How do you manually open an electric trunk?
If your trunk is powered and won’t respond to the key fob or interior switch, you can usually release it manually by locating a mechanical latch release inside the trunk or under a floor panel, or via an interior cabin release. The exact location varies by make and model, so consult your owner's manual for specifics.
What you need to know about manual trunk releases
In vehicles with electric trunk releases, a mechanical override is provided for emergencies. The release is typically a lever, handle, or small panel access point located in the trunk, sometimes under the floor, or accessible from inside the cabin. If the latch won’t operate electrically, these manual overrides are designed to disengage the latch so you can open the trunk.
Step-by-step guide to manually open the trunk
Before you begin, ensure the vehicle is in Park with the parking brake engaged, and be prepared for the trunk to open with some force once the release is disengaged.
- Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake; turn off the engine if recommended by your manufacturer.
- Access the trunk area: if you can reach from the inside, use the interior release or fold down rear seats; otherwise, go to the trunk exterior.
- Locate the mechanical release for the latch: common places include the trunk floor panel (lift the mat or panel), the side interior panel, or directly around the latch housing near the hinge.
- Operate the release to manually disengage the latch: this may involve pulling a lever, lifting a tab, or inserting a key blade into a small hole and turning or sliding it.
- Open the trunk carefully and inspect the latch area for any jam or damage; avoid forcing the mechanism to prevent damage.
If you cannot find a manual release or the trunk still won’t open, contact a dealer or roadside assistance. Do not force the mechanism, as this can cause damage or safety issues.
Common locations of the manual release by design
Carmakers place manual release features in a few typical locations. The following list covers the most frequent configurations you may encounter.
- Inside the trunk near the latch: a lever, tab, or pull handle designed to disengage the latch mechanically.
- Under a removable trunk floor panel: lift the trunk floor carpet or panel to reveal a mechanical release or lever connected to the latch.
- Behind a small access cover on the side interior of the cargo area: some designs tuck the release behind a panel that you can pry open with a tool.
- In the interior cabin near the driver or front passenger area: certain models provide an emergency release or unlock mechanism accessible from inside the car or through a panel behind the rear seats.
- Under the rear seat or in the spare tire well: for some designs, the release is routed through the seat or the storage area.
Always verify with your manual, since exact locations and methods vary by brand and year. If you’re unsure, seek professional help to avoid damage.
Safety considerations
After opening, ensure the latch is secure when closing and avoid forcing components. Keep children away from the trunk, and if a battery is dead, do not attempt to jump-start from the trunk area.
What if there is no manual release?
Some vehicles rely primarily on electronic systems; if there is no visible manual override, you may need to jump-start the vehicle, use an external battery booster, or visit a dealership or roadside assistance to open the trunk safely.
Summary
Manually opening an electric trunk typically involves locating a mechanical release near the latch, under a floor panel, or via an interior cabin access, then operating it to disengage the latch. The exact location is model-specific, so consult your owner's manual or contact the dealer if uncertain. Many cars include an emergency trunk release inside the trunk that glows in the dark; use it if available. Always proceed with caution and avoid forcing the mechanism.
