How to Open a Locked Car Trunk Without a Key: A Safe Step-by-Step Guide
Published Date: Nov 26, 2025
Locked out of your trunk with no key in sight? Whether your fob battery died or your keys got trapped in the trunk, this guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through safe and practical ways to regain access without causing damage. This guide will show you how to open a locked car trunk without a key using reliable, vehicle-friendly methods. And if time’s tight or you’d rather avoid DIY, Sure Lock & Key automotive locksmiths are trained to handle situations just like this.
Step 1: Try Built-In Trunk Access Options
Most cars come with built-in ways to open the trunk — even when you don’t have the key in hand. These are the safest and quickest options, so start here before considering tools or external help.
Use the Trunk Release Button:
Check common areas like the dashboard, driver-side door panel, glove box, or center console for a trunk release button location. Even if the car doors are locked, some models allow access to the trunk via this button. Note: It may not work if your battery is dead or disconnected.Try the Emergency Trunk Release Lever:
Nearly all modern vehicles include a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release lever inside the trunk itself. If you can get inside the cabin and access the trunk, this lever will open it from the inside — no key needed. This feature was designed specifically for lockouts and safety emergencies.Fold Down the Rear Seats:
If your back seats fold forward, you may be able to reach into the trunk area manually. Look for latches at the top of the rear seats or buttons near the headrests. Once the seat is down, you can attempt to unlock the car trunk from the inside using the emergency release or by reaching the latch directly.
Step 2: Check for Power or Remote Issues
If your car relies on electronics for trunk access, a dead battery or unresponsive key fob could be the problem. Here’s how to troubleshoot it.
Test or Replace the Key Fob:
Try unlocking the trunk via your key fob. If it doesn’t respond, the battery might be dead. Swapping the battery or using your backup fob can fix the issue. Sometimes the fob may unlock the doors but not the trunk — in that case, move on to other steps.Jump-Start the Car:
Some vehicles require battery power for the trunk release to function. If the trunk won’t open, try jump-starting the vehicle with jumper cables or a portable power bank. Once the battery has enough power, use the interior release button or your key fob again.
Step 3: Try Entering Through the Cabin
If you can’t access the trunk directly, try reaching it from inside the vehicle cabin. Many sedans and hatchbacks allow partial access from the backseat area.
Unlock the Doors First:
If the entire car is locked, you’ll need to open a door first. Check out our guide on how to open car doors without a key, which includes safe DIY options. Getting inside the cabin might give you the leverage to reach the trunk manually.Access the Trunk from the Inside:
Once you’re in the car, fold down the rear seats if possible. Slide through and look for the emergency release or manual latch. Be patient — in some models, this space is tight, but it’s often the only way to access the trunk if the battery and fob fail.
Step 4: Call for Professional Help
If none of the above methods work or you’re in a rush, calling for help is your safest option. Not all services are equal, so choose wisely.
Try Roadside Assistance:
Roadside assistance can sometimes handle car trunk lockouts, but be aware that they may use basic tools and won’t guarantee no damage. Wait times can be long, and they might not have experience with your car model. It’s a decent fallback, but not always reliable.Call a Trusted Automotive Locksmith:
For safe, emergency trunk opening, a professional locksmith is often the fastest, cleanest solution. At Sure Lock & Key, we respond quickly to emergency calls and provide expert, damage-free car lockout service — so you’re not stuck waiting.
Step 5: Prevent Trunk Lockouts in the Future
Once you’ve resolved the issue, take a few minutes to prepare for next time. It doesn’t take much to avoid a repeat lockout.
We recommend always carrying a spare key or storing one in a hidden magnetic box. For more advice, check out these car lockout prevention tips — they’re especially useful for busy drivers. You might also consider investing in one or two must‑have car lockout tools, like a long-reach grabber or trim wedge.
Reliable Help for Trunk Lockouts: Sure Lock & Key Has You Covered
Learning how to open a car trunk without a key is helpful, but sometimes DIY just isn’t enough. Whether you’ve got keys locked in the trunk, dead electronics, or trunk release problems, our expert team is ready to step in. Sure Lock & Key has decades of experience handling every kind of vehicle lockout — quickly, professionally, and without causing damage. Call us now to get help with your car trunk lockout — fast, safe, and stress-free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to open a car trunk from the inside?
If your back seats fold down, you can crawl into the trunk and pull the emergency trunk release lever to open it manually.
How to open a Crown Victoria trunk without a key?
Try using the interior release button or backseat access. If that fails, a locksmith can open the trunk without damage.
How to open a Lincoln Town Car trunk without a key?
First, check for a dashboard release button. If that doesn’t work, consider backseat access or calling a professional locksmith.
How to open a Hyundai Accent trunk without a key?
Look for the remote release near the driver’s seat or try it through the cabin. If that fails, how can I open my car trunk without a key becomes a question for a pro.
How to open a Honda City trunk without a key?
If your fob or manual release fails, try entering via the backseat or use the internal trunk lever, if available.