Question: 6 Reasons Your Lexus Trunk Won’t Open (With Fixes)

Your Lexus trunk failing to open can be a frustrating experience, especially when in a hurry. This problem may occur even after using the key fob or pushing the trunk release buttons.

When this happens with your Lexus, don’t run to a locksmith or dealership first. Sometimes, this problem may result from a few issues you can fix without professional help. The most common causes of Lexus trunk not opening include an activated valet mode, a broken latch, key fob issues, electrical malfunction, or broken struts.

Herein, I explain why your Lexus trunk won’t open and effective fixes.

Answer: Common Causes of Lexus Trunk Not Opening

The trunk of your Lexus car might fail to open for the following reasons:

  • Activated valet mode
  • Broken latch
  • Defective struts
  • Malfunctioning key fob
  • Electrical malfunction
  • Jammed car trunk

Activated Valet Mode

Does your Lexus feature the valet mode for enhancing your vehicle’s security? The valet mode is a security feature in many new Lexus models. It temporarily hard-locks the trunk to ensure unauthorized individuals don’t access it using the trunk release button or key fob.

Activating the valet mode requires pressing a valet button in the glove box. If you accidentally activate this security feature, the trunk won’t open after using the release button or key fob.

The worst part is many Lexus owners don’t know their cars have this security feature. They’re likely to press the button and lock the trunk accidentally.

To resolve this, open the glove box and locate the valet button. Your owner’s manual can also help you know if your Lexus has this feature. Press this button and use your key fob or trunk release button to open the trunk.

Broken Latch

The trunk latch is designed to close and open your vehicle’s trunk electronically. It works with the trunk lock actuator to keep the trunk safely locked. When you press the trunk’s release button, the actuator engages and triggers the latch to lock the trunk.

Over time, issues with the lock mechanism can prevent your trunk from opening. These issues may include a worn or broken latch. Moreover, the solenoid that opens and closes the electric circuit can malfunction, causing the latch to fail.

If the latch is to blame, you’ll hear the actuator working, sounding like the trunk is opening, but it’s not. In this case, it’s better to allow a locksmith to inspect the latch and replace it if necessary. If your Lexus has a damaged solenoid, your professional will examine and replace it.

Defective Struts

Another possible reason your Lexus trunk won’t open is defective struts. These components prop the trunk to open smoothly, allowing you to open the lid easily. Besides, functional trunk struts prevent your trunk from slamming violently, causing damage to the trunk or cargo inside.

While the struts are durable, they can become clogged, dry, or worn and fail to lift the lid. Worn struts will make a knocking or clunking noise when hitting bumps.

Consider cleaning clogged struts with WD-40 to remove the stuck dirt, dust, or debris. Replacing the struts if they look broken or worn will resolve this problem.

Malfunctioning Key Fob

Your Lexus key fob is a device for locking and unlocking the doors and trunk. This device relies on a battery to help lock and unlock the trunk.

If your key fob won’t unlock the vehicle’s trunk, several things must be done. First, hold the fob’s button down for three seconds and see if the trunk opens. If it doesn’t, the fob’s battery might be dead.

Your car key fob’s battery should last 3-4 years. If you have a dead fob’s battery, you’ll experience issues like reduced signal strength or doors failing to open. In this case, replacing the dead battery will help the trunk to open.

Contact the dealership for a replacement if you have a worn or damaged key fob. Before then, use the trunk release button to open the trunk.

Electrical Malfunction

Your Lexus trunk is electronically assisted to open and close when needed. It uses electric motors, fuses, wiring, and a car battery to open or close.

If your car has a damaged motor, a blown fuse, broken wiring, or a malfunctioning battery, your trunk may fail to open. Start by checking the battery, as it’s the easiest to access. Charge the battery if drained and ensure the terminals and connections are clean. You can replace the battery if it is dead.

Then, locate the fuse box and replace any blown fuse. Your manual will help you find the fuse responsible for the doors and the trunk. Use a fuse puller to pull out the blown fuse and install a new one.

If the motor and wiring are to blame, consider replacing them. An authorized technician will help you repair or replace them.

Jammed Car Trunk

If your Lexus trunk won’t open, check if anything is jamming up the lock. It could be dirt, sticks, a jacket, or corrosion in the trunk’s lock. These foreign materials will keep the trunk locked.

To fix this, access the trunk from the back seat and push the knob with a long stick or wire. You can use a flashlight to locate this colored knob on the back of your trunk door. Push the knob downwards, and the trunk will open.

Then, remove any foreign item in the trunk lock to avoid this issue in the future. If your Lexus has a keyhole on the trunk, use a flathead screwdriver to open it. You’ll need to insert the screwdriver into the trunk’s keyhole and turn it counterclockwise to open it.

Answer: Cost of Fixing a Lexus Trunk That Won’t Open

The cost of fixing a Lexus trunk that fails to open will vary depending on the model. Lexus lines feature trunks with different functions and designs. The price also varies depending on the component to be fixed.

If you have a broken lock latch, expect to pay between $200 and $300. This cost includes parts and labor. If the trunk latch release cable is to blame, you may pay around $90 to $180 for parts and labor.

The trunk strut replacement costs around $100-$200 for each strut. If you’re replacing the actuator or power liftgate motors, expect to pay over $700.

Replacing the key fob’s battery ranges between $5 and $20. However, if you want to replace the key fob, expect to pay between $100 and $400. A Lexus dealership will help you find a compatible fob and reset the car to ensure it works with the new fob.

Final Thoughts

Several issues can cause your Lexus trunk not to open. Before you call a locksmith for help, try fixing problems with the key fob, valet mode, latch, and struts. Also, check for any stuck items in the lock preventing the trunk from opening.

If your Lexus trunk won’t open after trying all the above fixes, it’s time to take your car to a locksmith. While the service may sometimes be expensive, leaving this job to a professional will ensure the effective fixing of the problematic trunk.

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