My trunk doesn’t open from the outside with the key nor does the remote work to get it to open.
My trunk doesn't open from the outside with the key nor does the remote work to get it to open. I have to climb through the backseat into the trunk and step on this lever in order for the trunk to open. What gives? It opens inside, but not outside. 🙁
My car has an automatic transmission.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. It is likely that the electrical trunk release or the trunk locking mechanism itself is damaged and needs to be replaced. It could also be an electrical relay issue or other component within the truck locking mechanism that is damaged. It is probably a good idea to have a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a trunk inspection to determine what is broken and needs to be replaced.
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This is very common when the batteries in the key fobs die. In some cases, the other possibility may be that the contacts inside the buttons on the key fob may be worn out, in which case the battery may not be the problem. When the contacts wear out, they do not transmit the signal properly to the car.
One of the first things you can do if your trunk won`t open is to try it again. In this scenario, the trunk latch may have gotten stuck due to dirt and debris getting stuck on it or from the trunk rubber sticking to the lid itself. This will require more force to open making you think that the lid is stuck.
Press the trunk unlock button on the key fob if it`s working properly. Most cars that have been made post-2000 come with key fobs that allow you to electronically open a vehicle`s locks. In most cases, there`s a special button on the fob specifically for the trunk. Push that and the trunk will pop open.
“To open the trunk with a screwdriver, wedge it into the lock and move it left and right until the trunk opens. However, this is not recommended.
You can open your trunk from inside your car`s cabin very easily. All you have to do is pull the trunk release lever, which is located at the left base of the driver`s seat. Pull the release up all the way, at which point the trunk will unlatch. You can then open your trunk fully by lifting it open.
If you`re able to open a rear-side door, fold the rear seatbacks out of the way and then shimmy back into the trunk area (you may want to take a flashlight, or use the light on your smartphone). Inside, you`ll find a release pull (often a glow-in-the-dark tab) that will pop open the trunk.
This usually happens because of low batteries, but shock can also cause the fob to lose its pairing. Most remotes can be reset, so check your car`s user manual for the resetting sequence. If resetting fails to solve the problem, the fob will need to be reprogrammed.
Car key sensor is not working: If the key is not working at all, it may be due to the drained battery, faulty fob, low car battery, or faulty keyless entry system (if applicable). You can try replacing the fob batteries, diagnosing the fob or towing the vehicle to a service centre to fix the issue.
Car key sensor is not working: If the key is not working at all, it may be due to the drained battery, faulty fob, low car battery, or faulty keyless entry system (if applicable). You can try replacing the fob batteries, diagnosing the fob or towing the vehicle to a service centre to fix the issue.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My trunk doesn’t open from the outside with the key nor does the remote work to get it to open.
ANSWER : Hi there. It is likely that the electrical trunk release or the trunk locking mechanism itself is damaged and needs to be replaced. It could also be an electrical relay issue or other component within the truck locking mechanism that is damaged. It is probably a good idea to have a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a trunk inspection to determine what is broken and needs to be replaced.
Cannot get trunk open after using Valet mode
ANSWER : If your vehicle has a valet switch, it should be located on the interior of the vehicle. This switch is often times hidden in the glove compartment somewhere. Whichever button you pressed to activate the valet feature is the same button that should be pressed to deactivate it. On some systems, with the valet system engaged, the key will not open the trunk by design. This feature is intended to prevent valet drivers from being able to access your trunk and possibly steal your valuable items.
My key fob will not open my car doors or trunk. I inserted a new battery in the fob and that did not help. What cld be the proble
ANSWER : Based on your description, I believe that the first issue is the lack of programming for your new key fob. If the dealership told you that the key requires programming and that was not done, this is the reason that the new key fob is not responsive. Next, it is possible that the key hole in your door is electronic. This means that there is a sensor on your door lock that will allow you to lock or unlock all of the doors by turning the key inside the driver front door lock. If this is the case, the fact that that part has been damaged could have caused this issue. This may not have happened immediately after the key hole was damaged, but over time the issue may have gotten worse causing the key fob problem. I would recommend having your key fob programmed by the dealership to see if that will resolve the issue because that will have to be done anyway. If this does not fix the problem, I would then recommend having the key hole replaced by a qualified professional.
Trunk will not open
ANSWER : I think it is possible that you may have shut an object of some kind in between the trunk latch and the trunk lid when you shut the trunk. If an object becomes lodged in the correct spot, this can cause the trunk ajar sensor to set the light off on the dash even if the trunk is not open.
Also, if something is jammed in the right spot, this can prevent the key from being able to turn the latch from the inside. As for how to get inside the trunk if this is the case, my best recommendation would be to have an inexpensive spare key cut to the same specifications as your trunk key and try to force the key to turn; this way if the key breaks off, it will not be the main key that you need to start your vehicle.
This issue can oftentimes be fixed by forcing the key to turn. The worst case scenario would be a broken key and a broken trunk latch which are both replaceable. Forcing the key is almost certain to get the trunk open. It is quite unfortunate that this method has to be used but oftentimes it works if something is indeed lodged between the latch and the trunk lid.
My key doesn’t work and the line is broken. I need to replace a tail light how do I get into the trunk no remote. 1997 e320
ANSWER : On the trunk lid above the license plate should be a trunk lock cylinder. You can insert the metal key to unlock and open the trunk manually. If it has never been used, it may be difficult to turn due to years of dirty, debris, and lack of usage. If it does not turn easily, STOP trying so you do not break the metal key. Get some lubricating spray / penetrating oil with a small nozzle attachment to spray some up into the lock cylinder. Move the key in and out of the cylinder a few times then spray again. Let the oil do it’s job. Give it 5-10 minutes before you try to turn the lock cylinder.repeat the process if it still does not turn easily.
Able to get my trunk open, by crawling through the back, but the trunk release button (hold unlock button on door) still won’t ope
ANSWER : Hello, and thank you for writing in. The first thing we need to determine is if there an issue with the latch, the switch, the key fob, or possibly the wiring. The best way to determine this is to test the latch’s electrical module for power supply. With a voltmeter you can determine if the latch is receiving the power it needs to work the latch. If it’s not you can work through the circuit and find where the voltage is being lost. If the latch is getting enough power, it may need to be replaced. Only further testing will tell. For more help resolving the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
Locked my keys in the lining of the trunk door. Is there away to get into the trunk the spare key I have doesn’t unlock my trunk
ANSWER : Hello. Without the rear seats folding down, you will have to access the trunk through the back seat. This will require starting by removing the entire back seat. Once you have removed it, you will need to find the access panel to remove the carpeting and trunk access hole. You will then need to crawl through the trunk and use a screw driver or the linkage to pop open the trunk. It can be a lengthy and invested endeavor. You may want to go with having another spare trunk key made by the manufacturer or dealership. This may take less time, but in the end cost you a little more money. If the original keys had a button on the key fob to unlock the trunk, then you may also want to try to get a replacement fob. This may cheaper than getting a replacement key depending on what’s available in your area.
Trunk won’t open on my car
ANSWER : Go into your control setup in the instrument panel, under user controls, and make sure the trunk did not get turned off in the setup. If it did, then turn all of it back on and the trunk should open. If the system is all on, try pushing down on the trunk lid and push the button to open the lid. You may have something that caught in the latch. If it still will not open, the only thing to do is to try and access the inside latch using a long grab rod or something equivalent to pull the latch release. If you can’t manage to get it open or want a second opinion on this, a certified mechanic can diagnose your trunk problem firsthand and fix it accordingly.
