The majority of modern automobiles, trucks, and SUVs have electronically operated trunk locks that open when the driver presses a button on the car’s interior or a remote control. On the other hand, older cars have trunk latch release wires that must be manually actuated and locked. These cables open the trunk when a handle is pulled. This handle is often found on the left side, close to a hood release, either next to the driver’s seat or underneath the dashboard. This cable may occasionally become broken, and if it does, it must be replaced by a person who is familiar with how it is fitted in order to prevent harm to other mechanical parts.
Simply put, a trunk latch release cable is a cable that, when pushed, releases the trunk latch. The cable is often only utilized when the driver opens the trunk while inside the car by pulling a lever. The cable has no effect on whether the trunk latch opens when the key is inserted into the lock or when it is activated remotely by a solenoid. The following are a few of the most typical causes of a broken trunk latch release cable:
- a collision in which the car was hit on the driver’s side
- Rust has harmed the cable connections on the latch or the back of the trunk.
- The cable was corroded by water or salt water.
The majority of trunk latch cables are composed of steel wire, which is exceedingly hard to damage. However, on some imports, the cable is made of a sturdy plastic substance that frequently separates from the connectors when the handle is tugged firmly or forcefully. The trunk latch cable will occasionally wear out and get damaged, regardless of the construction materials or installation location. Several indicators or warning signs that the trunk latch cable needs to be replaced when this occurs are displayed. Some of the typical signs of a broken or malfunctioning trunk latch release cable are listed below.
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How much does fixing a trunk cable cost?
Best in Automotive Repair Trunk release cable replacement typically costs between $154 and $182. The cost of labor is expected to be between $106 and $133, while the cost of parts is $49.
Without a key, how do you open the trunk on a Toyota Corolla?
Use the trunk release lever on the driver’s side of your Toyota Corolla to open the trunk quickly and easily. Use a slim jim to get into your automobile if you’ve locked yourself out of the cabin as well. You can also call a locksmith.
Without a key, how do you open a trunk from the outside?
Oops! Fortunately, as long as that isn’t locked, too, you can use the trunk release button or lever inside your car to open the trunk without a key.
The best approach to open the trunk if you’ve completely locked yourself out of the car is still through the cabin. To open your automobile door, you have two options: call a locksmith or use a slim jim.
Most auto parts stores sell slim jims, often known as lock picks. To utilize it to retrieve your keys from the trunk, follow these steps:
- Between the window and the window trim, press the pick down.
- With the pick, search the area for a rod.
- The automobile door should then open after using the pick to raise the rod.
- Now look inside your car for the lever or button that releases the trunk.
- To unlock the trunk, push or pull the lock.
Therefore, you have a few options if you’ve locked your keys in the trunk. If you’re locked out of the trunk as well, you can either use a slim jim by following the methods above, call roadside help, or open the trunk using the trunk release button or lever in the cabin.
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Without a key, how do you open the trunk of a car?
Seats should be folded. Your vehicle might feature fold-down rear seats if it lacks a trunk release button. If that’s the case, all you have to do to get to the keys is fold the seats back and squeeze into the trunk.
How can I tell if the latch on my trunk is broken?
When activated, a trunk lock actuator emits an unique “clicking” sound. One of the main problems with this gadget is that sometimes the motor will function, but the locking mechanism won’t. One of the many parts of a locking mechanism inside an actuator is a linkage system that, when the actuator is turned on, manually moves the lock to the open position. On rare occasions, the electronic wire attached to the linkage may come loose or the linkage itself may sustain damage. When you press the button within your car’s cab or the fob remote, the trunk lock should spring up. If it doesn’t, get in touch with a mechanic so they can figure out what’s wrong and fix it as quickly as possible.
Why won’t the trunk of my car open?
Try these techniques if your trunk won’t open to see if you can get it to do it on its own and avoid calling a locksmith. Be careful not to damage the locking mechanism while testing things out as this could require expensive repairs.
If your trunk won’t open, one of the first things you can do is give it another go. In this case, the trunk latch may have become caught as a result of dirt and debris getting lodged on it or as a result of the rubber from the trunk adhering to the lid itself. It will take extra force to open this, giving the impression that the lid is stuck. You can attempt to access your trunk from inside your car if opening it with a bit more power the second time doesn’t work.
Try opening the trunk from the inside of the car if you are unable to do so using the external lock. Use the manual release lever, which is often found on the car’s driver side. If it doesn’t work, see if you can remove or fold down the back seats to gain access to the trunk. If this is successful, you will have to squeeze yourself inside the trunk and pull the release lever to open it. It is vital to note that this procedure might not work if the trunk’s lock is damaged, in which case a trip to a service center or locksmith is necessary.
Even though you can try various do-it-yourself tricks to try and open your trunk, it’s vital to remember that some of these may wind up doing more harm to your car. In light of this, you ought to refrain from attempting to open your trunk unless you have easy access to your car. If you don’t and your keys are in the car, we strongly advise getting in touch with your auto insurance company or your automobile’s preferred servicing facility for assistance. If there is a locksmith within driving distance, you can also go to them and ask them to assist you in unlocking your car or trunk. In either case, hiring experts is still your best course of action even though their services can be pricey.
A car trunk can a locksmith open?
Request A Locksmith Nevertheless, regardless of who you call, be aware that not all technicians offer locked keys in trunk services for all vehicles.
My trunk can AAA unlock it?
Yes, AAA’s roadside assistance program will pay a locksmith if your keys get locked in your car. In addition to locksmith services, AAA roadside help also offers other services including jump starts, winching, and changing flat tires.
If you become locked out of your car and do not have roadside assistance, AAA will not pay for a locksmith. In such situation, you’ll need to find a locksmith on your own and pay for them directly.
A trunk lock can you pick?
I’m sorry you locked your keys in the trunk, but there isn’t a reliable way to open a car trunk lock without causing harm to the automobile. To reach the trunk, you should either call a locksmith or open a different door.
You can pry the lock open with a screwdriver if you don’t mind causing damage or replacing the lock. You may also use a slim jim, which you can get from most auto parts stores.
With a slim jim, access the trunk as follows:
- Swipe the slim jim’s hook end between the trim at the handle and the passenger-side glass.
- Find the lock rod that joins the handle to the locking mechanism by feeling around.
- Pull up while securing the thin jim to the rod. The door ought to be unlocked after you hear a click.
- Alternately, you can fold down the back seats and use the emergency release lever to open the trunk by unlocking the other doors and opening it normally.
Remember that not all vehicles can be repaired with slim jims, and even if they can, you risk damaging the vehicle. The best way to open the trunk is typically to hire a locksmith, and if your automobile insurance includes towing and labor coverage, the visit might even be paid for.
Finally, utilize Jerry, a free insurance comparison app that shops for low costs with more than 50 different insurance companies, to discover an insurance policy that includes towing and labor coverage or just to make sure you’re not overpaying for coverage. You may make adjustments at any time, receive prices instantly, and text an agent with any queries you may have.
Can a slim jim be applied to a Toyota Corolla?
Only in extreme cases is it advised to unlock your Toyota Corolla using a slim jim. But even a beginner do-it-yourselfer should be able to do the task if you don’t want to spend money on a locksmith. Simply adhere to these guidelines to slim jim your car.
- Shop for a slim jim at your neighborhood car parts store.
- To make the slim jim more readily grab the lock mechanism, slightly bend it.
- Between the window and the door, slide the slim jim.
- The bottom of the slim jim should be directed toward the lock mechanism by turning it at an angle. It can require several attempts before you feel the lock mechanism.
- The door should unlock as you approach.
In the future, you might want to think about adding roadside assistance or towing and labor coverage to your auto insurance plan. If you do lock yourself out of your automobile, these tools may be useful. Download the Jerry app to compare quotes and save as much money as you can, though, if your insurance provider doesn’t provide it.
Jerry assists you in finding and comparing rates from more than 50 leading suppliers in minutes as a licensed broker. Jerry can assist you in purchasing new insurance for your Toyota Corolla and even in canceling your existing policy when you discover a lower rate.