Why Can't the Prado's Trunk Open?
4 Answers
The reasons why the Prado's trunk cannot open are: 1. The trunk lid's latch is damaged; 2. The trunk lid's switch is damaged. The Prado, also known as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, is a lower-spec version differentiated by Toyota. Taking the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2019 Automatic TXL Premium Edition as an example, it is a mid-to-large-sized 5-door 7-seat SUV with body dimensions of: length 4840 mm, width 1885 mm, height 1890 mm, and a wheelbase of 2790 mm. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2019 Automatic TXL Premium Edition is equipped with a 3.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 206 kW and a maximum torque of 365 N·m. It adopts a front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout, with a front suspension using a double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear suspension using a four-link non-independent suspension.
Last time I saw a Prado with a trunk that wouldn't open, which is actually quite common - I've helped a friend deal with this before. The most likely issue is the mechanical part of the trunk lock getting stuck, especially in older vehicles where rainwater can cause rust. Try inserting the mechanical key and wiggling it side to side, then spray some WD-40 lubricant. Wiring problems are also frequent - the Prado's trunk gets opened frequently, and the wires near the tailgate hinge can break from repeated bending. If you hear the unlocking sound with the remote but it won't open, there's an 80% chance the lock motor is faulty. Another easily overlooked issue is low battery in the car key - replacing it often solves the problem immediately. If none of these work, focus on checking the trunk fuse, usually located in the small box under the driver's seat.
A stuck trunk can be really frustrating – my buddy's Land Cruiser had the same issue last time. Don't rush to dismantle it. First check if the child safety lock was accidentally engaged – some vehicles have this switch on the driver's door panel. Alternatively, your remote key fob might need a new coin battery. In winter, be especially cautious; if the lock freezes after car washing, use a hair dryer on the keyhole for a few minutes. By the way, Land Cruisers sometimes enter anti-theft mode – try resetting the infotainment system by turning off the engine for five minutes before restarting. For power tailgates, hold the remote open/close button for three seconds to recalibrate the opening range. If these quick fixes don't work, it's likely a faulty lock mechanism or wiring issue requiring professional repair.
A stuck trunk can be quite dangerous, especially when emergency tools are needed. For the Prado, the most common reason the trunk won't open is aging mechanical locks—you'll hear a spinning sound when pulling the door handle. It could also be a loose connection in the electric control wiring, which can be accessed by removing the inner panel of the rear door. Another hidden issue is a faulty remote control module; if the trunk opens with the mechanical key, this is likely the cause. Remember to check the lighting system—if the taillights are also out, it's usually due to a blown dedicated trunk fuse. Additionally, prolonged rough handling can cause the support struts to fail, jamming the tailgate.
