How Do You Open A Car Trunk Without A Key?

You’ve lost your trunk key or the lock is jammed. This kind of thing always seems to happen at the worst possible moment. 

If your truck is equipped with a power lock, the trunk will open automatically at the touch of a button, greatly simplifying the driver’s life. However, this mechanism may also malfunction. Let’s learn more about different truck locks and how to open them without a key.

Types Of Locks

Mechanical Lock

Many cars come with standard mechanical locks. If you still have access to the passenger compartment, you need to fold back the seats and remove the rear console, if there is one, to get access to the interiors of the luggage compartment.

You have two options, depending on chassis design: when the trunk lid is entirely closed by trim, or there is a separate hatch above the lock. The second option is more convenient in this situation; you can open only the hatch and then find the missing rod or remove it. Pull or push the rod to open the trunk, depending on the lock kinematics.

If the trim completely covers the door, it is impossible to remove it when the trunk is closed. You will have to get to the insides of the lock by unscrewing the available fasteners or pulling out the open pistons and then gently unbending the trim from above. But this is not always necessary; look closely at the lock, and try to locate the forced release plate. It may be hidden in a small slot; pick it up with a key or a thin screwdriver. 

Opening the trunk of a sedan or coupe in a similar way is much more difficult because, in some cars, it is impossible to lower the back of the rear seat. This problem is typical for older cars. You will have to remove the rear couch altogether and unbend the hinges welded to the body. In addition, it is not guaranteed that you can get into the trunk since the way is often blocked by a frame reinforcing the rigidity. So in this situation, it is better to entrust the opening procedure to the mechanics at the car service.

Pneumatic Lock

The lock’s mechanism does not necessarily have a mechanical drive. The trunk may be opened with pneumatics. If all the pneumatics are controlled by a standard compressor, accessible from the passenger compartment, get to it (usually by removing the lower cushion of the rear couch) and blow into the tube. The reason for trunk lock failure in these cars is a crack in the tube, which leads to insufficient pressure to open the trunk. Applying a tire compressor or pump, you are more likely to open the door if the tube is not entirely burst.

Lock With Electric Drive

The electric trunk actuator is a device with only a few parts, including a button, a fuse, a push rod, two four-pin relays, and an electric motor.

Today, there are two varieties of actuators that actuate the stem to open the lid; a mechanism that has either an electric motor or magnetic plates. The first is more common, as it is pretty practical and durable. Due to the design complexity and frequent use problems, the second has not gained much popularity among car enthusiasts. This device’s principle of operation is based on the interaction of a relay and magnetic plates. When the power supply starts, the relay pulls the rod back, contributing to the trunk's opening.

The trunk can be opened manually if the electric lock mechanism is out of order. Some manufacturers hide the key inside the key fob to enable motorists to do this. If it is missing, you should contact your dealer.

Summary

Most of the methods we talked about here are relevant mainly for older used cars. If we are talking about modern models, it is better to visit the car service straight away, especially if your lock features an electric drive. If you’re unsure what to do, it’s best to take your vehicle to an authorized service center

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