Newby's rear roof latch will not release

[Spotty47]

Hi all, Advice needed please.

A problem has developed with the roof mechanism of my 2006 SC and it will not open. My little local garage have shown me that the cable-operated latch/lock just above the driver's side rear quarter window is not releasing once the boot has opened up, so the roof tries to open, but can't. If this latch is released manually (pushed down with a screwdriver) then the roof will continue to open as it should. The attached photo shows the problem latch.

My local garage thought that the cable for this latch might be controlled by the motor that sits under the parcel shelf, but some on-line checking I've done makes me think that may not be correct and that the cables might somehow be controlled from the mechanism that raises the boot, but I can't find any specific information about how this latch/lock is operated, so I guess its not a common problem.

So my question now is, where might I go to get this sorted out at a reasonable price? My nearest Lexus dealers either seem to want silly money just to scratch their heads or else just don't want to discuss the problem (despite a swift kick from Lexus Customer Services) and an independent Lexus/Toyota specialist that I found mentioned here in the LOC also want to look at it first, but they are a good couple of hours drive from where I live in south Shropshire.

Bit of a cheek I guess, asking such a tricky question in my first post, so any advise would be very much appreciated.

[Neil E]

Try Richard Walker the Lexusman. He's not too far from you and may be able to help. 

[Spotty47]

Thanks for the suggestion Neil, but when I looked him up I came across an LOC post from April 1st (could this date be significant?) 2004 entitled "Name And Shame "lexusman" Uk". Is it possible that he's improved his act and reputation since then?

[Neil E]

Hi Stephen don't believe everything you read on the internet. I'll send you a P.M.