Power hatch won't close - usually.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 274
Likes: 29
From: PA
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?
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?
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 556
Likes: 48
From: Quebec
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.
What he did was switch one new support with the old one, then all functioned perfectly.
Maybe you can give that a try.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 274
Likes: 29
From: PA
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.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,856
Likes: 220
From: PA
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?
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?
If i keep pressing it will eventually close on its own.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 925
Likes: 437
From: ID
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
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,856
Likes: 220
From: PA
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
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 267
Likes: 73
From: Virginia
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.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 267
Likes: 73
From: Virginia
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?
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?
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
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 267
Likes: 73
From: Virginia
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!!
Last edited by cfh13427; Aug 15, 2024 at 07:21 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 267
Likes: 73
From: Virginia
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.
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