Are you a Toyota Sienna owner with a key fob and push-button start? You might be experiencing a frustrating and potentially damaging issue: the rear hatch opening on its own. It turns out, the design of the Toyota Sienna key fob, while convenient, has a notable drawback – the prominent and easily pressed “rear hatch open” button. This design can lead to accidental presses while the fob is in your pocket, potentially causing your Sienna’s rear hatch to open unexpectedly.
One owner of a 2021 Limited model shared their experience, highlighting just how easily this can occur. Twice, while near their garage but not inside, they inadvertently activated the hatch release simply by crouching down with the key fob in their pocket. The large “hatch open” button, being the most prominent and raised button on the fob, is particularly susceptible to pressure from other items in a pocket.
This accidental activation can be more than just an annoyance. In one instance, the owner’s garage door was closed when the hatch partially opened. When they then activated the garage door opener, the door jammed against the partially opened hatch, thankfully only resulting in minor scratches. In another case, the hatch opened while the garage door was already open, still an unwanted surprise.
The original poster rightly points out the design flaw: the “hatch open” button is the largest and most exposed, making unintentional presses highly likely. While Toyota offers the option to disable this button through their service department, this requires a dealership visit and permanently removes a feature.
However, there’s a simpler, reversible, and readily available solution: a Toyota Sienna Key Fob Cover. A key fob cover, specifically designed for your Toyota Sienna’s key fob, can provide a protective barrier against accidental button presses. These covers come in various materials like silicone, leather, or hard plastic, and fit snugly around your key fob.
Benefits of using a toyota sienna key fob cover:
- Prevent Accidental Button Presses: The primary benefit is preventing unintended activation of the rear hatch or other buttons. The cover recesses the buttons, making them harder to press accidentally.
- Protection from Scratches and Drops: A cover also shields your key fob from everyday wear and tear, scratches, and damage from drops, prolonging its lifespan and keeping it looking new.
- Improved Grip: Many covers offer a better grip than the slick plastic of the original fob, making it less likely to slip out of your hand.
- Personalization: Key fob covers come in various colors and styles, allowing you to personalize your key fob and easily distinguish it from others.
Instead of going through the hassle of disabling a feature at the dealership, investing in a toyota sienna key fob cover is a practical and cost-effective way to address the issue of accidental hatch openings. It’s a simple upgrade that can save you from potential damage and frustration, ensuring your Toyota Sienna’s key fob serves you without any unintended surprises. Consider a toyota sienna key fob cover – a small investment for peace of mind and protection.
