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Trunk won't open...

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Threej, May 12, 2024.

  1. Threej

    Threej Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2018
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    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    So the trunk stopped opening on my 2010.

    The other doors all unlock fine, no issues there. But when I try to open the trunk, it just behaves like it's still locked.

    I'm able to open it with the manual release, so its not stuck. After searching through the forums here, I tried replacing the 12 volt, but that didn't fix anything either.

    Any other known causes/solutions to this problem?
     
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Not sure if it's the same as Gen2 but if it is there should be a motor latch that you hear and if you don't you'll want to inspect the switch that's activated when you push rear hatch button on outside. That system often goes bad in Gen2, but think they fixed it in Gen 3. Other thing to check is the physical latch for dirt and grime. Get it clean and re-greased.
     
  3. Threej

    Threej Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2018
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    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Yeah, I tried cleaning/greasing the latch but to no avail.

    As for a motor latch that I hear, you mean when I push the latch button? No, no sound of anything happening when I push the button.

    When inspecting the switch, what would I be looking for?
     
  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    You would first want to find out whether the issue is more with the motorized latch or more with the switch or the keyless entry system.

    Using Techstream or another scan tool with bidirectional controls, you can select Main Body / Active Test / Operate back door lock motor, and if the latch makes a sound and opens when you do that, then from the body ECU to the latch is ok.

    Viewing the live Data List, you can watch Back Door Open Handle SW while a buddy pushes the handle switch. If that shows ON while the buddy is pushing, then from the switch to the body ECU is ok.

    Of course the motorized latch can be OK, and the switch can be OK, and if the smart key ECU doesn't like the fob you're carrying for some reason (or if your car doesn't have all-door smart key entry, and you haven't unlocked the doors), it's still going to say Nope.

    The Data List item Back Door Open shows the lock status, whether opening will be permitted or prohibited.

    If it is showing Prohibit when you think it should be Permit, then the problem is more with the locking status.