Home FAQ

How to pop trunk on acura?

The trunk on most Acura models opens with the key fob, an interior release, or an emergency lever inside the cargo area. A quick answer: you can pop the trunk using the key fob, or by pressing the interior trunk release, and on many trims there is a powered trunk button as well. If the battery or fob is dead, unlock the vehicle with the mechanical key and use the interior release.

This guide explains the standard methods, what to do if the fob or battery won’t work, and model-specific variations across common Acura sedans and SUVs such as the TLX, RDX, and MDX.

Common ways to open the trunk

There are several legitimate ways to pop the trunk quickly depending on your situation. The following methods cover the most common scenarios you’ll encounter with Acura models.

Key fob trunk release: Press the trunk release button on the key fob. Some models require a quick press, others a press-and-hold, depending on trim.

Interior trunk release: Inside the car, look for a trunk release switch or button located near the driver's area (often on the lower dash or center console). Press it to pop the trunk.

Emergency trunk release inside the cargo area: If you can access the trunk interior, use the glow-in-the-dark emergency release handle to open the trunk from inside.

Power trunk edge button (where equipped): On certain trims, a dedicated trunk button on the edge of the trunk lid or near the hinge can open the trunk when the system is powered.

These options cover remote access, interior access, and emergency access. If your model uses a powered trunk, ensure the battery and fob are functioning, and consult your owner’s manual for exact placement by trim.

If the fob or battery is dead: steps to gain access

When the remote or vehicle power isn’t responding, use these steps to reach the trunk in a safe, authorized way.

Use the mechanical key blade to unlock the driver’s door: Many Acura fobs contain a small metal key that can unlock the door manually. Remove the key blade and insert it into the driver’s door lock to gain entry.

Enter and use the interior trunk release: With the doors unlocked, locate the interior trunk release switch or button (typically near the driver’s left knee on the dash or on the center console) and press it to pop the trunk.

Check for an alternative access method on your trim: Some models offer a separate trunk button or a touch-release on the trunk lid that may function when the vehicle is powered or unlocked. If your car doesn’t respond, proceed to the next step.

When in doubt, contact roadside assistance or your dealer: If you cannot safely access the trunk due to a dead battery or electrical fault, professional help can provide a manual override or battery service.

Note: Not all Acura trims are identical. If you’re unsure about your specific model, refer to the owner’s manual for the exact locations and procedures applicable to your trim level.

Model-specific variations (TLX, RDX, MDX, ILX)

While the core methods remain consistent, the precise locations and steps can vary by model and year. Here are general guidelines for some common Acura models.

TLX

TLX models typically support a trunk release on the key fob and an interior trunk release near the driver’s seat. Higher trims with a power trunk may offer a button on the trunk edge for automatic opening.

RDX

RDX generally follows the same pattern: use the key fob, interior trunk release, or a powered trunk button if equipped. The interior release is commonly located near the driver’s left knee area on newer models.

MDX

MDX trunks are usually operable via the fob, the interior trigger, or the power trunk button on higher trims. The interior release location is typically accessible from the driver’s side cabin.

ILX

For ILX and other older Acura sedans, the standard approach remains the same: key fob, interior release, and any available emergency or powered trunk features depending on trim and year.

Safety tips and best practices

Always ensure the car is in park and the area around the trunk is clear before opening.

If you’re using the interior trunk release, make sure you’re seated inside the vehicle with the doors unlocked.

Regularly check and replace the key fob battery to maintain reliable trunk access.

Keep a spare mechanical key blade accessible in case the fob battery dies.

If the trunk won’t open despite legitimate methods, do not force the latch. Seek professional assistance to avoid damage and ensure safety.

Summary

Opening an Acura trunk is typically straightforward: use the key fob, the interior trunk release, or the emergency release inside the cargo area. If the fob or car power is dead, unlock with the mechanical key and use the interior release. Model variations exist by trim and year, so consult your owner’s manual for exact locations. When in doubt, roadside assistance can help with manual overrides or battery issues to ensure you can access your trunk safely and efficiently.

Where is the button to pop the trunk?

The trunk release button is typically found on the driver's side of the vehicle, either on the door panel, near the steering wheel, or as a lever on the floor. It can also be located on the key fob, the trunk lid itself (often a hidden button near the license plate), or inside the trunk on a glow-in-the-dark handle.

This video shows how to open a trunk with a hidden button: 55sAsk Jorge Lopez at Tomball FordYouTube · Feb 5, 2024
Common locations for the trunk release button
This video shows how to open a trunk with the key fob: 1mDIY Life TechYouTube · May 7, 2024

Driver's side: Look for a button on the driver's door panel or a lever on the floor near the driver's seat.
Key fob: Press and hold the trunk button on your key fob to open the trunk. Some cars also have an "intelligent access" feature where you can press a button on the trunk itself if the fob is nearby.
Trunk lid: Some cars have a hidden electronic release button, often located underneath the trunk lid, above the license plate.
Inside the trunk: For safety, all modern cars have a manual release lever inside the trunk. It's often a glow-in-the-dark handle that can be found on the inside of the trunk lid.

This video shows how to open a trunk from the inside: 35sFixITYouTube · Jun 23, 2024
Tips for finding the button

If the electronic release doesn't work, check your owner's manual for the location of the manual release.
If your car has a sedan-style trunk, look for the release next to the fuel door release lever.
For SUVs or hatchbacks, check the rear of the vehicle for an electronic release button, or the driver's door panel for a switch.

How to open trunk in Acura RDX?

And an alert will sound as the tailgate opens. To close the tailgate. Use the same kicking. Action remember to kick in a straight line under the rear of the bumper with your foot close to the bumper.

Can I open my trunk from the inside?

Yes, you can open a car trunk from inside, either by using a manual release lever/button inside the cabin or by accessing the emergency release handle inside the trunk itself. Most modern cars have an interior release lever on the floor or in the glove box, and all cars made after 2002 are required by law to have a glow-in-the-dark emergency release handle inside the trunk for safety. If the car is older or the electrical release fails, you can often access the trunk by folding down the rear seats to reach the internal emergency release.

This video demonstrates how to open your trunk without a key by folding down the seats: 59sFixITYouTube · Jun 23, 2024
From the cabin

Locate the release: Check for a button or lever on the dashboard, typically to the left of the driver's seat, or inside the glove box.
Use the key fob: Many modern key fobs have a dedicated trunk release button.

From inside the trunk (emergency release)

Locate the handle: All cars made after 2002 must have a glow-in-the-dark emergency release handle inside the trunk lid.
Pull the handle: In an emergency, pull or push the handle to open the trunk.

This video shows how to use the emergency trunk release handle: 32sCars.comYouTube · Jul 21, 2017
If you are locked in the trunk

Fold the seats: If the rear seats are foldable, use the release mechanism inside the cabin to fold them down, crawl into the trunk, and pull the emergency release handle.
Access via the back seat: You may need to use the seat releases to fold the seatbacks down, then crawl into the trunk.
Check the owner's manual: If you cannot find the release, consult your owner's manual for the exact location of the release mechanism or emergency handle.

This video demonstrates how to open your trunk without power by crawling through the back seat: 58sBimmerTechYouTube · Oct 2, 2020

How do you open the trunk on an Acura?

Opening the Trunk
Press the trunk release button under the trunk handle to unlock and open the trunk. The vehicle can be on or off.
PDF

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.