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Back wont open

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Erin Strand, May 29, 2018.

  1. Erin Strand

    Erin Strand Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
    3
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    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The hatchback of my 2006 Prius wont open. The back lock button wasn't working either and the 12V battery was reading low so I replaced the battery. Now the back lock button works, but the back still wont unlatch or make any indication that its trying to unlatch. The sensors on the front and passenger doors both work and I recently replaced the battery in the key as well.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,875
    49,469
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome!
    if the car is starting and running fine, check your owners manual for the procedure to lower the rear seat backs, crawl in from the back door, and use the manual release for the hatch. perhaps something is caught in the latch.
     
  3. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
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    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Welcome again!

    In addition, if it is not that, once you have opened the hatch it could be the lacking mechanism. These are usually very reliable, but have been known the fail.

    It is an easy job to replace, and, as they are normally reliable, I'd try and source a second-hand working unit from a wrecker/dismantler/pick and pull place.

    Hope that is all it is.

    PS: In order to use the hatch more conveniently while you organise fixing, tie a pice of string to the manual release long enough to reach the driver's side rear door and drape over the back seat-back. That way you can unlatch the hatch by opening the rear door and pulling on the string.