The trunk on my 2012 LS460 was behaving badly for a few days - it would open and close very slowly. Yesterday I loaded groceries in the trunk I pushed the button to close it. It would not latch. I was only half a mile from home and it was late in the day, so I decided to drive home and have it looked at the following day. When I got home, I found that the trunk had indeed closed itself. But now it would not open. I tried the release on the dashboard - nothing. I tried to release on the key - nothing. I tried the manual release with the key - it unlatch partially - about a quarter of an inch, but still latched. The groceries, including a whole chicken, could be expected to ripen in the trunk. I was able to get an arm into the trunk through the rear seat armrest opening. With a reaching tool, I was able to pull the bags to the opening and get the groceries out one at a time, including the chicken. But the problem with the trunk remains. My Lexus dealer is useless.. I called and they would not even connect me to someone in the service department who could discuss the problem with me over the phone. I have been disappointed in this dealer before.

So, has anyone had this problem before me? I did see a thread about a trunk that would not close, but have not found one about a trunk that would not open. I don't know whether I have an electrical problem or a mechanical one. Any help would be appreciated.

 

There are several posts here about replacing the latch mechanism. Using google(not forum search) type in "club Lexus ls460 trunk latch" to find these threads.

 

Close the trunk by hand if possible. Then disconnect the negative battery terminal for a few minutes. Reattach the negative terminal and use one of the push buttons to electrically open the trunk.

 

Thank each of you for the responses. I have tried the fix. Trunk was already closed and tightly latched. Disconnected negative terminal. Waited. Reattached. Was able to get the trunk open. Now it will not close. The latch just keeps cycling. If I close the trunk lid and hold it down it still pops loose after a few seconds and continues to cycle. I've tied the lid to within a few inches of closed and will take it to my independent repair place and see what they can do. Last possible option is the miserable Lexus dealer.

 

I would not close the trunk again. Replace the electric latch on the trunk lid. It's a common failure point. If you trouble shoot further it may latch permanently. Then you'll be looking at a much larger bill.

 

Local garage quotes $893 for par and labor to replace trunk latch. I want to look for salvaged part. Any ideas where to look?

 

Imo you're better off purchasing a new part. A used one might fail in another few months. Brand new $265 https://www.ebay.com/itm/165724898267

Replacement takes about a half hour. It's not too difficult.