the point of no longer being able to do the lifting job. Check the ones for the hood too.
Get them replaced under warranty before it runs out.

1NICESC430

Interesting ...
before I put my SC into hibernation, I noticed that the trunk lid was getting a bit lackadaisical, but I didn't bother mentioning it here. I also do not recall any of my other cars ever having a problem with the lifters.

Antigeek ... have a phrenologist read those lumps - maybe you'll find out you're smarter than you think.

antigeek

I haven't taken my car in yet, but thought I'd bump this topic & see if anyone has gotten a response.
Of course, if I'm the first one, I'll post it here.

And Ed, I'm still looking for an attractive phrenologist to examine my bumps.

Phu

I had service look at it and they ordered new lifts; however the lifts are on backorder. They will replace it under warranty.

antigeek

Well, I got the lifters replaced late last week -- under warranty, of course.
These suckers are STIFF, almost to the point of being annoying. Pulling the trunk lid down is much more of a chore now. I know the old ones had failed, but I don't remember them being so hard when the car was new.

jtc

i had mine replaced also and i noticed how stiff the new ones are. i assumed i just forgot the amount of force needed to close the trunk. hard yes, but it still beats getting hit in the head every time.

antigeek

Huh? Who's there?

I noticed it more when trying to use the handle inside the trunk lid.
Agreed, though -- I thought I'd make it through the summer before replacing it, but no deal. Chalk up just my 3rd fix on this thing -- try having another car beat THAT for a 1st year run!

RodF

Easy to beat it on a first year run. My Corvette was in the shop constantly in the first year. I had my trunk supports replaced and didn't notice any undue difficulties in closing the trunk. Had the SC430 for 3 years now and the problems have been minimal.