Brenda1071

The latch to the trunk was already in the open position. I closed it and reopened the latch but the trunk will not close. I also checked the fuses still nothing.

Brenda,

I've done car repairs for years and have come across the occasional trunk/rear tailgate latch problem myself. In most cases I've been able to test the latch, locking and unlocking, with the trunk open. It may work in your case, it may not.

First look at the round rod at the bumper where the trunk latch locks around. Choose an ordinary Phillips screw driver with a round shaft that is the same diameter or smaller than that round rod. Now look at the trunk latch. You should see that the slot in the latch that goes over the rod at the bumper is open and clear.

If it is, hold the screw driver handle with one hand and the end of the shaft in the other, and push the shaft up into the latch assembly hard, until the latch mechanism closes. Now try your dash trunk unlock button, or the one on the right side of the rear license plate to see if it will unlock by itself. Try this several times to free it up, and lubricate it with white lithium grease.

If you find that the latch assembly is closed, and won't open, (meaning you can't get the screw driver to slide up into the latch assembly because its in its locked position), then do the following. Shove the tip of the Phillips screwdriver through the slot between the latch hook and the top of the latch assembly. Then grab both ends of the screwdriver and yank it down out of the latch as someone pushes on the unlock button.

If non of this does the trick, you may need to get to a good mechanic who works on Toyota Camry's, etc. (cheaper than a Lexus dealership) and get him to see if there is a bad switch/fuse/wiring problem.

Sorry if the directions seem confusing but without pictures its difficult to put the procedure into words. Good Luck!

Brenda, I've done car repairs for years and have come across the occasional trunk/rear tailgate latch problem myself. In most cases I've been able to test the latch, locking and unlocking, with the trunk open. It may work in your case, it may not. First look at the round rod at the bumper where the trunk latch locks around. Choose an ordinary Phillips screw driver with a round shaft that is the same diameter or smaller than that round rod. Now look at the trunk latch. You should see that the slot in the latch that goes over the rod at the bumper is open and clear. If it is, hold the screw driver handle with one hand and the end of the shaft in the other, and push the shaft up into the latch assembly hard, until the latch mechanism closes. Now try your dash trunk unlock button, or the one on the right side of the rear license plate to see if it will unlock by itself. Try this several times to free it up, and lubricate it with white lithium grease. If you find that the latch assembly is closed, and won't open, (meaning you can't get the screw driver to slide up into the latch assembly because its in its locked position), then do the following. Shove the tip of the Phillips screwdriver through the slot between the latch hook and the top of the latch assembly. Then grab both ends of the screwdriver and yank it down out of the latch as someone pushes on the unlock button. If non of this does the trick, you may need to get to a good mechanic who works on Toyota Camry's, etc. (cheaper than a Lexus dealership) and get him to see if there is a bad switch/fuse/wiring problem. Sorry if the directions seem confusing but without pictures its difficult to put the procedure into words. Good Luck!

The latch was already in the open mode. I closed it and reopened it up but still the trunk will not close. Any other suggestions?

Can't get my trunk to close after connecting battery