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Hatch not opening fully

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by steve gerson, Feb 10, 2010.

  1. steve gerson

    steve gerson New Member

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    Location:
    texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
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    The rear hatch door on my 2004 Prius will not open fully on its own, as it did originally. I open the hatch anticipating that it will go on its own to the full open position, but instead it stops before the last foot or so.

    More than once I have reached in to get an item and when I move away, I bump my head on the not-fully-open hatch.

    I haven't been able to find any information on how to lubricate the hatch strut. Is that possible, or do I need to replace the hatch struts?

    Thanks.
     
    #1 steve gerson, Feb 10, 2010
  2. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    The hatch struts are actually otherwise known as gas springs - they have compressed gas inside which provides the lifting force - as they get old, some of the gas escapes past the seals - you need to replace them when they don't have enough force to open the hatch all the way.

    Haven't been there yet on the Prius; been there done that on my 97 Ford Explorer (hood and hatch)
     
    #2 dogfriend, Feb 11, 2010
  3. ThePackage

    ThePackage New Member

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    The struts are available on line for less than $40 each (compared to over a $100 ea at the dealer). I don't have a source but do a search.
     
    #3 ThePackage, Feb 12, 2010
  4. FishHawk

    FishHawk New Member

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    Try a little WD40 on the shaft of the struts, it works for me. FishHawk
     
    #4 FishHawk, Feb 15, 2010
    badriane likes this.
  5. PriusLewis

    PriusLewis Management Scientist

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    It might also help soften and swell the seals to prevent leakage. I used the same thing on my Alfa Romeo and it helped.
     
    #5 PriusLewis, Feb 15, 2010
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