2008 LS 460 Power Trunk won't operate

[tonyt2008LS460]

At first it wouldn't close---after much investigating and fuse checking, I did a battery disconnect reset. and it closed and now will not open.
There is nothing stuck in the latch, it is not the valet switch in the glove box. I can push the button on the key-fob and it just beeps.
I can push the trunk open switch on the trunk and it just beeps.
Is there some sort of limit switch for the trunk motor that could cause this?
Could the motor be bad and causing this?
At first when it would not latch--the lock mechanism would cycle like it was trying to latch and unlatch--four or five times but the lid would not go up or down.'
I would try to shut the trunk and it would not latch---that's when I did the battery reset and pushed it down to latch and there you have it---nothing else.

BTW, In my frustration, I forgot to mention that the key opens it fine---just the Power Trunk opener does not work. Thanks for your help.

[tonyt2008LS460]

Found the problem--the Trunk latch mechanism (Lexus-64650-50040-Trunk-Actuator-Motor) position sensor was broken and shut down the power trunk operation.

The white plastic position sensor on the latch assembly was broken. Found it on Amazon for $343.00. Works like a champ.

[LVB460L07]

If you want to save $350 or more, you can also carefully remove the sensor, drill out a 1/16 through hole at the center of the rotary arm & stationary portion...then screw the rotary arm back in place with a tiny screw.  I just finished this on mine & it works great.  **Just make sure you have a low profile screw head so it doesn't bind into the silver sway arm.  Also, you want to wallow out the rotary arm hole a little bigger than the screw - that way the screw only holds into the stationary sensor portion.  You don't want the rotary arm engaged w/ the screw trying to turn it.

I kept bumping the "trunk close" button when trying to pull away the trunk lid trim.  If you remove the 2 top right fuses 10A & 5A in the left trunk fuse block, the trunk lights & trunk operation will stop while you work on the sensor. 

[Robert L]

Hello,  I thought I would ask in here as apposed to a new thread.  My problem is when I hit the trunk release button, it opens like a champ.  WHen it gets to the top (fully in opened position), it comes crashing down with no brakes...hard and fast as gravity can bring it down.  Any thoughts??

Thanks kindly,

 

[tonyt2008LS460]

The raise/lower motor is tucked in the drivers side trunk bracket/fender--I would remove the covers and inspect the mechanism and see if you can see anything obvious.

[Kassie]

I took mine apart and this is what I have! I’m lost on how to fix it and I can’t find just the plastic sensor piece. Please help me I have a 2011 LS460

 

[LVB460L07]

With that little arm ripped off, you're not going to be able to repair it.  You've probably figured this out by now...sorry for the late reply. 

 

[Lalo039]

@Kassie I just saw your post about your trunk slamming down after opening it. 

Did you ever fix that issue 'cause I'm having the exact same problem.

I hope you can help me out.

Thanks.

[cantbeatit]

Having the same problem on my '07 460.   Have not figured out how to remove the trunk lid liner to access the latch motor.  The little plastic

retainer buttons are resisting my efforts to remove.  They are unlike the retainers on the engine covers.

[Bobjr]

How do I remove the Trunk Liner to get to the latch

[Chas G]

Thanks to everyone on the suggestions for trunk lid issues; saved me many dollars hours of frustration.

[Danny Mc]

Locked out of my 09 LS460 trunk. I have come to the conclusion that the problem is with the actuator motor.  The real problem now is how do I get into a trunk that will not open. The key will not even open the trunk. The key will unlock however the trunk only comes up about a half an inch.   How do I get access? 

 

 

Edited August 8 by Danny Mc

[marc780]

So Danny if you're still following this comment - I'm very interested, how did you finally fix your trunk latch?  Did you replace or repair the motor? and did you use OEM or aftermarket parts?    

[Danny Mc]

Hi Marc, I took my 2009 LS 460 to a Toyota dealer and they quoted me a price of $1779.00 to fix the problem. That was totally out of the question. One thing the dealership did for me was that they were able to get the trunk open by opening the access panel in the back seat and using a broom stick to push the emergency trunk release which is located on the right as you look through the access panel.  I called a couple Lexus dealers and they quoted me a new actuator motor at about $750.00. (Nope, not going to do that either) but what I did get from the dealer was an OEM part number. With that number I went online to Amazon and bought the OEM part for $67.00 and also purchased an upholstery removal kit for $19.95. I went Youtube, watched a couple of videos on how to remove an replace the actuator. Please keep in mind, I am NO mechanic, but in about 45 minutes I had removed the upholstery, removed the old actuator, installed the new actuator and put the upholstery back and it has been just like brand new ever since!!  Hope this helps.