Hatchback Trunk Won't Close / Latch actuator problem?

@learning2fix
Hey if you’re still around — did you figure something out? I think I’m having a similar problem. My car locks fine, and the 12v is normal, but my trunk can only be opened with the manual switch on the inside.

 

Is your dash looking ok or has it gone dark?

 

@dolj
Thanks for the reply! It’s got the “intermittent dash cluster goes out” issue (the one described on priusnotworking), but this trunk problem is happening independently of that. I’m unable to open the trunk at all, whether the dash lights are on or off.. actually, I haven’t had the dash lights problem for a month or so.

could those issues still be related?

 

Sorry about the delayed reply.

If the dash is dark, then yes, definitely they will be related.

However, if you dash is functioning correctly, it likely to be some other issue.

I have had a failed latch unit which I replaced with a used unit from a wrecker/dismantler. I felt comfortable with this as I don't see these as a high failure part. The original part failed in 2016, and the replacement is still working fine.

The attached images show:

1. The rear panel in place;
2. the rear panel lifted off;
3. the part I replaced; and
4. the pins I tested to confirm 12V was present when I activated the hatch latch switch.

1. 2. 3. 4.

You will need to do some diagnosis to determine where your circuit has failed. I tested the plug picture above and found I had B+ (~ 12.xV) for approx 0.5 sec every time I activated the hatch latch switch. From this I was confident the latch unit had failed.

The cover panel in the rear just lifts up vertically. You need to pull on it with a very firm upward tug starting at one end. A panel removal tool might be useful, but I did it without. As you get one end released, move along lifting incrementally as you go. Don't just try and pull it up from one end only.

Other than that, you should be able to fix it like I did.

I hope that helps.

 

That’s more helpful than I can say — seriously, thank you so much! The idea to grab whatever part has failed from a pick n pull is a great one too. Guess I know what I’m doing with my next long weekend

 

Wondering what the resistance of the good hatch latch lock release actuator part is?

Thinking might not be a bad idea to test at the yard, just to be safe. Albeit, reads like isn't a common part to fail.

Just had an interesting day where a new noise that sounded like a wasp or hornet was stuck in my dash.

Not certain if the 122°F inside temp had anything to do with, though that was a record high inside temp first time I've observed.

Then tonight when I went to open the hatch; everything seemed to perform correct, other than the latch releasing. Will be disassembling to see if manually opening the hatch and watching performance confirms latch motion doesn't function.

I'll try to document the resistance value as well. Guessing might be the same or similar to the 2013's.