Power hatch won't close - usually.
 

As the weather has started to warm up, this problem has started. It's not 100% of the time.

The hatch is still opening fine, since I replaced the struts with Tuff Supports. The problem is it won't always close using power. If I push the close button, it'll do the usual beeps, lower about 1/2", then bounce back. I did see what appears to be an unusual amount of movement in the rod that goes to the motor. I even tried a little 3 in 1 oil on the struts, just to make sure that wasn't the problem. Could this be a sign of the clip going bad that holds the rod to the motor? Has anyone else had this problem?

I read in a post somewhere where a RX330 owner purchased new supports (brand unknown) & they didn't function properly.
What he did was switch one new support with the old one, then all functioned perfectly.
Maybe you can give that a try.

Make sure you have the proper struts. If the part number you have works for the highlander non-power that's why it won't close.

I triple checked that the struts I purchased were for the RX power hatch. I was well aware of the issue with different struts at the time. As I said, they worked fine until recently. I'm still thinking they're working fine, as this problem doesn't happen all of the time, just most of the time, recently. I even tried helping the hatch lower after pushing the button, and it still beeps, then goes back up. That's why I'm leaning towards an issue with either the motor or the common c-clip holding the arm to the motor, as mine has a little play.

As for replacing a new one with an old one, I'm not sure how well that would work, considering the old ones were pretty shot.

did you ever find the solution to this? I have the same prob. Replaced my oem struts with new ones and was working fine for 6 months till yesterday where it comes down half way then a beep and goes back up...

If i keep pressing it will eventually close on its own.

I have the same issue as the previous owner replaced my struts with aftemarket ones... the problem is that as the temps go up so does the pressure in the struts therefore overloading the motor trying to close the hatch. Solution, either live with it and close it by hand until temps go down relieving the pressure OR go with OEM struts but even then they may still sense too much resistence until temps dive back down

it was literally 100 degrees outside when I was doing this. makes sense. thanks!

I had the same problem with my 05 RX330, It turned out to be a faulty sensor, indicating that something was was in the way of the hatch closing.
I located both sensors, 1 on each side of the hatch near the rubber hatch seal, and Cleaned them, I have to do this a couple of times a year, the Hatch closes Fine once I clean them.
I Hope this Helps in fixing your problem.

One thing I found is you have to hold the key fob button down for some time, while its either opening or closing.

Yes, I did on my '05 RX330, a Liftgate Object Sensor-
There are 2, a Left and a Right.
They prevent the Liftgate from closing if either sensor Detects an Object in the way of the Liftgate.
Also you might have to hold the key-Power Door Button down for awhile.
If the sensor(s) are dirty, that will also Prevent the Liftgate from Closing.
This can be a sporadic problem, and sometimes difficult to Diagnose.
Best of Luck

I think this might be my issue... I just looked at these pieces, but where is the actual sensor part and do you know how it works?

They are located on the weatherstrip that's on the trunk hatch openin,, and they can tell when something is blocking the hatch opening on the body, they are 12v powered I kno that.
Maybe contact a Lexus dealer and get all the details on the function and operation and cost.
​​​​​​PS-the ones on my RX were just Very Dirty and Needed Cleaning.
Good Luck!!

doubt the dealer has the knowledge to explain to me how this sensor works. I'll clean mine later this week.

Here is the pic of the Left side sensor.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...f4f9a53385.jpg

I'm sure it's a simple Proximity Sensor, 1 on each side of the liftgate opening, if either of them Detect an Object in the Way of the Liftgate closing, then the Liftgate goes back Up! They get Dirty and Don't work Properly. Heat also Affects them.