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Removing the 12v Fuse Box Cover

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by jsquareg, Jan 26, 2009.

  1. jsquareg

    jsquareg New Member

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    One of the first things I do after I buy a new car has always been to try out the jack to make sure I know how to operate the jack to change a tire. Then I determine how to jump start it if required. The jack drill went fine but I had a heck of a time getting the fuse box cover off to find the lug to attach the jumper cable. The clip on the rear outside (fender side) of the cover just would not yield to my fingers and I had to fetch a thin blade screw driver to open it. Even then it was difficult. (I finally got it off and glad I took the trouble to do so because my jumper cable clamp was too big to get on the lug. I fixed that.)

    Is there some trick to unfastening that clip?

    Thank you very much.
     
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Yes, you have to pull out, then up. You can do it with your fingers, but it takes some practice.

    Tom
     
  3. timberwolf

    timberwolf New Member

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    There was a mention in one of the threads on PriusChat recently, about pushing down fairly firmly on the fuse box cover, which did seem to help to start with (although I've only done it once) - I know it sound counter-intuitive but I guess it helps to slightly splay out the tabs at the side and top. With the tabs splayed out you can use your finger to gently ease the tabs a little further to release the top and sides, which isn't that easy and it takes a bit of fiddling and possibly having to push down on the cover again if one of those tabs goes back. Once I freed the top and sides, I lifted the top end just enough to move the cover down towards the front of the car to release the last side of the cover.
     
  4. jsquareg

    jsquareg New Member

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    Thank you. I will try pushing down on the cover as you suggest. The inboard clip comes off easy but the outboard is a pain in a certain part of the anatomy.

    Thanks again.
     
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    To open the main relay/fuse box near the inverter, press hard on the latch that is on the front of the box lid. While pressing hard, tilt the front up.

    Then the lid will pivot up, and can be removed.
     
  6. jsquareg

    jsquareg New Member

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    OK, thanks very much. Had it backwards! I think I was trying to unlatch the two rear clips first.
    I will give your method a try.

    Thanks again.
     
  7. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    To replace the cover, lower the rear edge so that it meshes with the two rear clips on the box. Then lower the front down, and push hard on the top of the cover near the front so that the latch will lock.

    Finally, gently lift up on the front of the cover to confirm that the latch is holding the cover down - and you are done.
     
  8. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    I modified the top left latch with a pair of diagonal cutters, much easier to open now.