How To Replace 2010 - 2015 Lexus RX350 Trunk Power Liftgate Motor

[@wyXO]

Lexus quoted me $1543 and some change to do this work with $900+ being the labor alone. I purchased the part for $400 and did it myself. Thank you for this informational video, it was a big help!

[@paulsinghish]

Where can I get one brother

[@asadb1990]

​@@paulsinghishjust get from the dealership

[@paulsinghish]

@@asadb1990 I pick up a asisn one I believe for 400$ it’s been working great

[@richardmoore3838]

Replaced my motor a couple of weeks ago and I just wanted to say thank you for the help. Mine would work sometimes. The new motor was the answer. Removing those side panels was a pain but it was worth it. Thank you Shane.

[@shanewazhere]

Totally concur, it’s a huge pain. My trunk motor is still going strong after almost 3 years, as it should!

[@joekewl2183]

Thanks for the very helpful video Shane! I was able to replace the liftgate motor on my wife's 2013 RX350 with ease after watching your video. If you're having problems getting it to work after installing, close the trunk manually to reset the motor. FYI: For those of you that still need the part, I found it cheapest from Discount Parts Monster out of Florida. ;)

[@ryanyoung7592]

Thanks, I was not happy when it did not go at first. I manually opened and closed it and cycled the glove box switch and it worked!

[@kashifnyc]

Finally a video that shows the exact same issue I have been having. My trunk is moody also, it will randomly work sometime.

[@shanewazhere]

Glad I can be of help!

[@JianningXu1988]

Very helpful video…finally got mine replaced. In case any one who has issue opening the tailgate from the back door switch after replacing the motor. You will need a Techstream and OBD cable to set the PBD (power back door) enable.

[@Hallerancharlie]

Shane, inspired by your video to do a future repair on my 2013 Venza, no Venza video on KZbin but you are leading the way with the Lexus repair, the more expensive cousin to the Venza.

[@shanewazhere]

That’s pretty much the only reason why I uploaded the video because it wasn’t on KZbin yet.

[@danny5783]

I want to thank you for the video. I just replaced my motor and fix the issue. Dealer quoted $1600. You saved me $1200. Greatly appreciate your video.

[@shanewazhere]

Glad I was able to help!

[@chuyocaca4153]

many owners of this car Iam one! don't know that before trying anything else.? Open the glove compartment and on its left! there is a button that. controls the rear hatch as well and must be pressed in. if that does not fix the Issue then move on to the motor.

[@ryanyoung7592]

I just replaced mine on my 2013 . Thank you, it did take awhile but your instructions were very helpful.

[@peepers4763]

Brave dude! Fascinating to see how the lift works.

[@kmclane1]

Thanks for the video. I have been going without the door mechanism working in my 2013 RX 350 for the last 5 years. With your help I got the job done in about 25 minutes.

[@shanewazhere]

Glad to hear I was able to help!

[@kmclane1]

One mistake I made was not tightening the 3 bolts that attach the brackets to the motor on the left side. The new motor rattled in a very non Lexus kind of way until I opened it back up and tightened them. Oops. Also the edges on the plastic trim pieces are very sharp sliced my thumb loosening it in the side door jamb

[@ryanyoung7592]

Took me two hours :)

[@twashington4]

Thank God they changed this design on the 2016 model. It just has powered shocks.

[@willtam]

Thank you for the video. I have the same car in Thailand and we've had this problem on and off as well.

[@brindledog2006]

Hi, I did replace the tailgate motor and it worked great. The only thing that wasn’t mentioned in the video or maybe it was just specific to my case is that after installation I had to close the tailgate so that it would engage and start working again. I have. 2004 RX330. So now I can open it with the Key fob as well as the button inside the car, but we still can’t figure out why can’t get the tailgate to come up automatically if we touch the button on the trunk lid. It would only unlock and we could pull it up manually, but at least it works from the inside, power tailgate button as well as the key fob button. Thanks.

[@shanewazhere]

@@brindledog2006 oh, 2004, that’s beyond me. Perhaps the button wires have corroded back there or it’s faulty now? Not sure how to replace those or if it’s bad..

[@tgeery1]

The bolts that hold the motor in have Loctite or a similar thread locker on them. I'd advise using a 6 point socket so that you don't round off a bolt head when trying to break them loose.

[@shanewazhere]

Thanks for the input! That's good advice. I can't remember if I had a hard time with those bolts or any Loctite on them. I do know that the roof rack has red Loctite on them though! You'll most likely break those!

[@eddyl.salgado1163]

Thank you for this video. Very helpful. Blessings to you and your family.

[@eddyl.salgado1163]

My dad gifted my graduating daughter this 2012 Lexus Rx350. I try to save money when it comes to car repair.

[@fredhurban1371]

Good video. Explained the process well Replaced mine today with your video assistance, Only problem is the #&5@#& Lexus folks used locktight on the bolts, Ugh.. I had to replace all the 10mm D8. 125 mounting bolts holding the unit to the chassis as the heads were mangled or outright stripped.

[@shanewazhere]

Thanks Fred! Sorry to hear about the loctite.. Thanks for at least sharing what bolts you had to replace them with, hopefully no one else has to replace them.

[@jgizzy]

Haha that stare at 12:15 -- made me almost spit out my drink, I didn't expect that. Fun people

[@shanewazhere]

Haha, thanks, that's my wife. :)

[@johngraff2434]

You 2 fine people are so good. Thanks so much.

[@letoyarhinehart6329]

In your Lexus RX350 everyone knows that they need to test the trunk release button in your glove box first before tearing your truck apart right??? Its in the box on the left side. very small button you will miss it.

[@rocketmanstudio]

great video! doing this soon on my daughters 2010....your video is perfect...

[@adamhlj]

I might have to do this soon on my 2012 RX.

[@shanewazhere]

Good luck! This should help.

[@1984mrdale]

Having the exact same issue with my 2015 RX 450h. Also intermittently decides to work, but most of the time it works exactly as you demonstrated. Looks like replacement will be needed.

[@shanewazhere]

Let me know if you need help!

[@1984mrdale]

I got the new motor in. Everything works now!

[@cindybrown286]

I have the same suv! What is the part #?

[@schuck9326]

Thanks Great video. My 2013 does the same thing. I suspected it was the problem. I'm going to replace mine when i have some time. thanks again.

[@shanewazhere]

You're welcome!

[@nealhere]

And i did! And it worked. Itwas great to seer it just before. 1 hour after getting all tools. Together Happy trails Nealhere. Sw fla

[@nealhere]

Very rewarding! Now I’m going to try it my very own self

[@tsievers545]

Thank you so much! I’ve been searching and searching for a video like this!

[@shanewazhere]

Glad I can help!

[@tsievers545]

Shane Salisbury; I just replaced mine this past Saturday, didn’t go as smoothly, but I got it!

[@markbyrd7696]

@@tsievers545 Did mine today, wanted to say Thanks for the VIdeo, Very helpful. The bolts on mine were very hard to loosen, i had to use a breaker bar. The one behind the air bag was very difficult, in fact i could not loosen it. So, removed the nut near that bracket and was able to work the motor out (thank the Lord). Took me 3 hours.... and everything amazingly snapped back in place.

[@i.fix_iran6097]

thank you so much for your good video and comprehensive explanation

[@mrc3458]

Thanks for the video. Very informative.

[@HungNguyen-gg9xe]

You have a good wife helper and excellent works

[@khimsophacarfixing]

Thanks for your sharing knowledge!

[@HoodsGlobal]

***Good job. Thanks for sharing.

[@RobertoMejia-iy3vq]

Good job 😊

[@KevinP32270]

great job.

[@CaseyvlVisage]

We have the same issue but I just can’t justify the $500 cost to get the new motor I’ll just stick to lifting it manually for now😂

[@shanewazhere]

😂 I totally get it. The price has definitely gone up since I replaced mine. Looks like Discount Parts Monster is your best bet. $350. In 2020 I paid $307 after taxes and shipping from Rock Auto.

[@enesthemenace06]

This is very useful and informative, thanks! I was wondering how replacing the struts helped you? did you replace them because you didn't know if the issue was the lift motor?

[@shanewazhere]

Yes! I thought it was going to fix it, but also I noticed that the old struts only lifted it up about 90-95%, while the new ones opened it 100%. The motor is still working great with no issues!

[@nataliesteger2771]

I'm not certain but I think I've seen that the lift gate heights are adjustable on the struts. Yes? @@shanewazhere

[@shanewazhere]

@@nataliesteger2771 not that I’m aware of, but perhaps.

[@nataliesteger2771]

@@shanewazhere if it’s the same thing, there are videos on how to set the height preference for the lift gate, should one want to know. But who wouldn’t want full-fledge opening capacity? Not judging!

[@johneisel4902]

Good job man !

[@johnklewer8880]

Which hydraulic struts for your tailgate did you purchase from Amazon, please? I need a set for my wife's '10 RX350 Thanks, John

[@shanewazhere]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BL3Y5R5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@FF-xl7yw]

Great job!

[@stevegray5747]

Your video was great and gave me the confidence to replace the lift gate motor on my 2013 Lexus RX 450h . . . if I can find a video for replacement on that particular vehicle. Any chance the technique is the same for the 450 as for the 350? Can you or anyone suggest a good video of the 450 replacement? Thanks all.

[@shanewazhere]

I would assume it’d be similar, but don’t quote me on it.

[@capt.america2737]

I press the button in the dash board and it goes up then goes down gradually. I manually open the lift gate and it stays up. How did you know it was the engine?

[@shanewazhere]

Sounds like you may need to replace your strut lift supports. The shocks.

[@kevo6017]

Mine will open from anywhere but the trunk Botton, it will unlock and lock from there just not open? Any ideas? Thanks

[@shanewazhere]

Which trunk button? The one next to the steering wheel? Or the one on the actual trunk?

[@reneignacio3031]

Good info. Just got 2013 rx350 but tried to adjust to lower rear hatch opening height, tried Pushing hatch buttons methods but no work. Can you help? Thx. Rene

[@shanewazhere]

I’m not familiar with adjusting the opening height in this specific car.. might have to do some more research on that.

[@nataliesteger2771]

Would you say about $350 is the average price for a new liftgate motor?

[@shanewazhere]

Looks like $489, just checked the price on Rock Auto.

[@YousofAzizi]

Thank you for the video. I recently bought a 2010 RX 450h and the liftgate works 3 out of 5 times! The problem is that it goes up to the highest point, but then recklessly comes down on its own shakingly! So sometimes works correctly sometimes not! It should not be the motor, I guess. So what do you think the problem would be?

[@shanewazhere]

Try replacing the gas shocks first, that’s your first cheapest solution. The shocks help push up the trunk with the motor. If they are new shocks, then it sounds like a motor issue.

[@bampsnh]

Shane... great video, thanks for taking the time to share your work. Wonder if you could share where you obtained the replacement unit and the cost?

[@shanewazhere]

The replacement part was from Rock Auto, the links to the replacement parts are in the description as well.

[@aaronphoenix4]

Having very similar issues- the dealer diagnosed an issue with the left side, but couldn’t tell if it was the motor or the ECU. Would there be any indicators either way?

[@shanewazhere]

If the symptoms are similar to mine, I would rule out the ECU, I feel that they don't go out as often as mechanical motors do. Especially if your shocks are weak.

[@Maybenxtime]

Hi Shane, I would appreciate if you can let me know which shocks you purchased. I was told the Newton force is important but cannot find the specs anywhere

[@shanewazhere]

The shocks I purchased are in the description, a link. Just got them on Amazon. Mine are still going strong.

[@emadayyash9760]

Thank you very helpful AAAAA

[@hassansmw5634]

Did you check the fuse? It's a 30A fuse in the engine compartment

[@shanewazhere]

Yes, but the fuse was not the issue. The motor had burned up due to the shocks failing and having to work too hard to push it up.

[@hassansmw5634]

@shanesalisburywazhere I just got an Rx350 today. The door doesn't automatically open or close. When I press the key fob or the button near the steering wheel, it gives just 2 quick beebs.

[@shanewazhere]

@@hassansmw5634 start with replacing the shocks, they are $35 on Amazon.

[@hassansmw5634]

@shanesalisburywazhere Thanks Shane I'll do that!

[@FF-xl7yw]

12:08 too cute! ❤

[@alwien9]

Thank you!

[@shanewazhere]

You're welcome! Glad it helped!

[@thinline8504]

mines stop working at I ran into a Mercedes lol..... I don't think I'll fix it. :/ but it was handy . ugh

[@spicydogsoup]

wondering if you can just buy the motor and replace it instead of the whole assembly. Maybe cheaper.

[@shanewazhere]

I'm sure you can, not sure what the specs on the motor are or if you can find it for sale that'll fit inside of the assembly though.

[@cookingwithmon8367]

Awesome! You saved a ton of money from having Lexus replaced your trunk motor. Hoe much was the motor?

[@shanewazhere]

You got that right. I was lucky to get it for $307.17

[@randomtech6656]

Where did you get the diagram for the liftgate motor

[@shanewazhere]

www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-3rd-gen-2010-2015/889316-power-liftgate-motor-shot-need-some-diy-help.html 4 posts down on that page.

[@dustyj22]

did you have any issue with the trunk rattling like crazy?

[@shanewazhere]

I personally have not had any trunk rattling yet.

[@mervinmcknight6138]

where did you purchase the tail gate motor?

[@shanewazhere]

It's in the description, RockAuto.

[@Oneklickmedia]

I noticed my hatch stutter intermittently and sometimes goes up 75% and then goback down. I know the rear struts is going bad as it doesn't hold sometimes. Did you go through these symptoms? I'm going to replace the struts next week and then debating to just do the motors too

[@Oneklickmedia]

Also thank you for putting step by step time stamp! All dyi videos should follow this standard. Appreciate the vidoe!

[@shanewazhere]

Since I haven't had the car very long it's hard to give a definite answer, but your issue sounds like it is the motor struggling to push up the hatch due to worn out struts.. If it still stutters after the struts being replaced, then it may have worn the motor out and will need to be replaced. Mine only sometimes lifted up with the motor. If I put pressure on the hatch at all when the new motor is moving it, then it usually starts to stutter, but I think that's normal behavior. These are the struts I purchased and they work great for the price! www.amazon.com/dp/B07BL3Y5R5/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_0cxRFbEPMMT6P

[@Oneklickmedia]

@@shanewazhere yes I bought the exact brand base on your review and others on Amazon. Should he arriving next week and already did the front hood month ago. Well if its the motor, atleast I downloaded your video for future reference lol. Thanks again friend!

[@kyleginder1322]

how long did it take you from start to finish? My Hatch motor went out and Lexus dealer said 3hours of labor and $430 in parts.

[@shanewazhere]

I would say 2 hours maximum, maybe even just an hour if you don't have any issues along the way and you have all the tools and know what you're doing. I think it took me 3 hours though just because I was learning how to do it and I had a few aligned issues of the panels. It should not take a trained Lexus technician 3 hours to complete the job.

[@kyleginder1322]

Thanks!

[@johnyin689]

where you bought this parts , How much?

[@shanewazhere]

Links in the description.

[@scottbenke7182]

Celica GT-S or Supra in background?

[@shanewazhere]

Both! It's a 1985 Toyota Celica Supra Non-turbo. Can't get it to start up. It's got over 285,000 miles on it. I miss driving it!

[@scottbenke7182]

@@shanewazhere Had a 1984 Celica GT-S, really liked that car.

[@DragonsBaneMaster]

I had a 1984 Supra. Loved that car. MANY good times with that car! Your model is actually considered the Supra even though they called it celica supra. I still have the brochure from that time! I would check your battery ground, that caused me to not be able to start the car one time. I ran a new thicker ground cable to the chassis and bingo no problems. Maybe that might help! Good luck!!

[@shanewazhere]

@@DragonsBaneMaster I'll give it a shot! Thanks! Yeah, it's a super fun car to drive around even though they're not very fast. haha.

[@marcianoperez6640]

Same issues Same car 2013 rx 350 80k miles

[@shanewazhere]

Yeah, they definitely go out with age and not miles. My car has 100k more, 180k and it is driving perfect, no issues, no leaks, nothing. Great car! Hoping to have it for 100k+ more.

[@marcianoperez6640]

Thank u for saying it gives me a peace of mind.im happy i financed a used car lexus Im going to used it till the wheelss fall off.

[@wniofpxox_leah9930]

can you buy the motor on amazon?

[@shanewazhere]

It's looks like Amazon DOES have it! It's almost a $100 more though than Rockauto.

[@mahbubrahman2223]

Hi there. I have a 2015 Lexus NX 200t. It has a similar issue where the trunk unlocks but won’t lift up to open it all the way up. It is extremely difficult to lift it manually also. Any suggestions ? Also, would you consider doing a video on how to repair this issue on a 2015 Lexus NX 200t ? Thanks, KM

[@shanewazhere]

Sounds like it’s the same issue. I’d definitely consider it! I just don’t have access to that vehicle with the same issue.

[@mahbubrahman2223]

@@shanewazhere thank you for your reply. My understanding is that the 2015 Lexus NX 200t does not have a motor and the Struts does all the lifting. I’m not certain if that is true. Thanks for your helpful video. Thanks, KM

[@shanewazhere]

@@mahbubrahman2223 Try changing out the struts first, hopefully they should be fairly easy if they are just regular gas shocks.

[@mahbubrahman2223]

@@shanewazhere Thanks for the advice. Is there a way to find out if there is a motor because when I push the button, it opens and closes automatically. Also there is a electrical plug type of connection at the end of the strut. A picture of the struts I have seen at Auto Zone, looks slightly different. They are about $100 each. I just hate to waste $200 if the electrical connections does not fit the old gasket type connection at the end of the struts. Appreciate your time and efforts. Thanks again.

[@shanewazhere]

@@mahbubrahman2223 This sounds like the new electrical struts that are all in one. I’d recommend seeing if there is a video on KZbin for the replacement of them. Looks like you can get a pair of Amazon or eBay for a little over $200.

[@Waspytcu]

Bull in a China shop 😂

[@kennyblack1998]

There's a switch in the globbox to turn off and on

[@shanewazhere]

Please read the description of the video, I had ruled that out.

[@TDK2K]

how much is the oem liftgate motor?

[@shanewazhere]

Two links in the description. I got mine for $300 back in 2020 on RockAuto.

[@brola3367]

Good job