Is there a way to open the hatch from the inside of the car?

Re: Is there a way to open the hatch from the inside of the

Yes, there's an emergency release on the inside, hidden deep within. Details are in the USER-GUIDE on my website...

But it sounds more like you are interested in something that you can routinely use, like a trunk-release. There isn't one of those.

What would you use it for?

 

I would imagine it would be very easy to configure a hood release switch that would be accessable from the driver's seat. The switch could be connected to the wire coming from the hatch release switch.

 

Cathy:

you must be very proud of your daughter!

 

I have this system set up and can open the hatch with an easy pull of the string that I have set up.
the hatch can be opened easily from inside if a string is strung through the latch clasp. it will travel through the clasp area and emerge next to the emergency hatch lever
upon stringing the string through the clasp then tie the string to the emergency lever
the emergency lever is difficult to access
one has to remove the false door and it is easier to remove the black box that covers the spare wheel

I have this system set up and can open the hatch with an easy pull of the string that I have set up.

 

I have this system set up and can open the hatch with an easy pull of the string that I have set up.
the hatch can be opened easily from inside if a string is strung through the latch clasp. it will travel through the clasp area and emerge next to the emergency hatch lever
upon stringing the string through the clasp then tie the string to the emergency lever
the emergency lever is difficult to access
one has to remove the false door and it is easier to remove the black box that covers the spare wheel

I have this system set up and can open the hatch with an easy pull of the string that I have set up.

 

How about a picture of this magic hidden release

 

I am willing to bet that an electric release could be adapted to fit. After all the outside button is electric. Why not run a second electric button up to the dashboard?

 

Good idea, but I bet it would/would not work based on the relationship of where the key fob would be.

 

As long as I don't lock the car, my daughter opens the hatch to get her sport things when I am not in the car and she doesn't have the keys.

 

Exactly. The key fob only comes into play when you want to open a *locked* hatch. If unlocked, anyone can open it with a simple pull on the handle.

I think the main problem is that the American public has become accustomed to trunks which lack an external handle. With a trunk you have to wait for the driver to pull the release lever. With the Prius hatch there is no such need, but most people will just stand by idly waiting for the driver to "pop the trunk". Since the driver can't pop the trunk, it becomes a standoff.

Tom

 

Would it be possible to retrofit one of those automatic opening hatches somehow?

A few family members have the Chrysler Town and Country mini van and those come with automatic sliding doors and hatch. Any of those three doors can be opened from the FOB itself or from inside the car with the buttons on the overhead thing.

 

I have a SPST mini on the panel opening under the steering wheel(where the pressure reset button is) tied back to the release plug(inside the top plastic cover of the hatch door) so with one push of that switch the hatch unlocks. I am not into making manuals, but if its something you are interested in, I can open mines up and take some pics and post a quick guide. Let me know.

 

Hi!

It would be interesting to see what your switch setup looks like.
Could you, please, post some pictures and a guide to install?

Thanks,

 

Re: Is there a way to open the hatch from the inside of the

When the 12 volt battery dies, you leave your FOB in the slot and your wife has the spare FOB. Been there, done that.