The rear power door on my daughters RX330 unlatches and starts to open then re-closes after opening only several inches. I know it happens when using the button on the dash but not sure if also with any other open methods (not sure if there are other methods, I only ever try to use the dash button). Seems once before I researched this and found something mentioned about the state of the door locks but that was not the problem.

We have successfully performed resets to correct some function issues with the auto window function and moon roof operation that make me think a simple reset might fix this but what worries me is that it is intermittent and every now and then it will open all the way like it seems it should.

Also, the previous owner said the back door had been repaired after backing into the garage door while the back door was up, not sure the extent of the damage/repair.

Thanks, Kevin

 

Likely the struts for the door need to be replaced. I had the same issue, replacing the struts fixed it.

 

OK thanks, just to try and understand, does it re-close because it thinks there is an obstruction? I will say that it is very hard to open manually but always thought it was due to overcoming the motor/operator devices resistance.

 

The motor operates in tandem with the struts. The motor cannot support the weight of the rear hatch itself when lifting or closing.

 

 

Thanks for that tip, ordered them for power door operation. Kevin

 

What did they cost? Mine closed on my head today!

 

 

My hatch does the same thing BUT intermittently. I just went grocery shopping and it worked fine at two stores but it went wonky when tried closing it after loading things from the second store. I got home and it opened find but when I went to close it, it wouldn't work. Any ideas? BTW I have already replaced the struts.

 

After replacing the struts on mine I took the motor assembly out. All of the Philips screws that hold the motor assembly together had backed out. I screwed the 10 or so screws back in, remounted the assembly to the car and all was good.