I have a 2008 Prius, and about a year and a half ago, it was hit on the right front fender, in a way that it pulled the bumper forward, and the bumper had to be replaced. About six months after that, I noticed that the grill below the license plate was missing one of the three pieces. There is one long mid section to the grill and then a shorter piece at each end, and one end section, on the side where the car was hit. The center piece was hanging down, so I pulled that and the other side piece off and ordered a new replacement part. I wasn't able to get it in myself, or with the help of my son and husband. Thinking there must be some trick to it, I called the Toyota dealership and they said it had to go to an autobody shop to get it repaired. I took it to the dealer's autobody shop and they told me it would be $100 for labor (!) because the bumper had to be pulled off, and it would take two hours. I took it for repair about three months ago. (And they charged me $100, but it only took about 35 minutes.) Two days ago, we noticed that the same thing has happened with the grill. We're missing one side piece again. Is this a known issue with the Prius? I searched the forum and didn't find anything about it. Could it be that the first repair did something that is making the grill not fit correctly? Did I get totally ripped off at the Toyota bodyshop? My answer to the last question is yes, I think.
The grill is relatively easy to change, and it can be done without removing the bumper. You need to get under the car, remove the cover by popping out the snaps. The grill is held in by claws. If your's keeps popping out, they are probably broken. I would clean of the contact points and epoxy them in place.
So basically I did get ripped off right? We'll get another replacement piece and try it your way. Thank you. I was thinking of duct taping it in place.
I have a 2005 and the grill basically self-destructed about 2 years ago. Now I just have a gaping hole up front! Somewhere on the site is an aluminum replacement for the grill which actually looks pretty good. If I get a new grill it will be that one and not another cheapy plastic one.
Since you haven't mentioned a fog lamp, I presume you don't have them. On this site, the side pieces go for about $16: Champion ToyotaWorld As to clear directions on installing it(them), and the clips/clamps, fasteners needed if any, maybe a member who has the Body and Repair Manual can chime in.
Thank you-- I had been wondering about those grills, but wasn't quite sure if it is a good idea. I think I may try one.
Thank you! That's certainly less expensive than the replacement pieces were at the local Toyota dealer. I think I'll go for the aluminum grill however, since I've had such bad luck with the plastic ones. Sorry to be so slow-- somehow I missed the mail notification for the last two messages.