2005 RX330 Rear door problem

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Nov 22, 2014 | 10:36 AM

#31

Trex2005

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Sep 2014

Posts: 4

Likes: 1

From: Iowa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

I have a 2005 RX330 and I live in cold Minnesota. I have had this problem as well. I had the rear hatch motor replaced at the dealer 2 weeks ago. On colder days, if I push either the dash button or key button, the rear hatch will open properly, but then it will beep, and then close. I wondered if the support struts were going bad and not holding it open. I did a little experiment. I pushed the hatch open button (tried both the dash and key) and the hatch opened. As the hatch neared the top of its open position, I placed my hand on the hatch to support it so it would not drop down. Zingo! It stayed open. This confirmed to me that the struts are bad. You can try this yourself to see if you get the same results. I will definitely not pay $500 at the dealer for rear struts. Thanks to RX330inFL for posting the link to liftsupportsdept.com. Looks like we can get both rear hatch struts for $60 plus shipping.
Matt

This was very helpful I bought some from amazon and they took 10 mins to replace only because I flipped the retention clips across the garage trying to put them back on. It's warm today so the old ones were working but I installed 2 strong arm 6127 for $44.80 I will update when it gets cold again if it fixed the up, beep, come down issue. I suspect it will fix it, when opening now at the top of the lift it seems to push up just a bit extra now. Even if it doesn't $50 was worth saving a trip to the dealer.

Tip: reuse the lexus clips they snapped back more firmly and use needle nose pliers to spread them enough to go back in place. I tried just pushing by hand and it got away from me. A small screwdriver works to pop them off. You don't need to undo the large bolts!!! Just the clips.

Update: 11degrees this morning and rear hatch works. I'm calling it fixed!!! Also the strut manufacturer claims struts wear out after about 5 years so a 2005 would be expected to need replaced.

Last edited by Trex2005; Nov 27, 2014 at 08:25 AM. Reason: Update

Jan 20, 2018 | 01:57 PM

#32

Party

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

From: FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfelbab

You might try using some liquid silicone fluid and lubricate the struts on the hatch. It may be that the sensor is tripping due to too much force. I'd not use WD40 or anything that thin but I'd not use a paste either.

100% accurate response, great answer.