Trunk lid not completely shut
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8
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From: Oh
Trunk lid not completely shut
My 2002 trunk lid tends to 'pop up' just behind the rear window after shutting. About 1/4" up, only passenger side and it's goes down once I push on it. Next time either opening/closing from use of convertible or trunk results in the same thing. I replaced both trunk struts with no difference (even put the old ones back on jic). It just started doing this and I can't find anything different. Is there an adjustment? The driver's side operates just fine with the trunk shutting completely after all uses. Any ideas?
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 541
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
First, I have no clue but if it were mine here is my reasoning for an approach.
If it is the back of the trunk lid (closest to the vehicle's front), and extra pressure closes it, I'd be looking for slack in the closing linkage (if that is even possible), or other adjustment. Does it close fully and then literally creep back up? If so the closing function is adjusted properly and some sort of slackness or looseness is indicated. Somethings not tight.
If it is the back of the trunk lid (closest to the vehicle's front), and extra pressure closes it, I'd be looking for slack in the closing linkage (if that is even possible), or other adjustment. Does it close fully and then literally creep back up? If so the closing function is adjusted properly and some sort of slackness or looseness is indicated. Somethings not tight.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Oh
Thanks folks. I have not pulled down the inner shell to investigate potential adjustments as wasn't sure there were any. I have little resistance when pushing back down which indicates some slop in the system. It does seem to creep back up tho perhaps not to the same level as when closing the trunk lid, that's why I replaced the struts. Mine doesn't feel like it is in a bind but perhaps it is to a small extent. Probably the same source for adjustment tho. I will look for the adjustment shim thread our moderator suggested...will let you know if/what I find.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Oh
The link with a nice schematic follows. Details how to shim to elevate/lower the trunk lid. It is recommended to shim front and back the same but my issue is just behind the rear window. The seat by the taillight looks fine. Fearing more of a slop / mis-alignment issue, I have a date with the Lexus dealer this weekend. Hopefully something they have seen and can make right with minimal issue (and cost).
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...djustment.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...djustment.html
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Oh
Mechanic says hinge assembly needs replaced. Believes it was damaged in an accident. Clean carfax and no record of damage via Lexus dealers so my bad for not taking it into a dealer to be sure before buying a couple months ago. $4850 if new hinge - ouch. Hoping (and praying) a used assembly can be found. Interestingly the retracting roof operates smooth and flawlessly. But gotta fix since I plan to keep. Bummer.
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Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 276
From: CA - San Diego
Check out these folks but do your due diligence....http://shop.xvipers.com/product.sc?p...&categoryId=30
BTW replacing the hinge is a major job requiring some special tools or your risk tweaking the trunk lid. Reinstallation and alignment is tricky too.
BTW replacing the hinge is a major job requiring some special tools or your risk tweaking the trunk lid. Reinstallation and alignment is tricky too.
Last edited by VVTiBob; Oct 1, 2012 at 07:09 PM.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Oh
Thanks for the link! Fortunately the Lexus dealer I am working with will install a unit I purchase offline for $500. The hinge through xvipers.com is about half the price of the used OEM units I can find via salvage yards or ebay. Really appreciate the tip, what a great moderator and forum!
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Oh
Just got my car back last night. Hinge was bad, dealer said it was slightly bent indicating car may have been in a wreck some time ago. They are holding the hinge for me so I can inspect closer and have some spare parts jic. Replaced with used hinge found at a salvage yard. Total about $900, much better than the $4850 quoted to replace with new!
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