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Has anybody *added extra* interior hatch release switch? (Gen 2)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Priusjames, May 14, 2021.

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  1. Priusjames

    Priusjames Member

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    Has anybody added an interior release button...maybe by modifying a Dorman (or OEM) replacement switch like this one? I’m thinking about splicing into the existing switch wiring (in parallel) and routing it to the inside and cutting a hole in the interior hatch panel to mount the new switch so it can be accessed/pushed from inside the car.

    I’ve started upgrading my 2006 for camping/overlanding excitement and
    I *know* this issue is going to bug the crap out of me while I’m sleeping back there.

    I guess any old momentary contact button/switch could be used with a 12v wire (and a relay?) to inject power to activate the solenoid? There’s still the issue w the heavy hatch not just “popping open” and needing to be pushed up from inside...new hatch struts would help...but that’s just an inconvenience compared to NO INTERIOR OR FOB HATCH RELEASE! The only interior release is hidden under a bunch of stuff wedged in the nether-regions deep in an unmarked greasy grave(hole).

    The “No interior glow in the dark safety release like every other car in the world” thing has always bugged me, poignantly at times...especially the 1st time a 12v battery died in traffic! I’ve had a Gen 2 since 2003, so there have been several 12v battery deaths. I’m an old pro now, saved my uncle a TON of grief when he called me about his 1st recently acquired Prius 12v battery failure.

    A thread search only found people complaining/explaining the existing configuration, nothing about adding a new switch/button modification. It seems simple-ish...what am I missing? Any thoughts/ideas on what to use and where to put it?

    TIA - James
     
    #1 Priusjames, May 14, 2021
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i vaguely recall someone doing something, but can't find it. i could be wrong, it definitely has not been done here enough to stand out.
     
    #2 bisco, May 14, 2021
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  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    I like your idea, especially if its just to have a way to open the rear hatch after taking a nap in the car. You could potentially just wire it up to the small trunk light switch or something similar, since it always has power available
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, May 14, 2021
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  4. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    i always just crawl forward and pull the rear door handle... and then the alarm goes off and i fumble for my fob so i can stop it before someone calls the cops. (as if they'd show up any time soon...)
     
    #4 69shovlhed, May 14, 2021
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  5. Priusjames

    Priusjames Member

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    I've been removing old window tint for days, but am planning to get to this trunk/hatch release modification this weekend. Will take pics if I can with my fingers crossed at the same time.
     
    #5 Priusjames, May 15, 2021
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  6. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I almost did it for a friend with a 2010 ... got as far as identifying the circuit in the wiring diagram, went right through the junction connectors behind the driver's kick panel, would have been a short sweet run up to one of the blank switch positions on the left lower dash. But he moved west and decided a truck would be better.

    Not sure how well any of that translates to Gen 2 ... better to look in the wiring diagram for your model year directly.
     
    #6 ChapmanF, May 15, 2021
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  7. Priusjames

    Priusjames Member

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    It was easier than that for me...I had taken off the interior panels/covers inside the hatch and the plastic panel on the back that holds the existing exterior switch to get it all properly painted, so I had that section of wiring harness in my hand (literally!) when the thought of how easily it could be done struck me.

    I'm planning to mount the switch in the rear because I'm planning to sleep back there...also the reason that I'm finally getting around to doing something about it after owning one of these things since 2003. Heh.
     
    #7 Priusjames, May 15, 2021
  8. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    That makes sense. My friend was driving Uber or Lyft and wanted a way to open the hatch for his passengers without getting out, hence a button on the dash would have been convenient.
     
    #8 ChapmanF, May 15, 2021
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  9. Priusjames

    Priusjames Member

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    Success! hatch_switch_before.jpg hatch_switch_after (1).jpg I ran to O-Reilly's and picked up the cheapest Momentary Contact switch they had. Spliced it into the wires between the existing switch and the rest of the loom. It works as intended.

    I will post a photo after I install the switch after I decide where that should be. Perhaps I can find a spot I can reach from both the driver's seat *and* when I'm crammed in the back. I'll have to think that through.
     
    #9 Priusjames, May 15, 2021
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  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well done!(y)
     
    #10 bisco, May 15, 2021
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  11. Matt98svt

    Matt98svt Junior Member

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    looks great! so where did you end up mounting the switch? do you have a photo? I just purchased a Prius V to camp in and been doing research on doing just this
     
    #11 Matt98svt, Sep 9, 2021
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  12. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    The best place IMHO to locate it would be in one of the blank switch plates on the dashboard next to the SKS defeat switch. That’s where Toyota should have put one in the first place. Saved Toyota a couple of dollars per car and causes immense irritation to millions of customers. A smart dealer or aftermarket shop would offer to install one for $150 for thirty minutes of shop time and probably sell out.
     
    #12 Another, Sep 14, 2021
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  13. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Well, if you want it so you can easily open the hatch from a sleeping position in the rear, the dash might not be the ideal place. Toyota left it so you can configure to your liking. ;)
     
    #13 ChapmanF, Sep 14, 2021
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  14. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    Yeah, thanks, Toyota, so thoughtful.
     
    #14 Another, Sep 15, 2021
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  15. justlee

    justlee Junior Member

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    I added a mechanical release. I just tied a thin wire onto the small shiny lever on the bottom of latch and fed it almost straight up through a small hole I drilled through the plastic trim. Pull up on wire and hatch unlocks even if no battery!
     
    #15 justlee, Nov 19, 2021
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  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well done! pics please!
     
    #16 bisco, Nov 19, 2021
  17. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    Yep, a photo or two would be great
     
    #17 Another, Nov 20, 2021
  18. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    May want to add this?
    https://www.quirkparts.com/oem-parts/ford-oem-new-ford-handle-assembly-1r8z-5446318-aa-1r8z5446318aa?origin=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhf2MBhDNARIsAKXU5GR-FeT4gjwzeNbcfdQVZSeRtnqYkpyxlVfqhKIoWlNW3_4FrcEXpFcaAlBWEALw_wcB
    9F596A46-8EA7-4425-88FA-81C92290FEEE.jpeg
     
    #18 Another, Nov 25, 2021
  19. justlee

    justlee Junior Member

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    #19 justlee, Dec 3, 2021
  20. Another

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    #20 Another, Dec 3, 2021
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