SC430 Wiki

Hardtop Package Tray Motor Failure

4 min read

Hardtop Package Tray Motor Failure

The package tray (tonneau cover) must open to make room for the folding hardtop. If its motor fails, the entire convertible top cycle is blocked — the ECU will not proceed until the package tray confirms it has cleared the way.

Symptoms

  • Pressing the roof switch results in nothing happening — or the sequence starts but halts early [Probable]
  • Package tray visibly lags or fails to open completely during roof cycle [Probable]
  • Delayed response when activating convertible top [Probable]
  • Roof switch light blinks red [Probable]
  • You can hear other motors activating (windows lowering, latches releasing) but the package tray doesn’t move [Reported]

Cause

The package tray trim link motors (Lexus: “Motor Assy, Package Tray Trim Link”) are electric motors that drive the tonneau cover open and closed. The SC430 has at least a LH motor (85730-24030). [Verified — OEM catalogue]

Failure modes:

  • Motor burnout — Internal motor failure from age/wear [Probable]
  • Mechanical binding — Debris or lack of lubrication causes the tray mechanism to bind, overloading the motor [Reported]
  • Wiring/connector issues — Connections in the boot area can corrode from water ingress [Reported]

The SC430 convertible operation has three subsystems that must all work: trunk opening, roof retraction, and package tray opening. “If any of them don’t work then you end up with a convertible top not working.” [Probable — ClubLexus]

Diagnosis

  1. Listen during attempted cycle. Can you hear the package tray motor trying to work? No sound = electrical/motor failure. Labouring sound = mechanical binding.
  2. Visual inspection. Observe the package tray during the cycle — does it start to move then stop, or not move at all?
  3. Techstream. Will show DTCs related to the package tray position if the motor isn’t completing its travel. [Probable]
  4. What to tell your mechanic: “The roof cycle isn’t completing. I suspect the package tray motor. Can you check the tray motor operation independently before replacing anything expensive?”

Fix

Motor Replacement

PartOEM NumberPriceStatus
Package Tray Trim Link Motor LH85730-24030~$398 USDIn Stock

[Verified — OEM catalogue, April 2026]

The motor can be accessed without removing the entire package tray assembly. [Probable — ClubLexus DIY thread] A YouTube tutorial exists demonstrating the access procedure (referenced on ClubLexus as youtu.be/u0XpSKQGHro). [Reported]

Used Parts

Used package tray motors are available from wreckers and eBay. Importapart lists SC430 convertible top tonneau package tray trim link motors for 2002-2010 models. [Verified — parts listing]

DIY Feasibility

Moderate. Access to the motor is the main challenge, but forum members confirm it can be done without removing the entire tray. Experienced forum members recommend replacing the complete unit rather than attempting motor repair. [Probable]

Prevention

  • Cycle the top monthly. Keeps the package tray mechanism exercised. [Probable]
  • Keep the tray mechanism clean. Debris in the boot area can jam the tray. Don’t push items too far into the trunk, especially when the top is lowered. [Probable]
  • Lubricate tray linkage. Light white lithium grease on the mechanical linkage points. [Probable]

Owner Reports

  • ClubLexus thread documents successful package tray motor access and repair without full tray removal. [Reported]
  • One member: “I just swap out the entire hinge” rather than attempting individual motor repair. [Reported]
  • The package tray motor appears to fail less frequently than the main hinge motors, but when it does, it completely blocks roof operation. [Probable — forum context]

Sources

  • ClubLexus forum: “How to access and fix your Package Tray Motor (And possibly repair your motor)”
  • LexusPartsNow OEM catalogue (April 2026)
  • Importapart SC430 convertible top parts listings

Graph View

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