What to Do When the Car Trunk Won't Open?
2 Answers
Solutions for when the car trunk lock won't open: Enter the car and fold down the rear seats. Open the trunk interior panel. Pull the unlocking lever manually with your hand to unlock it. Reasons why the trunk lock won't open include: 1. Issues with the linkage rod or lock cylinder. 2. Failure to use the remote key to unlock. 3. Mechanical component failure. Additional methods to open the trunk: 1. Key button: Press the trunk opening button on the car key for 3 seconds to open the trunk. 2. Driver's seat button: Some cars have a trunk opening button inside the driver's seat area; pressing it once will open the trunk. Some mid-to-high-end models feature a sensor switch—simply sweep your foot under the trunk to open it. 3. License plate light button: For this method, the car must be unlocked. There is a trunk opening button between the left and right license plate lights; press it to open the trunk.
Once when I took friends out, the trunk suddenly wouldn't open, which made me frantic. It might have been the remote key fob battery dying, so I tried replacing it with a new one, but that didn't work either. Later, I manually used the key to open it and found the lock cylinder was rusted. I sprayed some lubricant and jiggled it a bit, and it finally opened. Sometimes, the internal release lever near the driver's seat or door is forgotten—there's usually a small switch inside the car. If none of these work, a small object might be stuck in the trunk door gap; gently pushing the door can help loosen it. Remember not to force it open, as this can damage the sealing gasket and cost more to repair. Regularly clean dust from the latch and avoid overloading the trunk with items that could jam it. In emergencies, a quick stop at a roadside repair shop can save a lot of hassle.
