I live in Utah, I have a 2009 LX 570. No accidents to report. I've owned it for 2 years and love it. However recently I've been having issues with the rear liftgate. It has always worked normally but over time the automatic feature started working slow and sluggish until it stopped working entirely. Wouldn't open automatically from the inside or from the fob. I was however able to easily open it manually from the outside whenever I needed to get in the back, so no big deal. Then one day I couldn't even open it manually from the outside. I reached under hit the button and nothing it just stayed locked. Then I tried opening it automatically and still nothing. Out of sheer luck I tried to open it with the fob and manually at the same time and it opened. It isn't easy to open though, I have to continually apply pressure to get it to go all the way open. So for the last few months whenever I need to get in the back I have to use the fob in one hand press the liftgate button and push open the gate with the other hand at the same time, it's kind of a hassle, but still no big deal as long as I can open it, right. Well in the middle of a trip this weekend it stopped opening period. Wouldn't open at all. Had to load and unload luggage etc through the back side doors. Well as fate would have it we got a flat tire on our way home and in order to get the spare tire off, you guessed it, you have to open the back tailgate. We had to unload all our stuff on the side of a dirt road, so I could climb in the back and open it from the inside. I had to remove a small cover and use a screwdriver to open it. Luckily it opened and we got home safe and sound. After we got home, it did open with fob and my other hand, but still won't open manually without the fob.

I understand that perhaps the lift motor is worn out and that is why it won't open automatically, but what could possibly cause it to not open manually? Everything is unlocked I made sure the button under the steering wheel is in the right position (tried it both ways) So I'm flummoxed as to why my liftgate won't open manually! We were at a hotel, I took my luggage down to put in the car, it worked fine (with the fob and my other hand) then I went up to get my wifes luggage and when I got down to the car it wouldn't open period.

I'd LOVE some help!

 

When I have the steer area button pressed, it just open and close without motor resistance. So it is strange yours still have the failing motor getting in the way.

 

There is no manual unlock. It is electronic no matter what way you try to open it. Your lift gate struts have failed and by not replacing them you have placed excessive force on the lift motor which may have caused that to fail. As for the the unlocking, that could be several issues. The actuator may have failed, there may be an electrical issue or it just may need some grease. You will need to get into that area and check to see if there is voltage to the actuator, and if there is does it even try to move.Lube first then replace if it doesn't work.

Your vehicle is 14 years old and it is very important to address issues as they arise as failure to do so can casue cascading issues as you now see.

Being a 2009, you also need to maker sure you don't have a radiator crack or a valley plate leak. Also be prepared to replace the starter soon if it hasn't been already. (I have an 09 as well)

 

I noticed mine whenever it opened electronically, it would go up 'slower' than usual...had dealer replaced both struts and the hatch opened fine.... That was a few yeras ago...I am a heavy user of the trunk - open / close at least 4+ tiems everyday. But like the OP said...failed struts can add stress to the trunk motor...also a failed actuator can 'lock' the trunk

 

Thanks for the info. I realize the age. Valley plate and starter were replaced last year.

 

Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but When you say "actuator" is it in the liftgate or in the side panel?

 

Only stupid question is one not asked.
The actuator is an electro-mechanical device (motor in this case) that physically unlocks your doors and hatch. In the case of the hatch, it appears to be located in the lower hatch area.
https://parts.prestigelexus.com/a/Le...762.html#69690

 

Wow... Thank you so for your help! I know exactly the part you're talking about.

OK I'd like to pick your brain a little more if you don't mind... So remember I mentioned initially that I could unlock it with the fob and lift it open with my other hand manually. Then suddenly at the hotel it wouldn't unlock and I couldn't open it at all, with or without the fob. One thing I forgot to mention was when we were on side of the road and I opened it from the inside (removed the cover and used a screwdriver) AFTER that it worked again... when I pressed to liftgate button it unlocked and I was able to raise it manually. Well since getting home I have been messing around with it. Opening it closing it, etc... well one time I unlocked it with the fob but didn't manually lift it open, I just let it relock. AFTER that it wouldn't unlock anymore. So I crawled inside, removed the cover and opened it again with a screwdriver. Well after that it unlocks with the fob again! So it would seem by doing that it resets something and there must be current getting to the lock actuator because it unlocks when I use the fob or the dash button. You just have to immediately lift it open or it will relock and you won't be able to open it at all (without going inside.)

FYI I've ordered new liftgate struts, they arrive tomorrow. I assume the lift gate motor will need to be replaced, but thought I'd start with the struts and go from there. I will update here as I make progress.

 

The only thing I found is that after you lock the doors, you cannot open the hatch for several seconds. THe the system will relock 60 seconds it you unlock but don't open a door. (and will set off the alarm if you try to unock from the inside manually)

Going to ask a weird question. When was the last time you replaced the battery in the fob?

 

Not weird at all... I don't think I've ever replaced the battery in the fob. I've only owned it for 2 years and It's always worked. (I think) I have a spare but haven't checked it. Right now when I push the button it works as long as I'm there to open it and not let it re-lock. I did replace the lift struts and that definitely helped. It seems to open easier as I lift it manually (with my arms).

By the way... Thanks a lot for taking the time to offer up some advice. I really appreciate it. Just a little background. Because of family, I grew up a GM guy (Chevy, Pontiac, etc) Owned a ford pick up (hand-me-down) Firebird, Camaro, Honda, Chevy pick up... Then I bought a 4x4 Toyota pickup and loved it. From there I moved into a 4 Runner, loved it, then to a Landcruiser and then a second Landcruiser. 2 years ago I got the LX. I absolutely love it, it's just a lot more expensive to repair than I anticipated which is why I'm doing what I can myself! Which I why I'm on here asking questions! LOL! I worked in a tire/auto shop in high school and college and learned a lot. I ended up buying a lot of tools and I can do tires, brakes, shocks, chassis type stuff as well as a lot of underhood stuff. I don't to any engine work or mess with electrical except bulbs and fuses. I do let the dealer change the oil and keep the fluids up. Last time I took the LX in for it's scheduled service they told me I needed brakes and rotors etc all around. They quoted me nearly $2,300. I purchased the brake pads, rotors, caliper kits and did it all myself for under $400. I should have done a video on it. Anyway, I'm looking at getting a new liftgate motor, I'll keep you posted on my progress.

 

OK I'm back. Unfortunately no good news. Since the last I posted, I have been living with not being able to open my rear hatch.

Recently I read somewhere that if you disconnect the battery for a few seconds and then reconnect it, it resets something. So I tried it and yes... when I disconnect the battery for about 30 seconds, then reconnect it, the rear liftgate will open ONCE (when I press the fob). However, when I close it, it will not open again... period, with or without the fob. It does open (once) every time I disconnect and reconnect the battery though.

So, I finally broke down and took it to the dealer. They quoted me a $275 diagnostic fee and then said that would apply toward whatever the repair would be. So I went ahead and did it. Unfortunately they weren't even able to open the liftgate (I guess they didn't know about the disconnect the battery thing) and they couldn't specifically diagnose the problem. All they said was they would start with replacing the lock actuator and then go from there. They quoted me $1500+ to do that with no guarantee that would fix it... I declined.

Having worked in an auto shop earlier in my life I have an extensive set of tools, etc, so I decided to try the DIY route. I bought a new lock switch and lock actuator from a 3rd party on the internet. The switch arrived and I thought I'd install it just to see what happened. Oddly enough after installation, it opened a couple times and then stopped working after I locked it. Now same as before, it won't open at all unless I disconnect the battery. When the lock actuator arrives and I get it installed, I'll update.

Frustrated LX owner!

 

Good luck. If you can manually open it just manually open it. mine is working fine automatically but I love to open and close it manually. I love to feel the weight and build quality of the rear door. It’s bold, brash, lovable.

 

OK well since I last posted I received the rear door lock actuator. I installed it myself and it opens just fine - by hand. When I use the fob, it still struggles to open and I have to fight it to lift it open. The lift motor is worn out so when I use the fob it engages the motor and since it can't lift, it tries to close so I have to fight it for a couple seconds but then it frees up. Just using my hand with the button on the door works perfect, so I'm good with that. But here's some interesting information for all you DIYers. I was quoted over $500 for the rear liftgate lock actuator and $1,000 for labor from the Lexus dealer in my area. As I mentioned in my previous post I declined. I typed the part number into google, I found one online at Lexus Parts Outlet for $327 also found a couple used ones on ebay for $155 and I also saw one available from a Chinese place called AliExpress for $56! Yes $56!!! I realize it's probably the Temu of auto parts, but I thought what the heck even if it doesn't work it's worth $56! ($66 with shipping) Anyway, the removal of the old one and installation of this one took me less than an hour and I had never done it before, (remember the dealer wanted to charge me $1,000 labor)

So if any of you DIYers have sticker shock like me from the cost of Lexus parts, give AliExpress a look. My liftgate latch works great! Cost me $66 and an hour of my time instead of $1500. My next project is the power liftgate motor. I couldn't find one on AliExpress, but found one online at Lexus in Akron for $361 and another on ebay for $300, Not sure when I'll get around to it, but i'll let you know when I do!

 

Make sure if you replace the motor, go ahead and replace the struts. They are ridiculously expensive for oem but I used good aftermarket struts and they destroyed the ball mounts at the top. The Lexus oem come with new ball mounts top and bottom.
This will really help the new motor last.

 

Replacing the struts was one of the first things did when this issue originally started. I found some good aftermarket ones and had no issues with the ball mounts. Fortunately when you open it by hand the lift motor doesn't engage so with the new struts it opens and closes quite easily.