Why does my trunk open when I start my car?
By
Vroomouk
In this article, we will be addressing the “Why does my trunk open when I start my car” problem. Many car owners face a problem where the car’s trunk opens automatically without pulling the release lever present inside the vehicle. Thus, opening the trunk automatically can be caused due to different reasons.
The cars that face the trunk issue are opening automatically fault the trunk opening mechanism. THe trunk mechanism in a vehicle consists of different parts such as the latch, striker, release cable, release lever and hydraulic tubes. Therefore, the fault can be in any of the components of the trunk, which is causing the trunk to open automatically. The various problems in the trunk mechanism are mentioned below.
Why does my trunk open when I start my car?
The reason behind the trunk opening on starting the car is as follows:-
- Internal failure in the latch assembly
- Misalignment of the trunk striker
- Misalignment of latch due to collision
- The release cable is rusted.
- The electric solenoid is damaged.
Internal failure in the latch assembly
The trunk of a car is held in its locked position because the striker present on the trunk lid is locked in the latch. The latch consists of a complex mechanical mechanism. The latch mechanism can get easily damaged due to rusting, which will reduce the strength of the latch and hence the tailgate won’t grip properly on the latch.
In a situation where the latch doesn’t properly hold the trunk lid, there are chances that the trunk opens automatically. Thus to avoid such a situation, you need to replace the trunk latch. The procedure to change the trunk latch varies from one vehicle to another.
Misalignment of the trunk striker
The trunk striker is the component that holds the trunk lid in a closed position. However, the trunk striker can get easily damaged or misaligned due to a dent in the vehicle’s rear portion or the hard closing of the trunk lid. Therefore due to the misalignment of the trunk striker, there are chances that the trunk might open automatically.
To fix the problem of a misaligned trunk striker, you can either loosen the bolts on the trunk striker and bring it back to the original position or straighten the striker by applying force on it with the help of a screwdriver.
Misalignment of latch due to collision
Similar to the striker getting misaligned from its original position due to collision, there are chances that the latch on the vehicle gets misaligned. If the latch gets misaligned from its original position, then there are chances that the trunk will open automatically.
Because with the trunk latch misaligned, the latch won’t grab the striker properly. Therefore in such a situation, you first need to remove the dent present around the latch and then examine the latch for damages. If the latch is damaged, you need to replace the latch.
The release cable is rusted.
Rusting is a frustrating problem. Because due to dusting, the component loses its strength. Thus, once the strength of the cable is reduced, there are chances that the cable won’t be able to actuate the latch properly. Thus, if the latch doesn’t actuate properly, the trunk lid will automatically open. Therefore, if your vehicle’s release cable is rusted, you need to replace the release cable.
Changing release cable can be challenging; hence, a professional mechanic advises getting the release cable changed.
The electric solenoid is damaged.
In some vehicles, the trunk is opened by using the electric solenoid, which is present in the vehicle’s trunk. The electric solenoid locks and unlocks the trunk of the vehicle. However, suppose the vehicle trunk opens by itself on starting the vehicle. In that case, the problem may lie in the electric trunk solenoid because the trunk solenoid consists of an electric circuit. This circuit can get damaged due to a short circuit which and hence the trunk might open automatically.
Conclusion
This article addressed the “Why does my trunk open when I start my car” problem. To address the issue in a detailed manner, we have explained the various problems that can automatically cause the car trunk to open. In addition, we have also explained the various ways in which you can fix the problems on the vehicle trunk.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs): Why does my trunk open when I start my car
Can a car trunk open on its own?
Yes, a car trunk can open on its own. However, the opening of the car trunk on its own depends on the part which has gone faulty in the trunk assembly.
Why won’t my trunk stay closed?
If the trunk on the vehicle is not staying closed, then there are chances that the trunk’s latch has become faulty. If the latch has turned faulty, you need to change the trunk’s latch.
Why does a trunk open when I unlock the car?
If your car has an intelligence key fob, then there are chances that the trunk will automatically unlock when the trunk release button located below or above the license plate is pressed.
How much does it cost to change the trunk latch?
Changing the trunk latch on different vehicles can cost you between $278 to $363. However, the final price depends on the car’s make, model and which part is damaged.
