1. Offline

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Mar 25, 2009
    Posts:
    2,464
    Likes Received:
    378
    Location:
    USA
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Just installed the rear window deflectors with the factory supplied clips. :) These clips are notoriously difficult to put in. :mad: bruceha_2000 (Side Window Deflectors | PriusChat) and chrisspaulding (weathertech window vents | PriusChat) have posted photos and a diagram in separate threads to show the way the clips supposed to work. I would like to add two more detail points that helped me and wished to know earlier. Hopefully my crude hand drawn diagrams will help others who wants to install with the clips. :)

    The Goal: Use the spring force of the metal clip and the rubber weather strip to secure the clip in the channel formed by the metal frame
    [IMG]

    1st problem: The deflector, the clip, and the metal frame are too stiff to allow insertion → the clip ends up popping out of the channel
    [IMG]

    solution step 1: Instead of inserting the clip fully into the channel, only insert partially and then mate with the deflector before full insertion
    [IMG]

    2nd problem: Rough edge of deflector easily gets stuck on the rubber weather strip and prevents further insertion
    [IMG]

    solution step 2: Lubricate the rough edge of the deflector. Now it is possible to insert the deflector together with the clip fully into the channel
    [IMG]


    Some more tips: I tried sliding in the deflector with two clips simultaneously without success. I ended up doing the front clip first, then the rear clip. For the double sided adhesive tapes at the ends of the deflector, I only peeled partially before insertion and peeled the rest after complete insertion. I also cleaned the rubber surface in the channel before installation.

    Update: I took these pictures after installation but never posted them until now:

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    As you can see they are very low profile (doesn't stick out from the side of the car too much) and I really like this feature of low profile.
    Last edited by 2009Prius, Jul 18, 2012
  2. Offline

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Jul 23, 2005
    Posts:
    1,761
    Likes Received:
    192
    Location:
    SE Pennsylvania
    Your Vehicle Year:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Are you sure you need clips? My brother-in-law has Weathertech deflectors on his 06 and didn't use any clips.
  3. Offline

    Qlara New Member

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Dec 18, 2007
    Posts:
    488
    Likes Received:
    3
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2008 Prius
    Yea, why there are metal clips for the window deflectors insert?
    I installed the WeatherTech deflectors before on a non-Prius, it's just required some careful push-insertions to be in place only.
  4. Offline

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Mar 25, 2009
    Posts:
    2,464
    Likes Received:
    378
    Location:
    USA
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    If you read previous threads on this subject you will find for the rear deflectors people have several general approaches:

    1. Leave it alone (don't use clips) and let it drop down once in a while and push it back up
    2. Use silicone or double sided tapes
    3. Use clips
    I think it is just personal preference which way to do it.

    If one chooses the #3 then I hope the diagrams will help. :)
  5. Offline

    BeGreenNow New Member

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Feb 26, 2008
    Posts:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Milwaukee, WI
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2008 Prius
    Tried without the clips and they soon fell out of the windows, thankfully i was just in the driveway and not cruising. Great job on the pics i will be re-installing with the clips now.
  6. Offline

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Mar 25, 2009
    Posts:
    2,464
    Likes Received:
    378
    Location:
    USA
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Good luck and let us know how it works out for you. :)
  7. Offline

    Frayadjacent Resident Conservative

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Mar 22, 2009
    Posts:
    375
    Likes Received:
    20
    Location:
    Austin, TX
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2009 Prius
    That's a good description. I'll be looking into getting the weathertech deflectors in the next couple months.
  8. Offline

    thomatt12 New Member

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Mar 12, 2008
    Posts:
    61
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    USA
    Your Vehicle Year:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    The diagrams and descriptions are really useful. I too am thinking of installing WeatherTech deflectors, so these can come in handy.

    __________________
    radiator hose
  9. Offline

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Mar 25, 2009
    Posts:
    2,464
    Likes Received:
    378
    Location:
    USA
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Thanks for the encouraging comments. I have added some more tips in the original post. :)
  10. Offline
    • Admin/Founder

    Danny Admin/Founder

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Nov 24, 2003
    Posts:
    6,253
    Likes Received:
    969
    Location:
    Charlotte, NC
    Your Vehicle Year:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
  11. Offline

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Mar 25, 2009
    Posts:
    2,464
    Likes Received:
    378
    Location:
    USA
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Thanks for the encouragement! :) I also spent quite some time trying in vain and almost gave up on the clips before figuring out the two steps illustrated in the diagrams above. :)
  12. Offline

    RMSato New Member

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Dec 29, 2009
    Posts:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Mountain Voiew, CA
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Any ideas on the FRONT windows deflectors so they don't "rattle"? I uninstalled and reinstalled and they still chatter at times.
  13. Offline

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Mar 25, 2009
    Posts:
    2,464
    Likes Received:
    378
    Location:
    USA
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    If I lower the front window glass only a little such that the glass still touches the deflector then the two would rub against each other and make noise when the car goes over a bump or a rough road. If the glass does not touch the deflector then there is no noise. I don't know of a good way to solve this issue. :(
  14. Offline

    PriusSF New Member

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    May 6, 2010
    Posts:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Nor Cal, Stockton/SF
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    2009Prius, Hi, just wanted to say 'THANKS!' Your diagrams were a great help as I struggled with the clips installing the weathertech vents on my 07 earlier today, Weathertech ought to send you a check and purchase your diagrams, or you should get a commision from them when those of us that purchased their fine product refer to you for the better, more concise instructions.
    This is my very first post after registering here, though I have been a guest and fan of Priuschat since shopping for and purchasing our 07 new.
    Thanks again! Sean
  15. Offline

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Mar 25, 2009
    Posts:
    2,464
    Likes Received:
    378
    Location:
    USA
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Glad to know it helped! Enjoy the deflectors! :)

    One thing to watch out for is that even with the deflectors installed, if it is windy and the windows are cracked open, then a strong wind can still blow sand, leaves, and rain drops into a parked car. Now I have learned to crack open the window only a tiny gap if it is very windy out when I park the car.
    1 people like this.
  16. Offline

    AKMARK New Member

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Apr 26, 2010
    Posts:
    11
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Alaska
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    :) Thanks for the GREAT diagrams. The instructions that came with the deflectors was wordy but NOT helpful, while your concise drawing explained what I needed to know when I installed mine today, from PriusChat Shop.
    I ended up using WD-40 to lubricate a couple of inches around the clips and they slipped right in, with a little pressure, and they are tight and DO NOT rattle.
    Thanks again!!:rockon:
  17. Offline

    loveitch New Member

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Dec 5, 2009
    Posts:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    FL
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    i tried to do as the photos show but still could not get the deflector to slide in. so i pulled the weather stripping out of the window channel, inserted the front of the deflector & front clip then reinserted the whole assembly back into the door jam & repeated the procedure for the back clip. easy
  18. Offline

    blackgas New Member

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Jan 30, 2011
    Posts:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Orlando
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    2010 Prius - Thanks for the instructions. After losing a rear deflector and calling Weathertech they mentioned the clips (not shown in any instructions on their website). I Googled the install and found the Prius Chat info which stopped the madness of trying to install them. I sent them the link so that they can share it with purchasers. Usually very happy with their products but these were very frustrating.
  19. Offline

    woodnowin New Member

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Mar 14, 2009
    Posts:
    7
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Suffolk, Virginia
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2005 Prius
    Weathertech customer service referred me to this thread by sending it to me in an email after I called them for help. Seems to me you should ask for royalty payments for each time they refer someone. Well the front ones were easy. The back ones are in now and I didn't beak anything thanks to this thread.
    1 people like this.
  20. Offline

    enganigan New Member

    Start a Conversation
    Member Since:
    Aug 18, 2011
    Posts:
    3
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Hawaii
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Incredibly helpful post in redirecting me back to the in channel option. They do look so much more cleaner than the sticky tape ones, but the feedback regarding the difficulty to install these plus the fact that they cost more would often sway me away from them. Thanks to your post, i'm really close to picking up a set.

    A few questions if you wouldn't mind me asking:
    1) What did you use to lubricate the deflector with? and...
    2) Were there any scratches to your glass
    3) Are your glasses tinted and lastly...
    4) Was there a "break in" time before the auto up challenges were done away with, or did your proper installment of the deflectors eliminate the problem?

    Thanks a bunch! Love our prius and the prius ohana (hawaiian for family) made possible via the priuschat forum. Thank you Danny!

Share This Page