Power lift tailgate ? To be or not to be?

[femi9member]

I have just recently purchased a RX 400  2007 and so disappointed that it didn't have a power lift or button on dash to open the boot.

I know, I know! Don't judge me.🙄 I'm a woman.

I bought it online without viewing from a very reputable car showroom but when it was delivered I accepted the lovely car and now regret the decision I made. So heavy for me to lift up and down. Maybe the gas struts need replacing? But I really want it motorised with a button on my dash.😏

I am told that in the UK I cannot get a Retrofit done. Can someone offer advice and can someone tell me what this picture is? Is it the motor for a power lift? 

[Spock66]

21 minutes ago, femi9member said:

I have just recently purchased a RX 400  2007 and so disappointed that it didn't have a power lift or button on dash to open the boot.

Actually I think it would be an expensive maintenance liability in a car of this age. I have it on my Gen 4 RX and to be honest it's pretty slow and annoying.

I'd suggest replacing / getting the gas struts checked they do tend to age, should be a relatively quick and cheap fix.

I don't think that picture is where the motor would be located, but clearly something is missing....

[Spacewagon52]

I have just looked at mine. There is a bar which attaches to the motor. This has obviously been removed, so power tailgate will not work. I can lift mine manually without much effort, so as Spock66 suggests get a new pair of gas struts fitted. Don't get a Lexus dealer to fit them. buy a set from a firm called SGS Engineering and get a competent local garage to fit them if you do not wish to do it yourself. Check prices but around £40 - £50. link below.

 

ttps://www.sgs-engineering.com/car-boot-tailgate/lexus/rx

 

[royoftherovers]

Wanda, please take Legal Advice IMMEDIATELY as it might be possible for you to return the car and receive a full refund.

Do let us all know how you get on.

Good luck.

[Herbie]

Some of the RX300s and 400hs never had a power back door and it seems like you've got one of these. If it did have one but someone took the lift motor out then you'd see a slit in the panel for the lift arm, like this one below:

First of all, take John's advice and see if you have 'cooling off' period in which you can return the car for refund or replacement.

It may not be impossible to retrofit but it'll be as near as makes no difference. None of the required wiring looms will be in place, you'd need the lift motor/ECU assembly (a good £700 or more on its own) a different lock/latch assembly, and the labour to install it all would take the total cost to £2k-£3k, IF it were possible at all.

Once you've lifted the tailgate up, if it stays up then don't waste money on buying new gas struts because that won't help you at all. Their job is to assist the lift motor in raising the door and to stop it falling down. If they hold the door in place they're doing their job and new ones won't help you lift it any easier.