where are the sensors that trigger the "door open" in Dr. Door?

2004 TOYOTA PRIUS
13,000 MILES
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LYMANL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
When go around a corner to the right, I get an emergency light, the interior lights come on, the lcd display screen tells me I have to put the car into park or the battery won't charge. Dealer found problem focused on driver's door; pressure from turn ( via driver's weight) pushes on the inside of the door. All goes away when pressure released. it appears that this squishing something leads to a contact and all the fuss. What is this likely to be and can I fix it with fair to moderate skills. Is this one part, a junction block, an incidental artifact or the work of gremlins? Where can I find procedure for opening the door panel to look-see, or to repair? Am I likely to be able to get the replacement from the stores? Is this common?
Dec 6, 2011 at 10:39 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,110 POSTS
Most likely there is a worn wire leading to or from the door switch. It's likely that wrapping the worn section of wire with electrical tape will fix it. There is a possibility that pressing against the door is pushing the door outward just enough to break the contact in the switch. Adjusting the strikeplate will fix that.
Dec 6, 2011 at 11:11 PM
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