2003 SC430. Trunk buttons stopped working? What would cause this? The only thing that transpired the last few days is that I changed the battery. Is there another way to open the trucnk externally? There is no place I can see to place a key outside of the car. I also do not have a key fob... Any suggestions or where to look first?

 

Your key doesn't have a trunk release button? I may be wrong, but I think the trunk release is controlled electronically...maybe you blew the fuse for it.

 

Blown fuse, there is a manual trunk release hidden under the pad in the car's center console. Check your owner's manual.

 

OK.. Could the trunk be jammed? Also the Top will not go down into the trunk.. The button flashes RED... If it is a fuse, where is the fuse box on this car?

 

RE: The top... you do have the tonneau cover pulled and seated in the holder where the switch is located?

Fuses are located in four different locations in the car. Engine Compartment, Drivers and passengers side kick panels and in the trunk too.

 

The other item to check is the valet button. Open the glove box, left side high you should see the trunk cancel button. Pressed in it works, out or up position the trunk release/open button function is canceled.

 

Ran into this kind of thing last weekend.

If the top STARTS to go down (the rear 1/4 windows are down (or on their way down)), and the process stops for some reason (red light on the top control button flashing), the trunk release is locked out.

You have to get the top all the way closed, or open, in order for the trunk release to work.

 

I suspect VVTiBob is correct on the valet button. Make sure it is as described. When you changed the battery it may have fell back to the default. Other than that you know there is a handle to pull inside your consel. (sp)

Good luck!

lar

 

I just bought a 2005 Lexus SC430 the trunk initially opened up 2 days it open just fine now it won't open at all it won't open at the fog button I hold the button down for a long. Of time I can hear it trying to unlatch but it won't open up nothing is jamming it either I have nothing inside of there but one bag also it will not open from the button in the glove box any suggestions on how to open it up add any suggestions as to what can be wrong with it also once the trunk is open the lid does not want to stay up what could be wrong with that thank you for all your help

 

Replace trunk struts. Easy fix.

 

the button in the glove box is NOT the trunk open button. It is the valet button. Read the posts above...Bob explained the buttons.
the trunk open button is on the left of the steering wheel, next to the gas door button.
there is a manual trunk release cable located in the console under the plastic cover.
all of this information is in the owners manual.

BTW, Welcome to Club Lexus.

 

SC430 Rear Trunk Struts are just $30+ per set (aftermarket). They are a wear item. Replace them and be done with it, good for a couple of years.

 

On most cars, the trunk will physically pop open. On your SC, it might just unlock. This means it can look like the trunk is still closed, but it is unlatched.

You need to physically lift it up.

If that is the case, it is because you need new trunk struts as people above have mentioned.

If all else fails, you can use your remote to unlatch the trunk as you lift it up.

 

BTW: Do you hear any kind of "dinging noise in the car. It is possible your convertible top isn't all the way closed which would keep your trunk from opening

 

Hi,

I also have experienced the Trunk not opening either by the inside release near gas or by using the remote. My solution, there is a micro switch down bellow the trunk latch that activates the open and close. I sprayed some contact cleaner https://caig.com/deoxit-gold-g-series/
After that, no problems!

Also, the Actuator may be sticking, either way I sprayed 4-5 times! in that complete latch area.

Good luck-B