2002 SC 430, went to open the roof, everything retracted normally into the trunk until it was time for the trunk hatch to close. That's when a fast clicking sound could be heard as the trunk hatch wouldn't lower. Had to manually push down the trunk hatch all the way by hand and then press the dash open button to latch. Now, when trying to close the roof by pressing the dash close button, the trunk hatch opens normally but then the same fast clicking sound can be heard and there's no further roof movement out of the trunk.

Any ideas what I should look for? Thanks!

 

Follow up: roof still not functioning properly. When pushing the close roof button, trunk hatch opens fine but then the clicking sound begins and the roof will not come out of trunk unless I reach in and lift the roof somewhat, after a couple seconds the roof will begin closing on it's own normally.

I removed the inner trunk liner, checked fuses and dropped her off at Hennessey Lexus in Duluth, GA. No codes were found and after paying $129 for one hour diagnostics, they told me the passenger side convertible drive mechanism needs replacing for $5,422.15 total. The technician thought the luggage door closer motor gear case was worn, resulting in mechanical resistance.

I declined repairs as that price is way out of budget. Does anyone reading this far have any suggestions? Any ideas are much appreciated!

 

Pics of my car to "put a face with a name".

Thanks for any and all help!

 

That is a bummer Could they be more specific [ passenger side convertible drive mechanism ] The convertible top i think has 9 motors that have to work in unison controlled by the roof ecu. I believe that the dealer is not telling you the whole story. I think motors can be changed . Is it possible its your hinge assemble ? I would ask them to be more telling in where the issue is .They may want to throw the baby out with the bath water.

 

My recommendation would be to take it to Nalley Lexus in Smyrna for a second opinion. We've trusted them with two Lexuses since 2009 and always walk away happy.

 

Thank you for the replys so far.

Upon further evaluation by me, the clicking noise is infact coming from the passanger side luggage door closer motor gear drive case. That gear drive case is actually part of the HINGE ASSEMBLY, LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT DOOR, RH - RIGHT / PASSENGER SIDE part # 64510 in the link below, $4,630.57

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...C430-2002.html

There's a white colored nylon gear in the above mentioned case that looks possibly worn. Unfortuately, there is not a seperate part number for the gear or gear drive case assembly. Does anyone know of a source for just the gear drive case or even the nylon gear itself?

 

Call Sewell on the phone see what he reccomends you can also go to vipers they sell a lot of sc430 parts.I thought that the hinge assemble did include a motor. You also might be able to have a gear made to match the bad gear you have. or else retrofit some other gears you would be surprised what cnc machines can do

here is ebay link for drivers side keep looking you will find a passenger side.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/02-03-04-05-06-07-08-09-LEXUS-SC430-Convertible-Top-Left-Driver-Side-Lift-Motor-/360529484917?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53f13b5c75&vxp=mtr

 

Thank you mrblister, I'll contact Sewell to see what they say.

I've found 4 right hand hinge assemblies on ebay so far...

 

Mr. Blister has given you great advice. Another idea would be to try to find a SC430 and a junk yard or someone who is parting one out after a wreck. It is criminal for any unit in a car to cost $4K to replace, without an option to just replace internal parts.

 

someone is selling the complete roof and both motors on ebay for $750 shipped. lmk if you want the link. i was going to buy it but was able to get mine fixed.

 

With it clicking like that, I'd agree that there is a gear somewhere that is either very worn or is missing some teeth.

 

Okay, in the top picture you can see the gear drive assembly that's making the clicking sound. In the bottom picture circled is the removable cap to that gear drive. After unscrewing the cap, I can lift out the worm drive and see the white nylon gear that I think is worn. If I had a source for that gear and or assembly, I could easily perform a swap.

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love the wheels, what size are they?

 

If someone has access to a CNC machine might possibly make them out of aluminum and sell them to the form members.

 

5422 for a gear that cost maybe 10 dollars is crazy. I can't believe we can't get this gear. it would be cheaper to have 1000 gears made. aluminum would be a great fix for this problem instead of cheap plastic gear. this is how Lexus makes money.