I did a quick search, and I can only seem to find complete trunk boot latch failure. I'm not sure this is the case since my trunk will open with the fob and the cabin button by my knee, but the exterior button next to the rear camera will not open the trunk. Has anyone experienced this? If so, what was the fix? Am I missing something? Don't want to replace the liftgate switch unnecessarily.

 

I have seen a post stating the trunk button failure due degradation of the rubber cover. It seems to happen more often in states with high temperatures.

 

The rubber seems fine. No pieces falling off, and it appears to be in excellent condition. Checking the Lexus driver's site, it looks like the previous owner had the whole latch with button replaced Oct. '18.

 

Could be as simple as poor connection to the button.

 

Please don't be insulted by my answer. It is a common mistake and one I have made myself.

You must have the wireless remote key (some call it a "fob") on your person when you use the button on the trunk to open it. The operation is dependent on a signal exchange between the antenna in the trunk and the remote key. The range is about 3 ft or less.

If that is not the case, let us know as there are other possibilities.

 

This is the resolution. I thought a double click and unlock of all doors from inside the home would allow someone else to run out and use the trunk lid button. Guess not.

 

Or people poking it with finger nails........I take the approach of just using the remote or interior controls for any button like that if I can.

 

No, you will need to put the trunk in manual mode if you want that. If you send someone you will need to press the open button, they can close it once they get whatever they need and it will auto lock.

 

My trunk button rubber is completely worn out, still works though.

 

Not to insult the OP but want to point out that the fob needs to be in proximity of the rear bumper for the rear button to work. The actual button may not be the 100% root cause here. Toyota Techstream will help a lot here to diagnose which is at fault. Very handy to have if you an old laptop handy. Ebay sells the cloned hardware .

On my older 430, the fob radio receiver (oscillator) in the rear bumper failed (corrosion due to leaking seal) so the physical button on the rear lid would not appear work as the car coud not detect that I had the fob nearby. The switch was actually fine. The other methods to open it worked fine. On my LS460, the system works exactly the same way. There are actaully 7 Fob radio receivers spread around and inside the car.