How do you open the tailgate with engine running?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jackovalltrades @ Mar 10 2007, 02:28 PM) [snapback]403440[/snapback]</div>

Did you try hitting the "unlock" swith on the driver's master switch? The rear hatch is electrically activated and will not respond if the hatch is locked.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Mar 10 2007, 02:30 PM) [snapback]403442[/snapback]</div>

Yep, just hit the unlock all doors button on your armrest and all doors will unlock, including the hatch. On my base 07, then all I have to do is press the button under the latch and lift up. Open!

Dave

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jackovalltrades @ Mar 10 2007, 02:28 PM) [snapback]403440[/snapback]</div>

I had never noticed this before. You are absolutely correct. If I am in "Ready" mode and have the doors locked, when I exit the driver's door with the smart key in my pocket the rear hatch won't unlock. I can unlock it in Ready mode by use of the driver's door unlock button. Or I have to turn the car off for the rear hatch to unlock via smart key. This is on a 2006.

- Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jackovalltrades @ Mar 10 2007, 03:24 PM) [snapback]403465[/snapback]</div>

Yup, the easiest way to find out is go out and try it. The car was in the garage where I couldn't try the passenger door to see if it acts the same way. I'll try that the next time I get the car out of the garage. I'm sure some engineer at Toyota had a reason for doing this, but it escapes me.

- Tom

 

I can confirm that you CAN open the hatch with the car in Ready. I've crossed into the U.S. numerous times, either through Emerson or at Warroad, MN, and when I stop at the customs I put the car in Park and apply the parking brake. They never ask me to shut off the car, because when I creep up the motor is off anyway.

The DHS folks have no problem reaching for the release and popping the hatch. Though for some reason most of them are so damn curious about my Prius I easily lose 10 minutes patiently opening the hood and showing them the motor. Well, as long as they're happy, whatever ...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Mar 11 2007, 04:40 PM) [snapback]403864[/snapback]</div>

Not true for Audi (at least the A6). But you did say regular car

- Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jackovalltrades @ Mar 10 2007, 05:47 PM) [snapback]403450[/snapback]</div>

If you were driving through a bad section of the city with your doors locked, would you want someone to be able to just walk up to your car, grab the door handle, unlock the car and climb in? So no, if the car is on, then it shouldn't automatically unlock when someone grabs one of the smart key door handles. That is the only proper behavior for it to have.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Marlin @ Mar 12 2007, 03:29 PM) [snapback]404299[/snapback]</div>

Why would they have a smart key in their pocket that works for my car? Sorry, I don't buy it. If I have the key (and the car knows inside from outside for key location), there is no reason to keep me from unlocking the back end. After all, it is supposed to be a "smart" key.

- Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jackovalltrades @ Mar 10 2007, 04:28 PM) [snapback]403440[/snapback]</div>

Yes it is. That is part of the security system, when you are in the car you would not want some one with out a key to be able to open the trunk. you have to have the key fob close to the trunk. you could hand the key fob to your daughter and she would be able to open the rear hatch.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jackovalltrades @ Mar 13 2007, 10:45 AM) [snapback]404807[/snapback]</div>

Again, when you have an unlock button on the driver's armrest, I don't understand the difficulty. Just hit that button.