Why Can the Trunk Be Opened When the Car Is Locked?

[LeIker]

The reasons why the trunk can be opened when the car is locked are: 1. The trunk lock hook or the trunk control system is malfunctioning; 2. Accidentally pressing the trunk switch button on the key; 3. The key has a proximity sensor function, allowing the trunk to be opened within one meter of the car even when locked. The solutions to fix this issue are: 1. Repair or replace the trunk locking motor; 2. Adjust the alignment between the closing limit rubber block and the locking mechanism; 3. Inspect and repair the trunk control wiring; 4. Place the key farther away from the vehicle to check if the trunk can still be opened.

[DiMaggie]

Last time I locked my car, the trunk could still be opened, which really confused me. Later, a knowledgeable friend told me that many cars are designed this way nowadays. Remote locking mainly secures the doors and the trunk, but the trunk often has an independent mechanical lock or a sensor switch. It's possible that when you pressed the key, due to remote signal interference, the trunk lock didn't fully engage. Another possibility is that the spring in the trunk lock mechanism has aged or gotten stuck, especially common in older cars. In such cases, it's best to try manually relocking it yourself first. If that doesn't work, you should quickly take it to a garage for inspection. After all, a faulty lock is unsafe, and you wouldn't want your belongings to be stolen from the car.

[LaWeston]

As someone who loves tinkering with cars, I've studied this phenomenon. The key lies in the different designs of automotive electrical systems. Many mid-to-high-end models come with a hands-free trunk release feature, allowing you to open it when approaching with the key. After locking the car, if the key remains nearby, the trunk can still open automatically for convenience when loading items. However, this design can occasionally malfunction due to signal interference or weak battery power, leading to system misjudgment. Check if the key battery is running low, and try moving away from the car before locking it. For a long-term solution, have a technician inspect the wiring during maintenance and check for potential issues with other electronic locking components.

[RoseLynn]

This happened to my family car too. After parking in the garage and locking it, I found the trunk wasn't secured. Simply put, it's due to design differences between car models. Some vehicles have independently controlled trunk locks, while others can be opened directly via a tailgate button. Maybe the trunk release button on the key fob was accidentally pressed during last locking, or the tailgate might be slightly misaligned. I've developed a habit of waiting a few extra seconds after locking to hear all the locking sounds, and I'll manually check by pulling the handle if unsure. Fellow car owners also mentioned that rainy weather moisture can affect the spring mechanism in the lock assembly. Anyway, it's not a major issue - just address it promptly.