What to Do When the Emergency Trunk Release Fails

One part of the emergency release system that often gets overlooked in the mix is your trunk lid locks. When these parts wear and eventually stop functioning, they can have a direct impact on the way the system works. But even beyond simple mechanical functioning, there are a number of practical steps every vehicle owner can take when the release refuses to operate as usual.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

If you can’t open the boot using the emergency release, the first thing you need to do is take a deep breath. Panicking can lead to ill-advised, hasty decisions, which will only compound the situation. Instead, take a moment to work out, be it an obstruction, a mechanical or electrical failure.

From inside the car, if you cannot feel the latch mechanism move or if you are outside and the boot won’t pop open, don’t assume the lock mechanism has failed and release the central locking. Try one of the other unlocking options before moving on to the next troubleshooting method.

2. Try the Manual Key Access (If Available)

Some vehicles, especially older ones, still have a keyhole located near the trunk. It may be hidden under a trim piece or a badge, but the best measure is to consult your owner’s manual.

Suppose a turn of the key will get you inside by bypassing the electrical apparatus, terrific. If not, it points to something having gone haywire with the locking cylinder.

3. Inspect the Trunk Latch and Locks

A broken trunk release often happens when there’s a problem with (or in) the trunk lid lock. If the trunk lid lock malfunctions, there’s a possibility that the release cable will have no tension, and worse, it will snap. If you can see corroded or rusting parts, broken springs, or misaligned components, you need to replace the parts.

Good-quality trunk locks are definitely built to last — provided they’re well taken care of, and genuine parts are used in their assembly. This way, you don’t end up with a broken trunk lock. But be vigilant as well; make it a habit to check your trunk lock, especially if you have an older vehicle.

5. Seek Professional Assistance When Needed

If the trunk cannot be opened and the button looks to be in bad shape, then it’s a good idea to hire a professional to service or replace the button and massage lock or key components back into working condition. To just open it up on the spot, however, can cause a lot of unwanted problems.

Professionals have the right tools to release the worn button without doing any further damage and can determine if the problem lies with the cable, the actuator, the key cylinder, or the trunk lock assembly itself.

Final Thoughts

Living with a failed emergency trunk release is no fun. But a few simple steps to diagnose the problem and identify an appropriate course of action, such as testing all manual entry options, forcing your way in through the back seat, and checking the offending pressure points in the rear section of the vehicle, can help to ensure that the repair itself remains relatively minor. Avoid mistakes and neglected repairs or replacement parts, and you’ll have a healthy trunk lid for years to come.