Can I open my hatch if (possibly) my combo meter is out?

My 2007 Prius had (for the first time today) all the symptoms of a malfunctioning combo meter -- car won't turn off, dash dark, hatch won't open. It's fine now, but it was scary. If it weren't for Covid, I would have taken it to the dealer immediately. Since I'd like to wait if at all possible, I have a few questions I hope someone can answer:

1. Is there any chance that the problem is with my 12V battery (which would then be easily replaced at my home)?

2. When I've turn the car on over the last week, the electrobattery indicator shows all green bars to the top, even though I've rarely been driving anywhere these days. Is that related?

3. And most importantly, if I get someplace and can't turn the car off, is there a way to open the hatch? I don't see a place for a physical key.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

 

Thank you for replying!

Looks like I got a 12V battery four years ago. I would normally drive about 7 hours a week. In the last ten months or so, that's gone down to maybe an hour a week.

That's a good idea to get it tested. (I didn't know one could do that.) Maybe AAA can come out. Then if it's bad they can replace it.

Since I didn't know one could test a battery, I probably don't have the expertise to install my own combination meter. And if I bought one, I'd still have to find someone to install it.

If I shut off the car in the manner you describe, then the hatch can be unlocked and opened?

 

Not sure I was clear. If the problem is the combination meter, not the battery, will I be able to open the hatch if I can turn the car off? I'm wondering if the reason it wouldn't open is because it didn't know I was going 0 mph.

I think it will be fairly easy and safe to have the battery tested and replaced at my home. Going into a dealership for repairs now with all the people that entails, both outside and inside my car, is something I'd prefer to avoid.

The car has 55,285 miles.

 

I meant can I open it from outside if I am able to get the car turned off? For example, I drive somewhere to drop something off, and it's an hour away. When I get there, if I use the three second method to turn off the car, will I be able to get the hatch open from the outside to get that thing out? Or is there a chance I won't? I'm trying to determine how vital it is to get the combination meter replaced, if that's what it turns out to be.

 

I think you're right about the agonizing. I am making calls to some local shops today. (FYI: when I called my dealer yesterday, they said they'd never heard of a combination meter.) Thanks!

 

Wow. Could you BE any nicer? I looked this up on Youtube, and it's quite difficult and time-consuming.

My plan, which may be flawed, is to see if it happens again. Yesterday was the first time, in the Publix curbside pickup lane (with the guy not able to load my frozen groceries, and cars behind waiting for me), so I'm hoping I just pushed things in the wrong order. Hoping against hope.

I realize the problem with that plan is that it could work fine for six months and then fail when I'm an hour from my house and it's important I get something out of the hatch.

I guess this counts as "agonizing."

Thank you for your kind offer! I wouldn't impose, but it makes me feel better about humankind.

 

Yes, it was the guy with the little beard!

 

Yes, he put the groceries in the back seat through the passenger's side. his would be for another situation in which I have to take something large out of the back.