Another sticky hatch switch solution

well done! of course we want to see pics.

 

All good. Of course, you could have bought the correct replacement hatch opening switch for ~$60 or so - but I guess that would be too easy for you...

 

^ Do you think they've changed the spec of the rubber on the OEM switch? Or is it at least good for a number of years? I've read having some oils on your hands can start the deterioration process, like sun tan lotions for example.

 

'07 seems to be the biggest problem. maybe they switched to cheaper and back again.

 

I think there was just a bad batch of switches with defective rubber, impacting late 2006 through early 2008 models.

 

I have an '07 with a really goopy rubber switch covering. It's disgusting to touch, but works fine. What are the optins for fixing it? A new unit from the dealer? I also have a smart switch so the handle reacts to my touch to unlock the car. Is there a part number for this? Is buying used okay or are they all like that?

Thank you.

 

Also, see my thread here:
How to Replace the Hatch Opening Switch | PriusChat

 

I ended up fixing my switch using a product called Sugru. Sugru is silicone stuff that you can mold to your needs and then let it cure over 24 hours when it becomes hard, but flexible rubber-like (but not rubber, it's silicone). It comes in various colors. I happen to have a bunch of it on hand, mostly in black and white colors. I have used it before for various projects (mostly fixing broken china). The black colored sugru ended up being just about perfect for this. I used 3 packets (3 grams each) to cover the whole switch. I first removed the switch and cleaned off all the old goop. It was a very messy, but not very difficult job. I wore disposable exam gloves and took my time removing most of the good using a bamboo chopstick I whittled to a flat blade screw driver shape at the non-pointy end. It worked great as a scraper that did not dig into the plastic parts of the switch. I did not go crazy with removing every molecule of the old stuff. Just most of it. I knew that the Sugru will cover the old stuff anyway. I then opened up my packets and combined the contents to make a larger amount. I kneaded it for a while to warm it up (I keep it in the fridge to make it last longer) and then rolled it out to a more or less consistent thickness. Then applied it to the switch by molding it all around just like the old rubber material was molded. Sugru is completely pliable and moldable before it cures. It's really cool stuff. I then left it in my garage to cure for about 12 hours after which it's pretty set, but 24 hours is what it takes to make it final. After 12 hours I reinstalled it in the car because I had to take it on an 80 mile trip. After 12 hours the stuff is pretty much usable. It works great and from my previous experience with Sugru, it's pretty durable as long as it's left to cure for at least 12 hours before stressing it. It feels great to the touch and everything seems to work as before. Cost was about $10 - $15 (Sugru is not cheap, but worth it in cases like this).

Hope that helps someone. I have no affiliation with Sugru, just a happy customer.

 

New rubber switch covers are available as a kit on ebay for about 15 bucks. I've done a few of these. Remove the switch, scrape away most of the goo, use AutoZone brake cleaner and a rag to wipe away the rest. That brake cleaner is awesome stuff. Install new rubber cover and reinstall the switch. Rubber cover has to be installed with switch removed because the switch flange slips into the rubber cover to make it water tight when installed.


Trunk Hatch Liftgate Switch Latch Release Button rubber cover Toyota Scion Lexus

 

That's a great solution! If I had known about it I would have probably gone that way. However, I already had Sugru at home and I just could not stand that goop any more.

Is there information on how well the eBay cover holds up?

 

They are an exact fit, and I have them on my son's 2005 (it had a tear in it) and my 2007 (it had the goo issue), plus a few others with no complaints. I believe the goo issue was mostly limited to a bad batch of rubber in 2007.