Back door (hatch) Damper Stays Don't Work

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by PriusChick666, Apr 25, 2017.

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  1. PriusChick666

    PriusChick666 Junior Member

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    Columbia, SC
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Some people call them lift support, hydraulic pistons, hood lifts. Going by my Owner's Manual they call them Damper Stays in my 2014 Prius 5. Anyway, they don't stay up on my car anymore. I noticed this a couple of weeks ago when I was out grocery shopping and it was really annoying loading up my groceries while the hatch wouldn't stay up.

    I saw a link on amazon (would provide it but my account is too new to add a link) for new ones but they have poor reviews. What's the recommended way to go about fixing/replacing the damper stays on a Prius? Is there a better place to buy a part? Should I get them replaced by any mechanic or a Toyota Dealership? Is this something I can do myself? Is it possible to repair the current damper stays?

    I saw some posts saying it was possibly a cold weather thing. Well...I live in South Carolina. It doesn't really get that cold here.

    Anyway, just looking for advice or suggestions on what I should do. Let me know if I need to provide more info, like a video showing them not working. Thanks!
     
    #1 PriusChick666, Apr 25, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that's pretty early, are they covered on the 3/36?
    anyone can replace them. try google, and see who else carries them. you can check toyota parts on line for oem pricing.
    if you want to see what others have done here, try searching 'hatch struts'.
    also, google replacement video's, they seem to be gen 2, but similar idea.
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 25, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2017
  3. PriusChick666

    PriusChick666 Junior Member

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    Five
    Hatch struts...man there are too many terms for this part.

    I've found a discussion here, apparently dealerships can recharge them: Hatch Struts | PriusChat
    Another one here: Aftermarket Hatch Struts | PriusChat

    Some of the links they provided on amazon don't have good reviews, but the treads I linked say otherwise.

    I'm not sure my car would be under warranty at this point as I have like 58k miles. I can't find anything in the warranty manual specifically mentioning anything having to do with the hatch door.
     
    #3 PriusChick666, Apr 25, 2017
  4. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Here's where I got replacement struts when one of the two failed on our 2011:

    https://priuschat.com/index.php?posts/2288902

    I did buy shorter struts though, to keep the hatch from hitting low garage ceilings, etc. You can get the recommended ones if you want standard height struts.

    I paid less than $50 for the pair including shipping IIRC.
     
    #4 xliderider, Apr 25, 2017
  5. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Yup, if the original gas leaked out in less than three years, what good would "recharging" them do? I'd just get new Toyota ones from the dealer or other Toyota parts supplier. The replacements should last longer (mine are two years older than yours and are still fine (knocking on wood ;) ). They -may- be willing to replace under warranty. Doesn't hurt to ask.

    Probably a "bad batch" of struts.

    BUT, don't tempt fate. Don't leave the hatch open for extended periods of time, like overnight. You can leave it down but not latched, just not up. I -think- the oil on the rods evaporates if you leave them extended. My FJ Cruiser hood struts don't like it if the hood is left up for extended periods of time, and they are the same type of strut.
     
    #5 David Beale, Apr 26, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 26, 2017
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