Colorado13

My 2001 RX300 rear door latch sticks when you press to open it instead of automatically returning to the correct position. So when I close the rear hatch door it won't stay shut unless I push the latch forward. Any thoughts on the problem and steps to correct/replace if defective?

Thanks.....

bearbrew

Have you tried a good silicone spray lube on the mechanism?
When you push the latch back so it will latch do you feel any resistance?
Possible problems may be a dry latch assembly, the control cable is kinked or needs lube, or possibly a weak return spring on the latch assembly.
Does the control cable return to the latched position when released? If not you may have something restricting the cable.
I wouldn't think the spring would be bad and would be my last thing to check.

Colorado13

Everything seems to be working fine a far as the electric lock mechanism goes. It is just that when I press the latch to open the door the latch does not return to it's normal position. To me it seems like a spring should pull it back but nothing happens. I have to push it back to get the door the latch shut.

Thanks....

bearbrew

Colorado,

It looks like I misunderstood your first post. I thought you were talking about the rear hatch latch.

Is the toggle, the part you have to move to make it latch, in the rear door latch loose on the pivot? If the pivot pin is worn this could be a problem but I have not heard of this being a problem on the Lexus.

When I checked the latch assembly on my car there seems to be some resistance and I can not tell if it is a spring like you suggested. It looks like you will need to remove the latch assembly to see what the problem is.

Sorry I could not offer any more assistance.

Bear

carguy07

Mine does the same thing and has been like that for a long time. I tried to get Lexus to fix it under warranty, but they denied it twice. My MDX has the same problem too. The MDX has a steel pin for the pivot that rusts up and keeps the latch from springing back. I have not looked at the RX enough to figure out if it is something that can be fixed without replacing the latch. Let us know if you find a fix.

bearbrew

A good penetrating lube like Kroil may be your answer. Kroil is a penetrant and a lubricant that is used to free up seized nuts and bolts in aviation and diesel maintenance applications. It's heavy duty stuff. You may have to go online to find it. Kroil is manufactured by Kano Labs.

Another lubricant that may work is Jig A Loo which is a silicon spray. Pep Boys, some Walmarts and some Home Depots carry carry Jig A Loo.

Your only other solution would be to replace the latch assembly.

Bear

takaiguchi

Were you able to fix it?

carguy07

I shoot a bunch of Triflow oil up in there and it works pretty good now. Just have to let go of it quick so it has a little momentum to spring back open,

takaiguchi

I have this same problem have tried several different lubricants. Anyone else have this problem?

salimshah

If the easy fix did not work, you need to open it up and see what is wrong. Take pics and post for others who may want to follow your steps.

Salim

ADKLEXUS

Mine does the same thing. Would love to see a fix.

81corolla

Mine got sticky too. When I repaired my license plate bulb I took the trim piece off and cleaned off the rust from the spring and latch assembly. Lubed it up and it works fine.

I regret not taking photos, as it would have been a good DIY. Anyway, I encourage one of you guys to do it, take photos, and write a DIY. It's not too tough and I wrote instructions on what to do in the lens removal thread.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...e-removal.html

takaiguchi, I'm looking at you.