Oil Change Access Door

Does anyone have photos/diagrams of the OEM access door? I just got my Prius a week ago and I am curious what this panel looks like. I expect to do a few of the oil changes myself...

It sounds like a shockingly poor design for a plastic "living hinge". Granted, living hinges aren't easy to design - especially when you have to deal with the elements and high/low extreme temps.

Thanks
Jeff

 

From my perspective, anybody who encounters this issue should insist the part is replaced under warranty. If the service rep won't agree, speak to the service manager, and Toyota customer service if necessary.

The more owners that report this issue, the more quickly Toyota will be aware of it, and hopefully redesign the part. To simply give up and devise a DIY "fix" doesn't seem like the right approach to me.

 

There's a pic in my post #13 here:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...89685-underbody-panel-replacement-help-2.html

I agree with the responders saying that Toyota should be fixing these, and not just replacing with the same. The material is too fragile for it's purpose. And the part is too expensive. My 2 cents, they should double the thickness, and make the material softer.

 

It's really not that bad, 8"~10" lift at the wheels and you're ok. Any less than that and it's really cramped anyways. You should try doing a DIY oil change on a second gen Civic Hybrid, almost undoable, due to it's massive fold-down door.

One tip: once you've got the car jacked and settled down on safety stands, tuck something under the rocker panels directly behind the safety stands, say a pair of snow tires. Basically something squat, solid, and thicker than your ribcage

 

Duct tape is likely the best stop-gap solution: it captures the broken edges (particularly if you apply it above and below), keeps them from snagging on snow, etcetera. Also best for flexibility, and doesn't require punching extra holes (which would likely tear out sooner or later).

Last but not least: it looks god-awful, which might motivate Toyota to issue a service bulletin, revise the cover spec, or something...

 

I purposely cut my drop down door at the fold line with a box knife. My drive up ramps did not go high enough for it to fold out of the way. I added a 4 x 4 inch piece of plastic, riveted on to door halfway, exposing a 2 x 4 piece. This "leg" is then tucked under the remaining shield and secure the rest of the push pins as normal. It is now a simple procedure to remove and replace, and it is secure.

 

Good idea on the door, similar to what others have suggested earlier in this thread. I am going to do something like that myself. I would also like to find a replacement for the push pins. I have broken a couple of the pins and did find some at the auto parts store that work, but I would like to come up with some bolts or clips that will do the job without breaking.

 

I've noticed pins come out relatively easy the first time, then not so easy from then on, making them more prone to break off the heads as you pry. I suspect it's trapped grit, so I've taken to dropping them into a pail of warm water, maybe with a splash of car wash soap, and give them a good swirl 'round, to get any grit out.

Also, besides a regular screw driver, I've found one of these very handy:

 

I think I got a couple of them things myself, I'll give that a try.

 

If this was a meeting, with all the kosher rules, just about now you'd expect to hear:

"Are we in accord, that this door sucks? All in favour... Opposed... The ayes have it."

Now what? I'm thinking to email Toyota Canada with a thumbnail sketch of the issue and links to this and related threads. do not know if it'll get anywhere, but couldn't hurt. My main concerns:

1. The specification for this cover is too thin and brittle.

2. Replacement cost is too high, and in light of the poor spec., should be picked up by Toyota.

3. Hopefully replacement covers should be made to a better spec., ie: thicker and softer plastic.

4. A service bulletin should be issued, regarding how to handle the brittle spec doors. In a nutshell, to only flex it back 90 degrees, and hold it back thus with twine. Do not flex it all the way back in an effort to loosen it. In cold weather (or any time), preheat the area with a heat gun.

 

Meeting adjourned.

Perhaps we should all petition Toyota some how.?

 

Good idea.

Toyota corporate types are aware of this site and contribute, what does it take to get a dialogue going?

 

Earler generations did not have a flip down door. and used the spin on oil filter.

 

Our Kia Sedona has the filter case (element type) on top of the engine. It is so easy to replace it. I wish Toyota would have located on top too.

 

A filter relocater kit would be ideal for you if someone made one to fit it. No, I have not searched to see if anyone does.

 

Meh, I like crawling around on the ground and getting dirty.

 

So do I, just not for this particular activity.....:jaw:

 

I think this is a case where the reactions, from Toyota and their dealership network, are a bigger problem than the design deficiency. I see several people are being dinged $300~400US, for a replacement panel that's likely going to break just as fast.

 

You are absolutely right. Perhaps an online petition might help? I found this site.

I haven't read the manual entirely and not sure how the results would get to Toyota but it is an idea.