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2015 Gen Three Prius Trunk Lock Issue

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by fantasy_bodega, Jul 26, 2024.

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  1. fantasy_bodega

    fantasy_bodega New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2024
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    Location:
    Oakland, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hey everyone!

    This is my first post & I couldn't find this exact issue when searching so I apologize if I missed a previously posted solution.

    Background: My trunk recently would not close & would bounce back up. After some research, I found that the latch actuator was not opening to receive the hook from the door and it could be due to debris being in the actuator. I removed some gunk & some of the plastic casing around the lock (it wasn't perfect since I couldn't open the metal housing around the lock), and I sprayed some white lithium to grease it up. Thankfully, I was able to get the latch to receive the hook and it will close--with a caveat.

    New & current problem: Now I have to slam the trunk door in order for the car to recognize it as closed. If I close it with regular force, it will not lock into place and the door jiggles a bit. Unlocking from the key fob button, key fob sensor, and handle continue to work just fine. We called a shop for a quote and they recommended replacing it around for $500-600. That seems too steep for a mostly quality-of-life fix but it is annoying so I'd like to try and fix it myself. However, I cannot find a specific video or guide for this model to replace the actuator for the trunk door. Does anyone have any experience with this and would be kind enough to provide some guidance? My only hesitance if there's some electrical work involved, I have little experience & tools for that so I may seek outside help. I attached two photos of the lock actuator and here's a link to a video clip of me trying to close it with regular vs hard force (having the sound on helps):
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 fantasy_bodega, Jul 26, 2024
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
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    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    It just unbolts and if you follow the wires back it should unplug before you do all that what does it look like when you're inside the hatch and you just gently bring the hatch down this is stuff line up there's also a little trigger that you can push with your screwdriver or something from the inside of the car should it decide to latch when you pull it down this should be a pretty straightforward endeavor inside of that metal housing is a spring that it should not take a slam to make it happen You should be able to gently put the hatch down and then pull on it and that thing should snap in You can also use the head of your Philips screwdriver or the shank of your Philips screwdriver push it into the door lock and gently push down and the door lock or latch should swing to the catch position sorry the trunk latch. You should be able to do this inside the rear hatch and gently pull how much force are you having to put on your screwdriver shaft to do this You're just mimicking the metal hoop on the hatch with your screwdriver shank You see how easily that goes click so maybe you need to loosen the catch which is on the hatch and move it down a little bit crack the bolts and tap it gently let's move it a little bit tighten it up see if that gets you where you need to be You should not have to be slamming anything these cars are thin enough sheet metal as it is you'll start to bend things
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Jul 26, 2024
  3. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2013
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    Location:
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    You got the gunk out - but than you used grease. If it's the grease that's keeping the hatch from locking. can't think of why that would be but ya never know. I'd try a spray of PB Blaster or WD40 on the grease near the latch actuator than test again, rinse repeat a few times to see if it makes any difference. You can always shoot some more grease in there if thinning out what;s there now doesn't work. My first thought was you cleaned out the gunk, than sprayed in some gunk attractor. Lubeing those locks and actuator things is never easy once they start attracting the goo and or slime.
     
    #3 vvillovv, Jul 26, 2024
  4. fantasy_bodega

    fantasy_bodega New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2024
    2
    0
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    Location:
    Oakland, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Thank you both for your input! I ended up buying a $92 replacement from Amazon that worked right away (I’ll report back if it ends up being a dud). While I wish I could’ve fixed the original actuator, this was much better than spending $500 and being without a car for a day.

    I can’t post the link due to my newer status but for anyone interested the part, search Amazon for “Rear Trunk Hatch Door Lock Actuator Compatible for 2010-2015 Prius” and it’s made by VEELECP.
     
    #4 fantasy_bodega, Jul 29, 2024
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