Hi guys,

I've got a 2008 LS600hL, went to go out yesterday morning and opened the trunk as usual with the remote (hate touching the button on the boot as it is sticky). Trunk opened like normal, closed it with the close button on the trunk. Remembered id forgotten something and tried to open it again. No luck, just got a slight mechanical sound for a few seconds where the latch is and then nothing. Tried again and just get the beep from front of the car. Tried with the mechanical key and it half unlocked but wouldn't open.

Tried pulling lid up and turning key at same time, no luck. Anyway 30mins of this, pushed the lid closed again and tried to open with key again and pull. Got a mechanical spring noise and boot opened.
Now the auto close feature wont work. Boot wont close as the latch is in closed position and even key wont open it. I tried the battery reset method as I had access to battery in the boot now. But no change.

I've removed the whole latch mechanism from the car but all seems normal. Wondering if I have to replace the whole mechanism or anyone have any ideas that could help. Part is quite expensive, about $1200 Australian from Toyota or Lexus dealerships

 

There are a few tutorials how to fix some common issues with the trunk latch mechanism. I opted to replace ours with a new one on our 460.

If you repair the actuator and it fails to unlock... forcing the trunk open could potentially do more financial damage then replacing the actuator. If our cars had fold down seats to access the latch mechanism I'd have a different view on doing the repair. I purchased a new one on ebay for $350 or so.

 

That is a pretty fair statement, I was thinking that earlier... if I couldn't have got the trunk open then what???? Specially having a LS600hL the battery is located in the trunk... so there is no option to disconnect battery and try again if the latch is stuck. I think its a major design flaw in these cars. It should be able to manually open with a simple over ride with the mechanical key.

Ill have a look online and if I can get the actuator assembly for under $500 I'd be happy.
Edit: have since found this and purchased it: LEXUS OEM Trunk Boot Latch Closing Assembly for LS460L USF46 64650-50040 | eBay

 

while you are in there, replacing the sticky trunk release button cover is cheap and easy. Here is the cover. https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Lexus-T....m46890.l49286

 

Unfortunately, actually fortunately the part arrived incredibly quick from Japan with DHL (2 days) and I couldnt wait to see if it would fix my issue so I installed it on Saturday and yes everything is working as it should. Got so excited that I put it all back together. Id really like to fix the sticky button issue but as all the trim is back in place, I have no idea of the procedure to do it.

Would you be able to direct me on how to do it, or where to find the how to. Cheers

Edit: all good found it! HOW TO: Gummy Trunk Button Fix - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

 

Was just about to post that link. In that link he is replacing the entire switch, whereas you can just replace the cover with the EBay part for less than 10% of the cost of a new switch.