Hello,

I have a 2005 RX, the tail gate started to act up, first it wouldn’t always work, then I could only lift it manually. I greased the struts and checked the fuse. After doing this it will only lift manually about six inches. The motor seems to be trying to lift the gate and makes a noise, but I’m stuck at six inches! Any advice?

 

Have you ever replaced your rear struts? If not, then that's the culprit

 

You need to replace the rear struts. Search this forum for tips on which ones are the best quality.

 

I had similar problem, local Lexus Dealer replaced the rear hatch's motor, problem solved. Do not know the total cost as it was done under extended warranty.

 

robbyk is right. You need a new motor.

 

I would start with the struts. Much cheaper than a motor and very likely the problem.

 

I was having the same problem and replaced the struts which didn't fix the problem. When I replaced the motor it worked perfectly again. If you want new struts, buy them but the motor is the problem

 

06 RX 400h, trys to open (about and inch) then closes. Then an hour or so later opens just fine, dash or keyfob. Motor sounds strong, guessing these are the original shocks. Shocks or motor? Guessing shocks?

 

See my previous post.

Mine would do the same, I know it does not make sense but it was weather dependent. On warm days I could hardly get it to work, when it was relativity cool the rear hatch would work just fine.

What I was told at the dealership is that if you need new shocks the rear hatch would not stay in the up position when opened all the way. Also if your shocks are shot the rear hatch would not work at all, in case you have shocks that closed frozen.
You might want to try new shocks first, much cheaper than a new motor.

 

Thxs, will go the shock route first.