Has anybody *added extra* interior hatch release switch? (Gen 2)

Has anybody added an interior release button...maybe by modifying a Dorman (or OEM) replacement switch like this one? I’m thinking about splicing into the existing switch wiring (in parallel) and routing it to the inside and cutting a hole in the interior hatch panel to mount the new switch so it can be accessed/pushed from inside the car.

I’ve started upgrading my 2006 for camping/overlanding excitement and
I *know* this issue is going to bug the crap out of me while I’m sleeping back there.

I guess any old momentary contact button/switch could be used with a 12v wire (and a relay?) to inject power to activate the solenoid? There’s still the issue w the heavy hatch not just “popping open” and needing to be pushed up from inside...new hatch struts would help...but that’s just an inconvenience compared to NO INTERIOR OR FOB HATCH RELEASE! The only interior release is hidden under a bunch of stuff wedged in the nether-regions deep in an unmarked greasy grave(hole).

The “No interior glow in the dark safety release like every other car in the world” thing has always bugged me, poignantly at times...especially the 1st time a 12v battery died in traffic! I’ve had a Gen 2 since 2003, so there have been several 12v battery deaths. I’m an old pro now, saved my uncle a TON of grief when he called me about his 1st recently acquired Prius 12v battery failure.

A thread search only found people complaining/explaining the existing configuration, nothing about adding a new switch/button modification. It seems simple-ish...what am I missing? Any thoughts/ideas on what to use and where to put it?

TIA - James

 

I've been removing old window tint for days, but am planning to get to this trunk/hatch release modification this weekend. Will take pics if I can with my fingers crossed at the same time.

 

It was easier than that for me...I had taken off the interior panels/covers inside the hatch and the plastic panel on the back that holds the existing exterior switch to get it all properly painted, so I had that section of wiring harness in my hand (literally!) when the thought of how easily it could be done struck me.

I'm planning to mount the switch in the rear because I'm planning to sleep back there...also the reason that I'm finally getting around to doing something about it after owning one of these things since 2003. Heh.

 

Success! I ran to O-Reilly's and picked up the cheapest Momentary Contact switch they had. Spliced it into the wires between the existing switch and the rest of the loom. It works as intended.

I will post a photo after I install the switch after I decide where that should be. Perhaps I can find a spot I can reach from both the driver's seat *and* when I'm crammed in the back. I'll have to think that through.