How to open the rear door (Sounds simple, doesn't it?)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Andrew Vanis, Dec 26, 2025 at 7:45 PM.

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  1. Andrew Vanis

    Andrew Vanis Junior Member

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    How to open the [passenger] rear door (Sounds simple, doesn't it?)

    How to open the rear door if none - the ext handle, the interior handle, the cable, nor moving manually the lever on the lock actuator - fails to release the lock clasp from door latch striker bolt?

    The reason it doesn't open is likely my fault since it opened before I removed/repaired the lock actuator.....and now I'm in this predicament :-/

    the lock/unlock actuator now works and moves the lever on the handle.

    So either it is permanently locked or the handle release mechanism is faulty inside the actuator.

    In any case, the door is closed and it won't open.

    I've considered cutting the door sheet metal from the outside and destroying the lock actuator assembly for a manual release of the door (and then replacing the door.)....I'm hoping that is an alternate solution.

    Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 Andrew Vanis, Dec 26, 2025 at 7:45 PM
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2025 at 8:34 PM
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    No need to destroy the car, Just climb back there and start taking stuff apart from the inside and you'll get it open without much effort. I'm pretty sure on Gen2 you can jam a big screwdriver into the latch mechanism and force it open. Worst case scenario you use an oscilating tool to cut open the latch mechanism and then grab a used mechanism from the local junk yard for $20. But I bet you it you get it with force on the emergency latch mechanism before you have to do other options.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Dec 26, 2025 at 7:55 PM
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2025 at 8:12 PM
  3. Andrew Vanis

    Andrew Vanis Junior Member

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    I see your 13k post so you must know your way around ...however.... the access to the lock actuator is blocked by the rear window channel track. that limits leverage and blocks access to a multi tool.
     
    #3 Andrew Vanis, Dec 26, 2025 at 8:16 PM
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    You haven't explained why the emergency release has failed you?

    Ok I just looked again... Not sure what you mean by "window channel track" but if you mean the plastic cover/threshold at the bottom of the hatch back that covers the latch and its really truly jammed, just use a cut off tool to cut through that plastic and unbolt the latch mechanism so it goes up with the rear hatch when you lift it up.

     
    #4 PriusCamper, Dec 26, 2025 at 8:29 PM
  5. Andrew Vanis

    Andrew Vanis Junior Member

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    I am dealing with the rear passenger door, not the rear hatch/truck shown in your linked video.

    Luckily I did not install the inside panel yet so I have access form the inside but haven't figured this one out yet.
     
    #5 Andrew Vanis, Dec 26, 2025 at 8:33 PM
  6. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Oh... I understand... The rear hatch is often called a rear door. Had you said passenger side or driver's side rear door then more people would be able to help.

    Anyways, are the metal rods still connected to the the latch? Or are they disconected. You shoul be able to remove the arm wrest to gain access. Worse case scenario you'd make an opening big enough to get your hand inside the door knob to reach the actuator and release it. You migh have to remove the other one on the other side of the car to figure out how your arm and a tool are going to reach it and release it. Or got to a local wrecker that lets you pull parts and you can practice the job there without damaging your car.
     
    #6 PriusCamper, Dec 26, 2025 at 8:50 PM
  7. Andrew Vanis

    Andrew Vanis Junior Member

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    How can the topic title be changed? I can see I can edit the body but not the title. Any help appreciated.

    What you describe doesn't match up with what I'm seeing inside the door, for example, there are no rods, there are cables and I can't see how removing the door handle would gain any access (though my interior panel is off so I have the best access possible in this case.)

    What Door knob are you referring to? I am familiar with the arrangement of the actuator since I already removed, disassembled, and reinstalled it so no need to go to wrecking yard to see how it looks. As I mentioned in first post, manual manipulation of the actuator does not release the latch/door.
     
    #7 Andrew Vanis, Dec 26, 2025 at 10:57 PM
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