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When I open my powered Hatchback of my Toyota.

Tiny
SPAMISEVIL
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 80,000 MILES
When I open my powered hatchback of my Toyota Sienna on cold mornings, it power raises, but will often then power lower (fall relatively slowly, but firmly - keeps pressing downward even if someone is under the hatch). In a way it seems like the hatch "hits" something at the top of its raising cycle, but there is absolutely nothing above it. It happens whether I open it using the hatch's physical handle, the button in the car, or the remote. It seems to only happen when it is cold. One other piece of information - this began to happen after my original struts were replaced because of a recall. Toyota says that since it doesn't happen in front of them, they cannot fix it. Is the best/first thing I should try to replace the struts? How likely will it be that replacing the struts will solve the problem? Is there anything this can be other than the struts?
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Monday, November 12th, 2012 AT 7:11 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
What your describing is exactly what the recall was for. Call Toyota 1-888-270-9371 Ref. No. 08V244000
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Monday, November 12th, 2012 AT 9:16 PM
Tiny
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NO! It was working perfectly UNTIL they "fixed" the struts by replacing the struts for the recall. Almost immediately after that the problem started. Now Toyota won't do anything. And in Oregon it is only cold enough on rare occasions, usually very early in the morning. So when I bring the car in, it doesn't do it. I've left it overnight, but either it isn't cold enough or they don't open it early enough or something. If a mechanic were to take a guess at what the problem might be, what should they try first? Does the fact that it only happens cold give any clues?
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Monday, November 12th, 2012 AT 9:29 PM
Tiny
THIS IS MIKE
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Even though the struts are new, It sounds like the cold is just enough to make it happen intermittently. Getting the door to fail in front of them can be tough, but you can try to video tape it the next time it fails and show them what is happening. Toyota of America has good customer service and if the local dealer won't help, talking to the factory representative will. The number above are the people to talk to.
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Friday, November 16th, 2012 AT 12:05 AM
Tiny
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I've been to two different dealerships (including the one that I bought the car from) and I spoke multiple times to the factory. According to all parties, video taping isn't good enough. If it doesn't happen in front of them, then it isn't their problem. I've left the car there. But, for whatever reason, it hasn't happened in front of them. I have been hit on the head multiple times. My husband has been trapped beneath the door. Would the best first step be to replace the struts?
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Friday, November 16th, 2012 AT 12:11 AM
Tiny
THIS IS MIKE
  • MECHANIC
  • 686 POSTS
I would think that replacing them would be a good idea, I have had hood struts fail before only in the cold, but they worked fine when it was warm outside. Getting bonked in the head even once isn't worth it.

I am disappointed to hear that they were not sympathetic to your concerns. If they get more complaints maybe they will do something about it.

In the meantime replacing the struts should take care of the problem. Be careful when opening the door until then.
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Friday, November 16th, 2012 AT 12:31 AM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
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Call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1=800424-9393 tell them your story refferencs recall I gave you they will get Toyota off nhere duff
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Friday, November 16th, 2012 AT 11:18 PM

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