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Rear trunk release button mod from inside.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Kaptainkid1, Jun 16, 2021.

  1. Kaptainkid1

    Kaptainkid1 Active Member

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    So I go camping in my Prius time to time and I hate I can not open the back trunk from the inside. So I installed a quick release button. I saw a write up and a youtube video for 3rd Gen but nothing for the 2nd Gen work horse. Here is my how to write up.

    So I bought a cheap ebay horn switch or momentary on switch.
    Connect one end of the switch to red wire found under trunk trim. Check photo for location.

    Then the ground end from switch to the white wire on lead wire in trunk release lead.
    Make sure you attach connectors between the switch and original wire leads in trunk. This will allow you to pull the trunk trim if you need to do other work. Also the trim panel won't be permanently attached to trunk hatch.

    The yellow horn switch uses a 3/8 drill bit. I drilled a hole by the trunk handle shown in photos. Connect all the wires and close up trim panels.

    Now you have a quick release inside if you sleep in the Prius when camping. No more exiting from the side doors.
    Smash if you like it!!!!


    20210616_103226.jpg 20210616_111843.jpg 20210616_111934.jpg 20210616_112139.jpg 20210616_113021.jpg 20210616_120712.jpg 20210616_120716.jpg 20210616_103200.jpg

    SM-A526U ?
     
    #1 Kaptainkid1, Jun 16, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2021
    Troy DIY, Montgomery, Tommybb and 7 others like this.
  2. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    brilliant! i don't understand why Toyota didn't think to put an inside switch, or handle
     
  3. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    For those of you who dont want to cut the wires, I know for a fact a plug-in-play option is coming.
     
    Meg&Bear likes this.
  4. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    And how would one find out about it when it arrives?
     
  5. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    either when I post here or if you receive my Prius newsletter through my blog. black.jmyntrn.com
     
  6. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    Nice blog
     
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  7. donbright

    donbright Active Member

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    is it not so that your groceries / sports gear wont accidentally bump the switch and pop your hatch on the highway?
     
    xliderider likes this.
  8. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    Easily fixed with placement of release.
    Also, does the external release button work when the car is in other than Park?
     
    Meg&Bear, Kaptainkid1 and 2Fats like this.
  9. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    My OEM release button only works when the car is off.
     
  10. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    yep! long as the doors are unlocked it works.
     
  11. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    Has it arrived?
     
  12. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    Any further word on this?
     
  13. James Analytic

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    I like this idea as I just returned with a new hatch button cover piece... the only one left in the yard of two broken and one not present. Tomorrow I'm thinking I'll get another the hatch came from or the other with the most pieces and a button still present. Both will need new covers.

    Anyways; I was thinking one of those "Safety Toggle Switch Cover's" I guess you call, maybe modified for a push button switch that doesn't fit if you don't use a push button switch that will fit the cover.

    Smashed! I think when I'm at the yard tomorrow, I'm going to snip that connector along with some extra wire from one of the hatches so I can splice a prototype plug and play design now that I've read through this post.
     
  14. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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  15. Safi

    Safi Junior Member

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  16. James Analytic

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    Well, got an extra hatch handle part and amazingly a third where the only piece left was the connector and that square button, where I found one design has the door handle like button and the other does not. Guessing, one is for the smart key and the other is not, is that correct?

    Speaking of... I'll be studying to see how I can DIY upgrade the broken one I got that doesn't have the extra outside little square button.

    Thinking stainless steel strip along the back ironed into the plastic so flush mount. Then pot (epoxy fill) around those bolts locations at the least and maybe all along the stainless steel strip. I'm also wondering about using sheet metal with a bend on the end or both ends to stiffen.

    [​IMG]

    upload_2023-3-4_8-56-25.png
     
  17. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    no, not yet.
     
  18. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    donbright likes this.
  19. Thane

    Thane Junior Member

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    For the less technically inclined, you can also use a mini bungee cord I've found (on my gen 2). I had tons of battery issues and have had to crawl in through the back to open to hatch from inside a few too many times. Just use some pliers to make a circle out of one of the bungee cord's hoods so it can't come off as easy and hook that end onto the little release mechanism and run in up through the hole in the plastic storage bin and to the right side of the latch catch. I put the other end directly on the black rubber seal that allows me to grasp it from the outside too, if needed. I'd recommend some thick tape or many layers of tape to allow the bungee cord to slide easy on the upper side of the hole in the plastic bin.

    This is 10 times cooler though. I'll have to get around to doing this. Thanks for the write up and photos.
     
    alftoy likes this.
  20. James Analytic

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    Man, glad the above was posted, since I forgot to update my progress and applications.

    Here's my improvised design I was using until I repaired and upgraded that white broken one.
    Worlds First Never Before Seen 2004 to 2009 Toyota Gen 2 Prius Broken Hatch Improvised Solution - YouTube

    Ghetto as-found:
    2006 Prius Oh Duh Moment! Didn't Catch The Method When The Previous Owner Showed Me How To Open DIY - YouTube

    Before white one in above post pictured cleaned and moving forward:
    2006 Prius Weller Self Serve Hatch Handle Finds For Switch & Re-Enforcement Upgrade Experiment 2of4 - YouTube

    After and installed (there are some other longer videos regarding if you're curious):
    2006 Prius Weller Self Serve Hatch Handle Finds Installed And Operational - YouTube

    Progressing slowly to a more reformed aesthetic. :) Functionality to Toyota spec is priority for now.

    I haven't decided which switch I was going to use as I'd prefer to have a cover over or a stiffer switch than what I have now and was thinking about using. Just to be safe so my tall self and big feet don't press open at night.
     
    donbright likes this.