1NEAT_SC

Purchased my 2002 Lexus SC 430 a couple weeks ago. I find the trunk doesn't automatically go up when I press the button(s) to open. It unlatches, but doesn't raise. I'm pretty sure it should raise and stay up until you pull the handle to lower it. Correct? I have determined it has either one or maybe both pneumatic cylinders that are bad. Does anyone know where I can get replacements for these other than from a Lexus Auto dealer. For that little 12-14 inch trunk strut it is $155 each.... unbelievable? I have searched most everywhere to no avail.

Would appreciate any help. Unless of course that's the way it's suppose to work.

Thanks,

lar

Lexiss_sc430

iTrader: (2)

Our trunks don't do that... when you hit the button on the key its only suppose to unlatch the lock, not lift the trunk lid


EDIT; but if you wanted to make it lift you sure could, just buy heavy duty shocks and install them... their extra force will cause the lid to open once the lock is released. You could buy them from any auto store for 15-30 bucks…

1NEAT_SC

Thanks Lexiss for your answer. Just so I understand, the trunk doesn't stay up on it's on either? It seems to me it would be a hassle to load up or unload anything with the trunk banging your head or hand all the time. That seems like a poor design if that's the way it's suppose to be.

So, the trunk pops but doesn't open on it's on and it doesn't stay up when you raise the trunk?

Im glad I asked before I paid $300 to replace the ones that are on there.

lar

Lexiss_sc430

iTrader: (2)

If yours doesn’t stay up then there is a problem..... Once you prop it up with your hand (manually) it should stay there until you manually push it back down.... if it does not stay up then yes, your shocks are dead and you need to replace them.
I would suggest checking eBay and local parts suppliers for those shocks... I bought some for my LS from a local guy here for 20 bucks each, whilst the dealer wanted 60 each .

1NEAT_SC

Thought something was wrong there. It has a handle to pull it down, but it doesn't stay up so thought that was useless. Had to hold it up with one hand to unload a set of golf clubs yesterday... what a laugh that was with the clubs falling out everywhere. lol

Unfortunately the SC 430 has different and slightly special struts. I got two from Napa today and the top between the ball and bottom of the trunk was too small for the new ball joint to go in. They were $116 each so was able to return them.

If anybody has a part# or a auto store that have them, I sure would appreciate some advice. Wouldn't mind putting the strut that would pop the trunk all the way up even if it's slighty difficult to close.

Thanks again Lexiss. That information makes sense and helps me understand how the trunk lid is suppose to work.

lar

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

The new ones from the dealer are updated units, best bet to just pick them up there.

talwang

iTrader: (4)

Both OEM and aftermarket one can be found on eBay at a good price.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...unk&category0=

rominl

iTrader: (4)

nop, it doesn't go up by itself. we got our cars new and never do that. tried several sc430 too, none of them do.

but once it goes up it will stay there though, otherwise it's blown shocks

1NEAT_SC

Thanks all for the information. Hope I can return the favor one day.

Talwang, thank you for the ebay info. They are ordered and that makes my day. tyvm..

lar

1NEAT_SC

Ordered last Saturday, processed to Paypal on Tuesday and received the pair of struts today. Thanks Talwang for the information.

It took almost 10 minutes to install both using a small screwdriver. So simple anybody could do it. Nobody is laughing now when I take my clubs out. They may laugh at my game but not my head banging trunk. (-:

lar

Cloud9

iTrader: (2)

I wonder if you could rig something to make the trunk go up automatically when you press the trunk release remote

It's a pretty cool feature on my 07 LS460. I've had people who pass by stare in awe when the trunk goes up and down by itself. You press a button on the inside of the trunk door to automatically close it.

PVlexus

I guess you could get some very powerful shocks which would raise it when you unlatch it. The trunk would me much harder to close, and if your hands are full, I don't know how well that'd work out. But go for it and let us know how it goes.