What are the reasons why the Beetle's trunk cannot be opened?
3 Answers
The reason why the Beetle's trunk cannot be opened is that the trunk button is malfunctioning or the button plug has poor contact. Below is an introduction to the Beetle: 1. Volkswagen Beetle: Officially named the Volkswagen Type 1, it is a compact car produced by Volkswagen from 1938 to 2003. In 1998, many years after the original Beetle was discontinued, Volkswagen officially launched the New Beetle, which has a very similar appearance to the original. 2. Body dimensions: The Beetle's body dimensions are 4081mm, 1724mm, and 1498mm, with a wheelbase of 2508mm. The fuel tank capacity is 55 liters, the curb weight is 1228kg, and the gross weight is 1650kg.
Last time I helped a friend fix their Beetle, the most common issue with the trunk not opening was the lock mechanism. The wiring at the hinges is particularly prone to problems, especially in older cars where the wires break from repeated bending over time, causing the electric lock to stop responding. If the mechanical keyhole also won't turn, it's likely that the lock cylinder is rusted and stuck—try spraying some WD-40 first, and remember to disconnect the battery for safety. For newer models, also check the remote key's battery level; if the battery is low, the trunk won't open when you're slightly farther from the car. If the trunk is overloaded, the latch might deform—simply check for any debris stuck in the gaps. If all else fails, don't force it; it's easiest to have someone like me who understands electrical circuits use a multimeter to test the wiring continuity.
I've been driving a Beetle wagon for five or six years and have encountered the frustrating issue of the trunk not opening three times. The first time was due to the lock cylinder rusting on a rainy day—the button wouldn't pop back up after being pressed, but a couple drops of sewing machine oil in the lock hole fixed it. The second time was even more annoying—the remote battery died, and a quick ten-yuan battery replacement at a convenience store got it working again. The most troublesome was last month when I found the rear tailgate wiring had broken—a common issue with Beetles where the wiring harness at the hinge ages and snaps. After unplugging the connector, sure enough, there were exposed copper wires. I fixed it myself by reconnecting and wrapping it with insulating tape. Also, here's a lesser-known tip: if the interior trunk release button gets stuck, it can also cause failure—so be sure to check that small switch on the driver's door panel.
