sparkyguy

SC400 (relatively new owner)
Requesting identification of a couple of items.

1.Owner's tool kit has a small chrome-plated T-handle wrench with drive end that is shaped similar to a Torx bit. What is is used on? I can't see any references to function in the Owner's manual.

2. In Passenger side of trunk, between CD-Changer/Amp and the outer quarter panel is a black plastic housing that seems empty. I don't see any electrical wiring going to it. What is function of this black-box? I'm speculating it lets air into trunk for ventilation but is supposed to prevent water infiltration into trunk. Yes/No ?? If that is the function, it doesn't appear that it does a very good job.

LEXXIUM

iTrader: (1)

I couldn't answer your first question, your second one is a trunk air box, there is a flapper door on the bottom of the black box to let the air in, but not out.
If you remove it you'll see a hole and you'll see the ground. Leave it where it's at and stop messing with your lexus
(Contraband box

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

The only Torx head screws I can think of on the SC hold the airbag to the steering wheel. I think it's a T30 head. Seems like a very infrequent usage item to add to an emergency toolkit, though.

Dougspeed

iTrader: (2)

That T handle wrench is probably for the moonroof to manually close it should the motor malfunction and stop working. And that plastic box is a vent for the trunk, except it does the opposite of what the LEXXIUM said, it's to let air out, but the flap is there to prevent air/water/debris from coming back into the trunk. Any water leaking into the trunk however, would not be from that spot. Usually it's from the worn trunk seals.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

I had water leaking in my trunk and discovered that someone had disconnected the drain hose that comes down from the fuel filler cap ... not something you could do accidentally with that barb fitting!