How to Open the Trunk When the Car Key is Locked Inside?

[EvelynAnn]

Locate a small car icon button for trunk opening. Simply press and hold or quickly press this button twice to open the trunk. For the interior trunk switch, in most vehicle models, it is located on the floor beneath the driver's seat, usually alongside the fuel tank cap switch. Unlock the vehicle using the key, then at the center of the trunk, above the license plate, there will be a trunk switch. Pull it upwards to open. Use the emergency trunk release. In some models, after folding down the rear seats, you can find a release cable on the side of the trunk interior.

[JordanLee]

Last night I was in a hurry to stuff the suitcase into the trunk and accidentally threw the keys in as well. I’ve encountered this embarrassing situation twice. Most cars can be opened using the mechanical key on the driver’s door, and then you can pull the trunk emergency release, usually marked by a pull cord near the seatback. If the car is too new and lacks these features, calling the manufacturer’s roadside assistance is the easiest solution. Back when I drove an older Ford Focus, I even used a thin wire to hook the lock, but this trick doesn’t work with electronic keys nowadays. Remember, never force the lock open—my neighbor once tore the weatherstrip doing that and ended up paying over 800 for repairs.

[MadisonLee]

Last month, I encountered this exact situation while helping my cousin move. Here's a little-known fact: 90% of car key signals are blocked inside the trunk, which is why the remote doesn't respond. I called the 4S dealership directly—they have this high-tech tool that can remotely deactivate the anti-theft sensor. For emergencies, it depends on the car model. For instance, Honda CRVs have a mechanical key hidden in the glove compartment, while Volkswagens often have an emergency switch near the dome light. The most bizarre trick was taught by a friend: sliding a phone into the door gap to record video, locating the internal unlock button, and then poking it with a wire. This method took me a full half-hour to succeed.

[JoelDella]

As a seasoned driver who has owned six cars, here are three tested solutions: First, check if your phone can start the vehicle (applicable for newer models with Bluetooth key functionality). Second, finding the spare key is often the quickest fix. If neither works, German cars usually have trunk lock cylinders near the license plate lights, while American cars often hide spare lock cores in bumper grooves. As a last resort, call a locksmith—they use airbags to wedge door gaps, which is safer than prying. Remember to get a spare key made for your wallet immediately afterward.

[CollinAnn]

During a self-driving trip, I once locked my keys in the car at a service area and realized how crucial the emergency rescue phone label on the roof is. A professional locksmith with specialized tools can open it in just five minutes, and they even have a handheld device to match the car model database. DIY attempts are risky: using a magnet to retrieve keys might scratch the paint, and dismantling the taillight to thread a wire could easily damage the wiring. A special reminder for keyless entry vehicles: if the key is left in the trunk, it may cause signal interference, requiring the battery to be disconnected to deactivate the anti-theft lock.

[DelIsabelle]

Handled thirteen similar cases and gained experience: first distinguish between traditional keys and smart keys. Traditional keys can be disassembled to use the spare mechanical key (hidden in your hallway drawer) to unlock from the driver's side. For smart keys, prioritize using the mobile app's remote unlocking feature—new energy vehicle manufacturers excel in this aspect. If you forget the mechanical key, call a locksmith, with costs ranging from 150-400 RMB being reasonable. The worst scenario is leaving an electronic key locked in a box for a long time, as it continuously drains the battery and interferes with the vehicle's anti-theft system—something many people are unaware of.