Hey all maybe I am paranoid, but recently I pushed power close button on the lift gate and a family member then also pushed the lift gate shut. Is it possible that the lift gate is broken now? It seems to work fine, but if I listen carefully I can hear some what seems to be grinding noises at the very top. Do the other RX power tailgates make a consistent sound throughout the open and close process.

 

Wow, off all the tests I've done on the lift gate, that is one I hadn't done. I'll give it a try and tell you what I think.

I'm actually surprised your family member was able to close it while it was already in motion. Thinking that may have been a bad thing.

 

I tested today and my initial opinion is confirmed....manually closing an auto closing lift gate may create damage. The door really resisted my efforts to close it as it was closing. Your family member must have really forced it to get it to close.

I might suggest having a dealership check it out for possible damage, especially if you hear a grinding noise.

Good luck,

 

OP, I also suggest you take your RX into your dealer.

I would offer that you carefully consider your words describing the problem when you take it in. Page 93 & 94 of the 2013 RX350 Owners Manual have two warnings in this regard:Good luck!

 

Thanks all I think I am going to take it to the dealer. Hopefully no damage I will let you guys know.

 

I accidentally tested what would happen if an object prevented the door from closing. I had too much groceries in the trunk and a carton of milk got in the way. The door started clicking, then made a double-beep and disengaged. So, it looks like if a certain force is exceeded, there is a fail-safe to unload motor's power to prevent damage.

 

I think the issue is pushing down on a closing hatch or lifting up on an opening hatch rather than pushing down on an opening hatch or lifting up on a closing hatch.