What to Do When the Car Battery Dies and the Trunk Won't Open?
2 Answers
If the battery is in the trunk, you can open the front hood and connect directly to the front of the car, between the windshield and the engine, without using the battery. You can also fold down the rear seats and open the trunk from the inside. All seats can be folded down, and once opened, you can access the trunk. Remove the interior trim panel of the trunk. Unscrew the screws and clips on the back of the tailgate, then remove the two central fixing screws. Use the mechanical key to open the car door, then open the hood to jump-start the car.
I've been driving for over 20 years and often encounter this frustrating situation. When a car's battery dies, it's normal for the trunk not to open since electronic locking systems rely on battery power. Don't panic - follow these steps: First check if there's a physical keyhole on the trunk lid. Most vehicles have hidden manual lock cylinders - just insert your spare key and turn. If no keyhole exists, try folding down the rear seats to access the cabin, then look for an emergency release handle or interior trunk release lever behind the seats. For completely dead batteries, get a jump start from another vehicle or use a portable charger for a few minutes to restore power before trying the button again. Never force it open - call professional roadside assistance or towing services if needed. I recommend monthly battery checks, especially after long parking periods, to replace aging batteries proactively. Once I forgot about a failing battery during a trip - got stranded with a locked trunk, wasting time and money on repairs.
