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2008 needs new trunk supports; doors not locking all the time

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by howardbc, Mar 28, 2012.

  1. howardbc

    howardbc Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Scottsdale, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    My 2008 is 4 years old now but only has 27k miles. (I'm retired.) However I am really disgusted that it has had so many serious problems. Most recently, the trunk will not open all the way. I noticed this before it went out of warranty but I assumed it just needed some WD-40. In fact I remember another poster on this forum actually making fun of another owner who complained about the trunk not opening all the way. Well, now the dealer tells me I need a whole new trunk support system for $388! I'll just live with it as long as I can stand it.
    Additionally, the doors often don't lock when I push the thumb lock on the outside of the door. I've tried both doors and the trunk. Of course the dealer couldn't find anything wrong. I know I could try the key fob but I keep it zipped up inside a pocket inside my pocketbook and never fool with it - a feature I do love about the Prius.
    Has anyone else had a problem with the trunk not opening all the way? Or with the door locks not operating? Any advice for me?
    I had a 1991 Honda Accord that had 91k miles on it when I sold it and it never had ANY problems.
    Thanks.
     
  2. cnschult

    cnschult Active Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    I had door locking problems on both our 92 camrys, our 97 avalon, our rx and one of our 2 prius, the other prius and our 04 corolla haven't had the problem yet (knock on wood) but I can attest that the company toyota uses to make the door actuators is no good. You can no longer replace just the actuator (or at least toyota doesn't sell it) they want a whole locking mechanism, with 45 minutes labor they quoted me something like $367 a door. My dealer swears that dry cold winter air isn't what ruins the actuators and the fact that you are having trouble in warm arizona proves its not the cold, so maybe its the dry air. Anyways, there is a thread somewhere about removing the door panel & lubricating the locking mechanism and actuator. This should do the trick.

    As for the rear hatch struts, a non-criminal dealer should be able to "re-charge" your hatch struts, but for roughly the same price you should be after to buy aftermarket hatch struts and change them yourself, with the aid of a helper to hold the hatch up as you change them out one by one.

    another common problems with all our toyotas was window regulator failure (thanksfully not the entire motor although I'm confused what the regulator actually does). often the drivers window stops working because that is used more than the other windows (drive-thru, toll booth, etc), since you live in dry climate spray silicone lubricant onto a paper towel and with the windows lowered all the way apply it to the both the inner and outer window seals. These rubber seals keep water our of your doors but dry out over time and give a lot of resistance to the glass as it travels up and down, forcing the motor and regulator to work overtime to move the window, causing breakdown. I can do our 4 cars in under 10 minutes, perform this quarterly and more often on the drivers window if its used more often.

    Another thing you shouldn't do is ever ever ever turn the steering wheel when the car is still or moving very slowly as this puts tremendous stress on the steering components. Always make sure you are moving when turning the steering wheel.
     
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  3. howardbc

    howardbc Member

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2008
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    Location:
    Scottsdale, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Thanks so much, cnschult. As a woman approaching 70, I'm afraid I'm not too mechanically-inclined, but I will print out your tips and show them to my brother-in-law who lives here. Unfortunately he is totally unfamiliar with non-American cars, but he is good about helping when/if I can catch him. Also, I know a reputable car service place. It's not close, but I may run some of these things by them to see what they might say. Thanks again for the great advice. It is much appreciated. :)
     
  4. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Vehicle:
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    When it's cold the hatch struts don't fully extend. I am reminded of this when my head impacts the hatch that should be a lot higher than it is. Happens every winter. Additionally, the cover does not fully retract.

    Struts wear out or dry out. I replaced a set on my 2000 Intrigue when I had enough of holding up the hood.

    The Prius is a low maintenance car. It is not a no maintenance car. On low mileage cars things are more likely to rot than wear out.
     
  5. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Do not use WD40 on the hatch struts it rots the internal seals. The best thing to use is silicon spray, and that is also very good for the electric window channels when the windows get tight and slow down. It is very safe to use and will not mark clothing and is safe to use in food areas.