I wanted to try to upload the TechStream data directly to this post, but it is not a supported file format. If one of the admins can add .TSE as an accepted file format, I will happy upload it to this post so it can remain better preserved on this website indefinitely. Th

For now, I have uploaded it to here: https://mega.nz/file/9GNngSRY#GBPBEg...eBRNt1BGyMkOX8

This contains two items in the data stream - the top opening and the top closing. It gives you all the reference and data points during the entire open/close process, which may be more valuable than the screenshots I uploaded.

You will need Toyota Techstream to open the file. If you do not have Techstream, there are many methods to obtain it... I will leave it at that. I suggest checking Amazon for an OBDII USB reader that comes with Techstream software. It is invaluable to have if you are a diehard Toyota / Lexus fan and almost a necessity to fix some of the more difficult technical issues.

Example from Amazon (this is the one I have - works great, have used it on four Toyotas and two Lexus' so far with no problem connecting): . This one most likely comes with Techstream on a CD and installation instructions.

Because I know some of you do not have Techstream and would still like to see the open / close data, I have also screen recorded the sequence and uploaded both opening/closing here:


Attached are the photos of a 2010 Lexus IS350c with the top in full closed and full down position. This hardtop has no known trouble codes or issues so it makes for a decent reference point of what should be normal for both states.


Top Fully Closed



Top Fully Open


Anyways, I hope this data helps someone out there with top problems! Paying it forward.

 

larrychery you are awesome! thank you so much for this post and info!

 

I want to toss in some questions here for future "food for thought" as far as how the data points interact with the physical movement of the top.

For the "pulse" sections of both the Roof and Luggage pieces (4 motors and data points), I would assume those are the corresponding motors where one raises the trunk up to free the space for the top opening/closing, and the other "roof" one is for the motor pushing the panels up into position for opening and closing the roof itself. By "pulse" I am figuring Toyota/Lexus is interpreting that as motor effort for the two sequences I am describing. Meaning, the computer is expecting certain "efforts" for the motors raising and lowering the trunk and also pushing the top up. I wonder if those are out of whack, or not expected, what happens? My guess is a failed sequence and a coded error stored. Based on comparing left and right side numbers of those 4 parameters - I would imagine if they are not conforming left-to-right that the top motors stop as a sort of safety mechanism to make sure that the top is not closed or opened out of alignment between the two sides. If it continued to operate, you would end up with sheering force between the left and right side and possibly bending the top itself. Those motors seem crazy strong, given they have to lift and retract metal parts and glass to make the top work correctly. Making sure there are checks/balances between the left and right side would be critical in insuring that the top cannot be opened or lowered when either side is not close enough to the other one in terms of sequence.

On that note, in the closing sequence, I noticed both the LH and RH roof pieces stayed as a positive value (no switch triggered, the top is now in full open mode), very closely within each other before the closing sequence started. The luggage ones returned to zero, which also makes sense since I am assuming those two sensors are collecting data on the sequence of the trunk opening and closing to store the top. In both full open and full closed top cases, they should return to zero since the trunk is always closed. At 2:24 from the video, the roof pieces switch to a negative value. That most likely represents the motors "pulling back" (reversing) as the top reaches past the gravity tipping point and needs to be slowed down via motor braking instead of letting the top smack the front windshield before re-latching with the two latch motors. If the top roof pieces were allowed to let gravity take over, the two roof panels would crash into the front latches and most likely over a few cycles, cause a failure of the ability for the front latches to close correctly.

All in all, honestly, I am blown away by this engineering. It is quite amazing.

 

good train of thought. you are correct about the complexity of the hardtop, its both amazing tech for 2010 and more complicated then anything i have worked on car related. thanks to your video i was able to pinpoint a faulty sensor in the main package tray, that may have caused a broken tooth in the gearbox of the rh rear windshield motor, i replaced the motor assembly and the faulty sensor.
Depending on the sensor that is faulty the ecu will stop you from opening the trunk and control of the windows, so the top doesn't crush the windows.
i am super thankful you took the time to make this thread.

 

I am glad my post was able to help you successfully repair your top! Which specific sensor was bad? That might help someone else in the future too.