Hello All,

My 2008 Rx350 liftgate is stuck open, and I cannot close it manually. It comes down halfway, but if I close to force it, it make a cracking sound. Was stuck in the parking lot and had to force it down. I just hope I didn't break anything else doing that. I ordered new struts, but I wonder if maybe the power motor is is stuck in certain positions because that has not been able to open or close the door at all.

Thanks

 

It could be one of the gas struts that hold the hatch open is bad. You need to disconnect them one at a time, close the hatch manually and see if it closes smoothly and quietly.

IMPORTANT NOTE: this is a 2 (maybe 3) person job. the hatch is very heavy. It weighs around 300 pounds. When the hatch is open, have something sturdy to hold the hatch open while you disconnect the strut. Then remove the support and lower the hatch with your helper(s).

Are these the original struts? If they are, you may want to consider replacing them as they are past due due for replacement.

 

Thanks for the quick response!

They are indeed the original struts. It's odd because this started happening after having trouble with the power door function. It double beeps like normal, but barely starts to open or close and returns the original position. Also, I can only engage the power door from the button under the steering column. The remote button and the button on the hatch itself does not engage the system at all.

Sorry to include multiple issues in one thread, but I figure it will you and others a complete context for the issue.

 

button on hatch is only for manually opening the door

 

I did not specify. My fault. I meant the power door close button on the inside of the hatch. Thank you for helping clarify that.

 

This is an indication that the struts have lost a majority of their gas charge and should be replaced.

This is most likely that the safety switch in the glovebox is in the disable position. Open the glovebox and on the left side of the opening is a switch. When the switch button is pushed in, the door will respond to the remote and the switch on the hatch.

 

Thanks everyone! The struts are on the way, and I will update this thread with the results.

 

Hi, I had a similar problem with the Rear Power Liftgate/Hatch Not Closing, Not at All.
It turned out the problem was that a Snap Ring that went to the Electric Lift Motor, located under the Headliner in the back, had come Off, causing the Lift Arm on the motor to Jam when I tried to close the Rear Liftgate/Hatch.
I propped up the Liftgate, dropped the headliner where the motor is, disconnected the arm from the Liftgate. I disconnected the power lead to the motor, took out the motorized power unit and Replaced the missing part. I also replaced the 2 gas liftgate struts while I was at it.
It took about a couple of hours or so, wasn't that hard of a job and Now the Liftgate works Great.
I'm Not saying this is what is Wrong with your Liftgate, I just Hope this Info is Useful.
Good Luck.

 

Oh wow! Do you happen to have the part number for the snap ring? Also, how did you determine it was what I would assume is a small part?

 

I found the Snap Ring stuck to the Headliner, so I didn't have to buy one, but it's a Regular Snap Ring that You can buy at any Auto Parts Store, Hardware Store or Home Improvement Store and of course the Dealer. They are quite common and can be gotten at many places. You would need to bring the Power Unit with You to fit the right size Snap Ring.
I determined where the problem was by propping up the hatch and removing one strut at a time.
After removing both struts and the hatch still wouldn't close, I knew the problem had to be with the Hatch Power Unit, and it was!
I used an Instant Adhesive on the Snap Ring so it Wouldn't come Off again.
One thing though, the Hatch on my RX Always Worked from All the Switches and the Keyfob too, I've Never had Any Problems Operating the Hatch from Any of the Switches! So You may have multiple problems besides the Hatch Not Closing!

 

Thank you! Do you happen to have a picture of it by chance?

 

 

Snap Rings come in many sizes,
I Don't know the size Lexus uses for this Application, but they are a Metric size. Best contact the dealer for the size, if the guy in the Parts Dept knows what you are talking about?

 

Also the Power Liftgate Mechanism could have come apart internally, in that case You would have to buy another Power Unit, I don't kno if Lexus sells repair parts for the Mechanism!

 

There are Used Power Motor Units on Ebay for as little as $80!