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Hatch Release mechanism in Prius v?

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by zenMachine, Jun 2, 2011.

?

To open the hatch, what would you like to see?

Poll closed Aug 1, 2011.

  1. Remote button (in car and on fob)

    14 vote(s)
    73.7%

  2. Easily accessible internal latch (for emergency)

    6 vote(s)
    31.6%

  3. External unlock via mechanical key (e.g. dead 12V)

    3 vote(s)
    15.8%

  4. None of the above

    2 vote(s)
    10.5%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    I know this is an age old perplexity for Gen I, II, and III owners. Thought I'd ask it again for the upcoming "versatility" v.
     
    #1 zenMachine, Jun 2, 2011
  2. DavidA

    DavidA Prius owner since July 2009

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    Why wouldn't it be the same as in a GenIII?
     
    #2 DavidA, Jun 8, 2011
  3. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Perhaps I'm mistaken. How does it work in the Gen III?
     
    #3 zenMachine, Jun 9, 2011
  4. DavidA

    DavidA Prius owner since July 2009

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    Via SKS key on the V(five) in Gen III's. If you have the key with you, you just lift with the hatch release area and it unlocks itself as you pull up. To lock it, close first and push on a rubber button slightly and it will lock the entire car. I actually don't know how it works on the I-IV.
     
    #4 DavidA, Jun 11, 2011
  5. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    So it's similar to how SKS works in Gen II, which is an optional feature. Many cars have a trunk release button on the key fob as standard. More modern ones also have a release cable inside the trunk as a safety mechanism.

    In the case of a hatchback there is no risk of being trapped in a trunk. But due to the location of the 12V battery, not being able to open the hatch when the battery is dead can be a problem.

    Due to the extreme contortions required, not every Prius owner is physically capable of unlocking the hatch from the inside even if they knew how (I think most probably don't).
     
    #5 zenMachine, Jun 11, 2011
  6. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Q: how do you open the hatch on a non-SKS model?
     
    #6 zenMachine, Jun 11, 2011
  7. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    I like the power liftgate, as they call it, and the remote button on the wife's Venza keyfob, yes she has push button start. Particularly when its raining and we have quite a few things to put in the car. Hit the remote as you're walking up to car and it opens. Nice. And with kids to corral and shopping carts to return, it is rather nice to just press a button and it'll close. The other good thing about it is the safety features when it encounters any force it reverses itself so no accidentally smashed little hands or fingers.
     
    #7 drash, Jun 11, 2011
  8. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Nice. Is that standard or optional?
     
    #8 zenMachine, Jun 11, 2011
  9. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    Optional. Venza's don't have packages like other cars in the Toy lineup. Its more like a buffet, pick and choose. Like you can get the panoramic dual-roof, power liftgate, and rear camera, without Nav. That being said they typically come on the lots with certain sets of options. Maybe we can hope the PHV and the v will be like this since it will be limited in production.
     
    #9 drash, Jun 12, 2011
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