[jflowerus]

Just discovered I don't seem to be able to open the rear hatch on my 2004 Prius with the IGN on! Seems there is an interlock between the on switch and the rear hatch release! I thought that if I had something large like a tree or 10' board sticking out of the hatch I could secure the hatch and drive with it partially opened. This does not seem the case though!

Jerry F

 

[efusco]

Weird...

Not entirely sure I follow you...are you saying that even if you open the hatch the car won't start? I haven't tried that. I haven't even tried opening the hatch with the car running.

It's hard to imagine they would design it so the hatch won't open with the car on, so many people pull up to have groceries put in and such and what a pain it would be to shut down and restart for something so simple.

I'll check it out on my sample later today.
--evan

 

[jflowerus]

Weird...

Not entirely sure I follow you...are you saying that even if you open the hatch the car won't start? I haven't tried that. I haven't even tried opening the hatch with the car running.

It's hard to imagine they would design it so the hatch won't open with the car on, so many people pull up to have groceries put in and such and what a pain it would be to shut down and restart for something so simple.

I'll check it out on my sample later today.
--evan

Well, now I feel stupid! I tried it again today and was able to open the hatch with the ign on and also was able to start the car with the hatch open! Must have done something wrong or did not give it enough time to open the other day.

 

[gbergman]

Security

I'm a bit concerned about vehicle security. The technology is so new, but when it becomes mainstream, I'm concerned that a thief armed with a signal generator could easily fool a Prius that lights up and begs to be driven away. Also, when you're in the car (even if it's running), some one can simply open the hatchback and take off with your stuff.

 

[efusco]

The FOB does not send a signal to the car, so a signal generator could not be used to break in. The CAR sends out a signal searching for it's matching FOB. Also, it can only detect the FOB when it is within about 3 feet of the door handles. Concern #1 quashed.

Regarding the rear hatch...I see no difference b/w the Prius and any other car in the world. If you do not have the vehicle's doors locked while you're inside any car (with auto locks) then anyone could open the back and take stuff out. OTOH, if you are concerned about that then simply lock the doors when you get in the car. Concern #2 Quashed.
--evan

 

[jflowerus]

The FOB does not send a signal to the car, so a signal generator could not be used to break in. The CAR sends out a signal searching for it's matching FOB. Also, it can only detect the FOB when it is within about 3 feet of the door handles. Concern #1 quashed.

Regarding the rear hatch...I see no difference b/w the Prius and any other car in the world. If you do not have the vehicle's doors locked while you're inside any car (with auto locks) then anyone could open the back and take stuff out. OTOH, if you are concerned about that then simply lock the doors when you get in the car. Concern #2 Quashed.
--evan

If you are in the car with the fob and lock the doors, can't anyone just walk up and open the doors since the fob is within 3 feet of the car? Will check this later.

Jerry F

 

[efusco]

Nope, the sensors are directional outward from the vehicle...giver a go!
--evan

 

[jflowerus]

Nope, the sensors are directional outward from the vehicle...giver a go!
--evan

Can someone outside open the doors or hatch of the car with keyless entry? The answer is no! I had my wife try and open the trunk and doors from the outside while I sat inside with the fob in my pocket. She was unable to open the hatch or any of the doors!

Now I know why I could not open the hatch with the IGN on. I had left the FOB on the seat inside the car.