What causes the trunk of a Cruze to not open?
4 Answers
If the trunk can be opened with the remote control, then the trunk switch is damaged. If it cannot be opened with the remote control, the lock block is damaged. There is an emergency escape switch on the trunk lock; pulling it down will open the trunk. Below are the reasons why the Cruze trunk may not open: 1. Many Cruze owners encounter the issue where the trunk can be opened with the remote but not manually. The reason for this is usually a damaged trunk lock switch, possibly due to rainwater entering the switch area and causing corrosion. This is a relatively high failure rate issue, and the only solution is replacement. You can get it replaced at a 4S store, which is free during the warranty period. 2. If neither the remote nor manual methods work, it could be due to a damaged trunk lock block, which would require replacement. Additionally, there is a master switch for the trunk lock above the lock block; check if the trunk not opening is due to the master switch being turned off.
I'm an owner of an old Cruze, and I've encountered this issue three times. The most common problem is dust accumulation inside the trunk lock mechanism causing it to jam, especially after rain when it's prone to rust. Try having a friend press down on the trunk while you simultaneously press the unlock button on the remote key, repeating this several times. If that doesn't work, crawl into the back seat area and look for a small round cover on the left side of the partition. Poke it open to reveal an emergency pull cord, then give it a firm tug. I solved it myself by spraying WD-40 into the lock cylinder, but the last time I found the issue was due to water ingress shorting the control module connector, which I fixed by removing the license plate light. At a repair shop, it's just a matter of replacing a small motor, with parts costing around 300 yuan.
A friend who works on circuit repairs told me that if the trunk of a Cruze won't open, first rule out simple issues: check if the remote key battery has enough power and whether the central locking system accidentally activated the child lock. If the mechanical key won't turn either, it's likely that the lock cylinder is jammed by a small card or coin. He used a diagnostic tool to identify a wiring issue for me—the wire harness under the B-pillar often gets pinched by the door, exposing the wires, especially in cars over seven years old, causing short circuits on rainy days. Later, replacing the wiring cost 400 yuan, and it also fixed the non-functioning rear window defroster.
The mechanic at the repair shop mentioned a simple diagnostic method: stand at the rear of the car and listen for a clicking sound when pressing the remote. If there's a sound but the trunk won't open, it's likely due to a deformed lock hook or a broken spring. If there's no sound, check the fuse. For the Cruze, the F24 fuse controls the trunk circuit, located in the fuse box near the driver's footwell. When I removed the interior panel myself, I often found the linkage disengaged—those plastic clips are particularly brittle. If the electronic control shows no response at all, the metal contacts inside the trunk button switch might be oxidized; a quick sanding with sandpaper should fix it.
