The first 30 seconds of this video summarizes why I could not get my retractable top to close. Apparently, there's a plastic cover to the passenger side male (connects to the top of the windshield) that got lodged in the female hole and it was signaling the system that the top was closed when it was open. Since it's a retractable top issue, I had to go to the dealer ($230 an hour). They first suggested replacing the mechanism in the back of the retractable top due to the plastic shoe that got lodged in the hole at the top of the windshield. After 2 hours of labor charge, dealer said the top was working but advised not to use it since it could get stuck in open position again. Does anyone know if there's a workaround the issue? I don't want to spend $1850 for the part plus $1K in labor to replace a mechanism that's only missing a small plastic shoe. I understand this is a complex question so anyone with a good knowledge of the retractile top as it connects to the windshield would be GREATLY appreciated. I haven't opened the top in the last month due to fear it will not close again.

Here's the video ServiceCartApp (mykaarma.com)

 

The system should work just fine the way it is. The missing plastic sleeve probably just reduces wear when it enters the top of the windshield. The rod is metal. Did he give you the plastic sleeve?
have you looked to see if you can buy a new sleeve or is it all one assembly?
if you have the plastic sleeve, i would use an epoxy to glue it back on the metal rod.

BTW, that video was fantastic

 

The dealer would not give me the plastic sleeve because they were afraid it would get caught in the female hole again. I actually asked them for it.
Does anyone know if I can buy this part off ebay or a junk yard? I don't even know what it's called. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

very odd, you own the part…you paid them to correct the issue, not keep your parts.

 

If they removed the sleeve, you should be good to go to use your roof. If you hear it rattle when you drive, you may want to investigate getting a new sleeve. Otherwise, the sleeve is not needed for operation.

 

If they took the sleeve then they should have given back or replaced it.....wondering if in the future that sleeve should be lubricated? If so, what lube: silicone, lithium, or ? Has anyone ever lubricated them?

 

Upon initial 2-hour diagnosis, Lexus of Portland wanted to replace the complete assembly only for what appeared to be a missing plastic sleeve, I asked them if the sleeve could be epoxied back into place. They said they don't recommend it because it could get stuck again. Initially I thought I was going to have to replace the whole assembly as they said the top went into some sort of "safety mode" and wouldn't move. Next phone call, they got it to work. I was so relieved when they got the top to work and that I didn't "have" to replace the assembly (part is $1850 + $1K to install per dealer) so I didn't focus and insist on them giving me the sleeve. This was 3 weeks ago so I'm sure the sleeve is gone now.
And yes, it does rattle especially when the passenger window is down. It rattled last summer, so I took someone's advice on this forum and used felt tape and wrapped it around the males on both passenger and driver's sides. It cured the problem but maybe added to the sleeve coming loose?
Anyway, I haven't opened the top since I got it back from the dealer as they advised not to (not sure why since they said it opened and closed at least 5 times). I have no idea where to find this "plastic sleeve" unless I go to a yard and somehow pull it off a wrecked SC430. Does anyone with a good knowledge of that portion of the top have any suggestions???? This is a tough question for someone knowledgeable on that portion of the top.

 

I should be able to print you up a replacement.

Let me have a look at mine today.

cheers

 

Just a suggestion, but wouldn't wire shrink wrap work? It appears to be a very similar material once heated,and the tip of the pin I would leave un covered...

 

How about looking @ the sleeve on the other side & see what it looks like. It might be something easily bought or made possibly

 

I had a look at mine this afternoon. It's a longer piece with two diameters. It completely covers the post. Without taking mine off (which I'm not going to do) I could only guess at the id. If you can measure the id and length of the post, I can measure the od and perhaps print one up.

 

Thank you, Chris, for your help. Mine is a 2003 if that matters. I'm a little nervous about opening the top since the dealer recommended not to do that even though they were able to open and close multiple times. I can do it though if you tell me what you mean by "print me up one". Is that a picture with dimensions or do you have some way of creating one? you can post here or PM me. Thanks so much. JIM.

 

Hey Jim,

I'll take a picture of mine today.

I can measure the outside easily enough to replicate it in CAD. It's the inside that I'm unsure of. Lemme have a lookie see this afternoon, and I'll poke back.

Do yourself a favor and delete your phone number from the posting. The number of BOTs scraping forums now is incredible thanks the whole AI thing.

I'll send you a PM with contact info

 

Thanks Chris...I deleted my number and I have yours. I'll try to text it incase you didn't write down mine. REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP!

 

Hi Doobs! Pardon me for hijacking this post; I was unable to figure out how to message you directly. Sounds like you have the ability to print parts. I have a specific and simple part I’d like to have printed; it’s a guide for the SC 430 seat belt to prevent wear as it passes through the leather tab at the top edge of the seat. When I proposed it on another forum there was lots of interest, but no one had the ability to print it. If you’re interested please let me know. Thanks!