My 2006 Prius underwent a hybrid battery reconditioning recently, and the mechanic who did the job removed the dressing panel from under the liftback. Don't know why he did this, but ever since, the hatch rattles with every bump in the road. I also see that the dressing panel which covers the liftback window wiper is now mis-shapen, making me thing some clips were either dislodged or broken. I've never taken those panels off. Is replacing the clips a simple affair? The rattle really never was an issue before the hybrid battery was taken out for servicing. I don't understand why the mechanic messed with them. Thank you.
Maybe one of license plate bulbs was burned out and he was being helpful? Either way those clips are brittle, and a couple of them usually break upon removal. DIY replacement should be fairly easy. Saw an image that showed where the clips were located, was it on hobbits website?
There are 9 green plastic Windshield Pillar Trim Retainer Clip - Toyota (90467-10188) that hold the panel in place, they are easy to break and easy to replace. Go to Toyota dealer or shop online for them. They are about $1.32ea. buy a handful.
The rattle is probably in the trunk. Take the trunk apart and look in there where the spare tire is. That’s where he was to get to the battery. Probably something loose in there. Check spare battery bolt is tight. Lots of reports of hold down screws missing on the hybrid battery case itself. Hybrid battery not bolted down which Is important as one bolt is a grounding Bolt for the battery case. Where did you get the battery reconditioned, Not off Craigslist I hope.
The rattle doesn't sound like a heavy object shifting, but your point is taken. It also doesn't sound muffled, as might be something located under upholstery. If I look in the rear view mirror I can see the wiper-motor Cover bouncing when driving across a dip in the road. When I try to push the cover back into place, it won't stay. I figure that is where the broken clips are. I ordered some of the retaining clips specified, but I'm not sure how to remove the plastic molding which covers the rear-wiper motor. This molding has clips which are recessed. I don't know the best way to get to them. To your question of where the battery was reconditioned, the Seller 'has a guy' that he trusts. The Dr. Hybrid app shows that all of the banks respond similarly. The pack voltage averages around 228V. .
