What To Do if Your Trunk Won't Open?

car trunk
Publish at Sep 30, 2021 By: Dustin Fernandez
Post View: 1482

Many people think that trunk locks are like car door locks, but they're not. Drivers should take care of their trunk locks with the same attention and effort they would put towards taking care of their car door locks.

Following these steps will decrease the possibility of being stranded on the side of the road with a trunk that won't open and spare you from trying to determine what to do next.

To make the best decisions possible, you must take a step back and understand the different factors influencing your choice-making in a difficult situation.

The most common reasons for a trunk not opening

If you can relate to the phrase, "My trunk won't open," don't stress--you're not the only one. But luckily, by searching for a solution, you're already on the right path.

Unable to open your trunk is another inconvenience when you're already locked out of your car. Most people don't think about their car trunks or locks until they need them, which is often too late.

Have you ever locked your keys in the trunk and wondered how it happened? You're not alone - trunk lockouts are pretty common. If you can't seem to open your trunk, it might be because you accidentally locked your keys inside. Or, the issue could be related to the trunk lock itself.

Before I show you what to do when you're locked out of your trunk, let's discuss how to prevent this from happening in the first place.

1. Key locked inside the trunk

Unfortunately, many locksmiths are already familiar with the first scenario on our list – being locked out of your car. And, if you think misreading the subheading, don't worry - you didn't. Being locked out of your car can be a nightmare, but it's even worse when you realize you accidentally locked your keys in the trunk too. I'm embarrassed to say that I've made this mistake before!

Many overlook this tip, thinking it's impossible to accidentally lock your keys in the trunk. However, many more people only start believing in something once it happens. For instance, you could accidentally lock your keys in the trunk and then realize that it won't open.

Below, I will discuss the few solutions that can potentially fix this problem, though not all are successful.

Quick Tip:

Trunk keys are usually easy to retrieve once you get into the vehicle. Open any door, and then use the manual trunk release to unlock the trunk.

2. damaged trunk lock

If you have locked your keys in the trunk of your car, you know it is a frustrating experience. But even more annoying is when the trunk won't open because of a broken lock.

The trunk of a car not opening is commonly caused by a damaged lock, but it can also be due to other preventative issues inside the vehicle. These problems are often with the trunk latch or other parts that ensure the lock works correctly.

Trunk locks can become worn down over time from normal use, but they can also be damaged by external forces. Excessive force or extended periods can damage a car trunk lock. Keep this in mind as you maintain your vehicle.

Quick tip:

Always call a professional locksmith to open your trunk, even if you have replacement parts.

3. Broken key fob

Many newer car models utilize transponder keys, which can be a pain if you lose or misplace them. While this is not an issue for those driving older models, there are security risks to consider. In the most basic terms, a key fob is a remote control that can perform certain actions on your car. It's pretty easy to understand, right?

This key fob sends and receives signals to communicate with a certain car. In other words, the driver can use these exchanged messages to tell the vehicle what action to take. For example, you can use your key fob to start the engine or unlock your car door.

If your key fob has not been properly programmed, you may not be able to unlock your trunk or operate some of your car's functions manually. This could cause you to be stranded if you don't have a physical key as backup.

If you want your car and key to communicate, you must program them together. This allows your vehicle to respond based on the commands from your key. For example, if the batteries die in your key fob, it won't be able to send any signals telling the car what to do.

Quick tip:

If your car has a keyed cylinder, you can test if the trunk will open without using the remote. If changed batteries don't help, you need a new key fob.

As you can see, a few things can go wrong with your trunk locks. But don't worry, there are solutions to these problems. Continue reading for more tips on what to do if you find yourself in a bind.

The trunk won't open? here's what to do

1. Double-check

Imagine that you are at the grocery store with your arms full of bags. You go to unlock your car trunk, but it won't open. The sense of panic washes over you as you try again and again, fruitlessly. Asking you to check if something is locked might leave you feeling frustrated, but think about how much time and money it could save in the long run.

Many people hasty decisions, and as a result, they miss out on the easiest solution. I understand that it can be tough to stay level-headed, but remaining calm is crucial if you want to avoid further damaging your car. When stressed, it's more difficult to think clearly and rationally, increasing the likelihood of making mistakes. Keeping a cool head is key to opening your trunk without keys - no pun intended.

2. Check if you can access your trunk from inside.

The following suggestion builds on the previous one: check to make sure your trunk can't be opened inside your car. By "interior access," I mean being able to get into your trunk while you're inside your vehicle.

Please remember that gaining access to the trunk from inside the vehicle is not foolproof and does not work with every car. Additionally, if your Trunk Lock happens to be damaged, you will need to see a locksmith. Also, note that some cars are just not designed for easy interior entry. I will explain this topic in more depth as we move forward.

Even if you can open your car's trunk from the inside by reaching over the backseat, this does not guarantee that you have fixed what caused your initial failure to open the trunk.

3. DIY solutions

Although I understand the appeal of do-it-yourself solutions, I believe people should be cautious when taking this route - especially with something as important as their car. In the case of a driver whose trunk won't open, some DIY methods are worth exploring.

While DIY solutions may seem budget-friendly, there are often additional costs you don't realize until it's too late. For example, the price to repair or replace car locks often differs depending on your solution. In other words, while DIY might be less expensive upfront, it could cost more in the long run.

If you find yourself with a trunk that won't open, there are some things you can do to try and solve the problem. For instance, if you have an extra key to your car somewhere, you can use it to unlock the trunk and then access what you need. If you're feeling handy, you can try picking the lock yourself. For this method, you'll need a full auto lock pick set.

As long as there's no damage to the trunk lock and no other repairs are necessary, drivers can use a few professional tricks to get back into their cars. Drivers can also utilize materials nearby to create quick DIY fixes.

Be careful about using DIY solutions that could damage your vehicle more than it already is. If you're unsure what to do, read the final point below.

Credit kokomolock

4. Call an auto locksmith

I'm not sure if people are hesitant to contact a locksmith because they're too proud to ask for help or because of past customer service experiences, but many people don't call them when they need assistance. If you can't get into your car trunk, you'll have to call a locksmith - no matter the reason.

The solutions above may help you open your trunk temporarily, but if the fundamental problem is that the lock is damaged, understand that you would still need to call a locksmith.

Auto locksmiths are often underestimated because of false assumptions. In reality, these professionals have the skills and experience to deal with various issues regarding cars and car lockouts. Because auto locksmiths face these types of situations daily, they will be able to get you back into your vehicle quickly without damaging any components.

Ensure you have all the right data when you reach out to an auto locksmith. It sounds like a no-brainer, but with so many car models, it's important not to forget that each one requires its unique solution. The more specific information about your vehicle you can give them, a better chance they'll get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Your trunk won't Open? Don't panic - ASAP Locksmith is here to help!

asap locksmith dallas

If you're in the Dallas, Texas, area and your car trunk won't open, don't panic! ASAP Locksmith is here to help. Our experienced locksmiths can help with any car lockout situation, and we'll have you back on the road in no time.

Don't try to solve the problem yourself - call us for professional assistance. We have the skills and experience to deal with any car lockout situation, and we'll have you back on the road in no time.

Call us now for locksmith services in Dallas, Texas, area.

Article written by: Dustin Fernandez
I am Dustin Fernandez, and I'm the owner of ASAP Locksmith in Dallas. My company is a family business, and we provide locksmith services to residential, commercial, and automotive customers. I've been in the locksmith industry since 1995 when I was just 20 years old. I started by working for another locksmith company before eventually starting my own. Over time, my father joined me as a partner in this venture, which made him proud to help his son succeed at something he loved doing!