So, I have an '05 tC... this morning I went to put something in the trunk and the rear hatch was a LOT heavier than usual, and once I finally got it all the way up, it wouldn't stay opened unless I held it. Does anyone know what's going on or have this problem? How do I fix it?

Also, has anyone had problems with rainwater damage or something of the sort on the seats? It drives me crazy!!!

 

Sounds like the hydraulic struts are going out on your hatch. They're pretty pricey from the dealer - but you might still be covered under warranty. Talk to your dealer.

 

Sounds like your lift arms are messed up. Could be caused by a severe temp change too.

 

mine started acting strange too, but now for some reason its good. but if it starts getting lazy and not wanting to lift the hatch like its supposed to then i will see if toyota covers a new strut.

 

How long before it started working again?

 

might just be colder than usual weather... how cold is it there?

They're gas struts, right? Cold temperatures == less pressure inside the strut

 

It was in the 70s last week, but today it barely got out of the 30s-40s... I guess that's the problem. It didn't do this last year, though. Will it fix itself or should i take it into the dealership?

 

I've noticed that too. Mine stays open, but it won't open all the way and I keep bumping my head off the hatch because I'm not used to that (darn it!). But yeah, it's snowing and cold outside, so I think the coldness is the cause. I hate winter!!!

 

I went through this same issue last winter. The cold weather is what causes it. Its a pain, but once spring rolls around, it will be fine again. There isn't much that can be done to remedy this problem.

 

I have an 07 and I have similar problems.... it's the low temp

 

It would be nice if we could get an automatic lifting system like on the luxury SUVs.

 

Remember, you are talking about a $16-17,000 car.

 

Didn't say it had to be factory.

 

Very true. I wonder how much an aftermerket setup would cost. That would be cool to just hit a button on a key fob and have the hatch unlock and open.

 

I had this same issue on my 05. The struts do wear out really quickly if you open the hatch frequently, and cold weather (chicago) totally exacerbates the problem. Mine got to the point where the hatch wouldn't stay open at all, even in march after sitting in a heated garage for 4 hours (the car had around 20k miles at that point).

I took it to the dealer and they replaced the struts under warranty, no questions asked. They are starting to get a little weak again and I am sure as hell going to go back and get new ones again... and again and again untill they stop wearing out.

They should have watched the vehicle's weight more when they were designing it. once tose struts wear out you can tell that the hatch weighs A TON!

 

I had this problem the other day when temps were <50 here. It was back to normal the next day (70s)

 

PV = nRT Ideal gas law in action

 

I have an '05 also and mine doesn't stay open at all and you're right, the hatch does weigh A TON! I have to lift it with both hands and then hold it up to keep it open. Very inconvenient, especially with Christmas coming up and traveling with luggage and presents!!! I guess I'm going to take it in since it's still under warranty. I can't wait till spring... plus it's been really warm here in Atlanta anyway...

 

i have an 05 and no problems... ^^ i live in atl too... hmmm.. I wonder if you open you hatch a lot... I would take it to the dealer and see if they will take care of it.. bring it to the close to me because they are very good about doing stuff like that.. Hank Aaron Toyota.. exit 218..

 

I know exactly where that is. Thanks for the advice. I do open it a lot, but I didn't think itwas that much...