So the rear hatch on my XSE stays at whatever angle I pull it open to. It doesn't swing all the way up, like I'm used to. Is this a 'feature' or something wrong with my car's gas struts? In some ways I don't mind- means it doesn't hit the garage door if I open it and forget to hold on. Thanks!
I've found those OEM struts aren't the best things....I've replaced all four in our 2017 and 2021 with aftermarket ones. If you have the Prius with the wipers, you just have to make sure the new struts are made for that...just needs extra power to lift up the extra weight. Toyota wants $33 for one lift-gate support (gas strut) but I tried the "Tuff Support" struts sold on Amazon, $33 for two, and they are fine.
When brand new our gen 3 hatch went all the way up, once partially lifted. Worked thus the first few years. 13 years on I have to help it.
i have to think that at some point in the lifting process it starts to go up on its own. they always have in the past
I like the OEM struts. When closing, after pushing it down a certain distance, gravity takes over and finishes the job. No chance of slamming it down and damaging any part of it. With stronger struts, you're gonna have to use more force to close I would think.
after 11 years, mine still worked fine in decent weather, but when cold, would stop half way up. banged my head more than a few times, probably explains some things...
My 2023 doesn't lift on it's own; I have to help it....it actually helps when I'm detailing and don't have to hold the hath from lifting too far. I don't mind lifting it... its a huge glass area which is very heavy.
Hey there, the hatch lifted all the way up without much help in the beginning of my ownership but 3 months later, it suddenly stopped doing that. Now I have to manually help it and it's quite alot of work compared to what I was used to when I just got the car. Hope this cleared some confusion, cheers!
I think its because its cold. Come spring, should be fine again. I noticed mine needing assistance to open the hatch up.
