2007 prius trunk hatch release rubber piece melted

actually natural rubber is rarely used parts and the specific process called vulcanization isn't always part of the manufacturing process, but the chemical mix, heating, etc. in the manufacture of the part can be done badly making for a high percentage of faulty parts.

If car was soap was melting car parts, it would be brutal on paint, human skin, etc.

 

As earlier poster mentioned, can be bad batch of rubber, maybe too much carbon black, too much oil content etc. I worked in the athletic footwear industry and you'd see all sorts of weird things happen with athletic shoe soles. Same process, molded rubber vulcanization.

Dealer replaced the lock on my 2007 w/60K miles under extended warranty, but only after the rubber failure caused the hatch lock to not work at all. I guess the defect then moved from "Bad Trim" when it was just soft/gummy, which is not covered, to "Defective Lock" when the lock didn't work at all, which is covered. Sort of made sense in a perverted vehicle warranty sort of way.

 

I have exactly the same on my 2007 Touring after an extremely hot Ozark summer. In 2008 & 2009 is spent the summers in even hotter Palmdale, CA but the problem just recently showed up. The switch still works but I have to work with it a bit and the rubber is very sticky and malformed. I have yet to look into the fix.

 

I have a 2007 Prius. 137000 Miles. This started last year. It is gooey in summer and hard in winter. I started using armor all on it this summer in hopes of keeping it soft for winter. I put a tissue on the rubber to keep the black off my hands, the tissue stuck like glue. Last week it was cold enough in West Texas for frost and sure enough, I could not unlock the hatch. The rubber cover was hard as a rock. My dealer said it would have to replace the entire latch, over $500.00 (including labor). I am a loyal customer. they have done every oil change and maintenance needed. (every 5000 miles) So I am going to take the ruined rubber hatch off and put duck tape. I figure, what can it hurt.

 

i would encourage everybody to get this fixed rather than waiting . My 2006 had the melting release rubber and I taped over it to keep it off my hands. I recently shut the liftgate and it got stuck between shut and released (like the safty latch on a car hood) It won't open and it won't shut all the way. The dealer said the latch is frozen and they have to cut it out and replace it. my estimate for this is $800 (3 hours labor). it's possible that these two issues are unrelated but I wouldn't take the chance. If I could have avoided this for around $200 I would sure do it now.

 

I believe that the two issues are unrelated.

 

Actually the exact same thing happened about 2 or so years ago here in Louisiana (yeah it does get hot and humid but not that hot and humid). My husband and I determined that it was probably when we were driving behind a chemical truck or some chemical on the road (we do live in the area of many chemical plants here). Never really thought of getting it fixed and certainly NOT at a dealership b/c they overcharge for everything. I thank the guy who posted how he did it himself b/c that's exactly what I'm gonna do! <3 my Prius!

 

This worked for me and only cost $1.53. I pulled the 2 outside screws from the latch and removed what was left of the old rubber with an angled 90 degree Phillips driver. I then measured the area and made a pattern, I think it was 4/38" by 1/34".
At the hardware store I purchased one foot of 3/4" clear vinyl tubing that comes on a roll. You warm the hose to make it more pliable. I then cut it down the length, opened it up and marked my size and screw holes and cut the size. The cut piece will tend to curl, so put that side up to the latch. Put the screws back and you're good to go. For a better seal you might want to use a little silicone on the edges.
Jack

 

I live in Florida, and suffered the melted hatch release. Toyota quoted me $300.00 to replace the part. I went to a local body shop (they deal with this stuff all day) and they quoted me $160.00 installed. Hopefully, the replacement doesn't suffer the same demise as the first.

I now have 94,000 miles on my '07 and the only other repair has been to replace me A/C blower motor. That set me back $120.00 installed. I must say that this has been the most reliable car I have ever owned! I would gladly replace a fan and a handle every 94,000 trouble free miles...

 

I have developed a low cost replacement cover package for $20 plus shipping.
I applied it to my 2007 Prius and it works great.
I also have a 2006 Sienna that left a gooey black blob on my back bumper two summers ago and never occured again.
The original cover is still functioning although the rubber is stiff but not gooey like my Prius was when it failed.
It has the same dimentions as my Prius latch.
I beleive my replacement cover will work on a 4 Runner also.
I will find a used 4 Runner in a Toyota used car lot and measure its screw spacing and post the results once I confirm it will work.
I currently have five replacement units fabricated and will make more if there is an interst.
My solution does not require dismanteling the interior panels and removing a perfectly good high quality Toyota switch assembly. All the electrics stay as originally supplied.
It requires removal of the two screw from the outside handle area (not easy on a Prius or Sienna but with my instructions possible).
Clean up of the failed gummy cover and installation of the new cover and hex nut screws.
Approximately a 45 min process.
I have a pictoral instruction document detailing how to do this replacement.

Let me know if you are interested and I will send ordering details.

 

The first picture is here:
farm8 (dot) staticflickr (dot) com/7093/7237110678_f2269e7ffc_k.jpg

 

Just wanted to say that I fixed my 07's trunk switch using the part# patrick mentioned earlier for prius cars with smart key. I ordered it online for $85 shipped (dealer wanted $94) and had it installed for $95. The new part performance is miles better as I don't risk braking my fingers by exerting all the strength that I have to open the trunk on a cold night.

 

I would like to order the part and directions. With sub freezing weather I am locked out. Am I correct in assuming the switch itself is fine?
Thanks
Dennis McHenry
[email protected]

 

I'm interested. Send me the info to [email protected]. Thanks

 

Mine (2008) melted a couple of years ago. After going a year with black RTV sealing the initial crack, I covered the whole thing with a 4" strip of black Gorilla Tape. Has worked wonderfully for the last year. Gorilla Tape is amazing.

 

Please send details

 

[email protected]

 

I'd be interested in this. You can email me at dennywmoody at gmail

 

Please send me details. I have the same problem.