Rear Spoiler Used to Close Hatchback

I would imagine if you push down towards the front end of the spoiler, you'd be OK. I wouldn't recommend pushing on the overhang part, as it seems a little loose(?) to begin with. I just give a good tug on the inside handle and it'll close the hatch each time. Otherwise, you could just push on bottom part of the "trunk" where the license plate is.

 

i use the inside handle to pull it down and the emblem to push it shut. i think the spoiler is a touch and go situation, although i have used it in a hurry, just to continue the momentum and letting off just as it closed.

 

I tend not to use mine because it's black and will show every little scratch. I close it as the previous poster has pointed out, by puching down on the hatch near the rear license plate.
The rear spoiler is pretty fragile, but IMHO it shouldn't crack or come off the car by just closing the rear hatch.
YMMV.

Good Luck!

 

I try to use the lip below the license plate to hold on to with my fingers to close the hatch. I try to use my finger tips and not dig my nails into it.

That being said, if you move the whole assembly slowly, you are not likely to damage the spoiler.

People try to swing it down hard because there is quite a bit of resistance. At least that's my experience based on the way my air springs were set at the factory.

 

Once in a while I use the spoiler to finish the job, and just make a point of pushing at the edge closest to the front of the car, where it's more solidly connected (per Wick1ert).

(I pulled of our hatch interior panels one time and removed the spoiler to have a look. Snugged the bolts down a bit better when re-installing. The difference is noticeable: there's less wiggle now.)

 

Bingo... a person shouldn't have to pull it down past 3/4 too 1/2 the way because it will close itself very nicely after half way. Just a little patience is needed.

 

The best advice on the rear spoiler is not to touch it ever...
OK, very gently when washing/waxing, with a hand supporting
it from below. Otherwise, never, nunca, jamais.

It is really just a plastic add-on held on with a few clips, just hanging
out in the breeze, not meant to be subjected to any kind of up-and-
down or sideways loads.

Once looseneed/cracked or broken, tigtening/replacing it involves
taking all the interior bits off the hatch... a whole lot of agrivation.

Some threads from folks who have learned the hard way:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ance-troubleshooting/81372-loose-spoiler.html

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...363-gen-iii-spoiler-removal-w-photos-how.html

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...-need-help-broke-2010-prius-rear-spoiler.html

 

pull it form inside, let it go, it will close easy enough on it's own. It shoudln't need a push, like trunks used to.

 

Speaking of the rear spoiler, do you guys wax yours? I did this last time and to me it appears that waxing it is just fine.

 

As far as using the spoiler, if you read your owners manual it specifically says not to use the spoiler to close the back hatch. And Yes I wax it every time I wax the car.

 

I just bought a trunk license handle/finger lip for the hatch.
I hate the grimey finger prints on the hatch every time I close it.
I know there are pull downs in the door but it's a habit to use the hatch door from the outside.

The part goes behind the license plate and uses the two screws on the bottom of the plate.

I will let you know if it works well when I get my plates on the new 2011.

 

Keep using the small grip holes inside...once you get used to it....it will become much easier....

 

I know I read it, I'll have to check.

 

I read it my manual too.

BTW I use the pull down hard on the internal handle and let it drop technique. Works every time and I don't get dirty fingers

 

My Bad! Just looked at the manual again and I saw something I thought was the spoiler but that wasn't it! OOPS!