Recently, a lot of folks struggled when trying to open the rear trunk (not the Tesla front trunk). It either does not open via app, screen, or other keys or opens up halfway.
Well, the Tesla trunk won’t open due to a couple of reasons. For instance, if a software update is on the way, you’ve turned on Drive Door Unlock Mode, the clinch motor goes bad, or trunk wirings are broken.
No need to worry about this! In this guide, I’ll break down all the root reasons along with the fixes so you can understand this better before repairing it. Here I Go!
Why Is Your Tesla Trunk Not Opening?
There could be a few reasons why the back trunk won’t open, even if you’ve tried everything. Before I tell you the solutions, let’s check out all the possible causes:
Cause #1: Software Issue
The software bug can cause the rear trunk to not open halfway or fully. In that case, you’ll need to reset the car, download the car’s software, and install the software in the mobile app.
Cause #2: Activated Driver Door Unlock Mode
If your Tesla Model 3 trunk not opening (or other series) unless you use the open button in the mobile app, it may occur when you turn on Driver Door Unlock Mode. To get rid of this issue, simply turn this option off.
Cause #3: Damaged Cinch Motor
In most cases, the bad clinch motor or actuator in the tailgate is what makes the trunk issue on the Tesla Model Y, S, X, and 3 cars. If this happens, you’ll need to contact the TSC to replace the part under warranty or at $800 – $1,000 bucks. Or, simply change it by yourself.
Cause #4: Broken Wiring Harness of Trunk
The Tesla trunk not opening with button, screen, or other keys usually happens due to worn out or torn apart wiring harness. You can resolve this issue by changing the wiring harness of the rear trunk with a professional’s help.
Read this guide to know why the Tesla’s front trunk not opening and how you can troubleshoot the issue.
How to Fix Tesla Trunk Won’t Open Manually?
After finding the root reasons, it’s now time to get familiar with the solutions. Let me share the way you can fix the problem of the rear trunk not opening:
Fix #1: Reset and Install the Software
- Reset the Car: Hold the 2 scroll buttons on the steering wheel or yoke for ten seconds. After doing this, you can power off the car and then wait for 2 minutes before pressing the brake pedal.
- Update Software in the Car: Using the car’s screen, go to Controls > Software > Update Available > Software Update. Then, let it download fully.
- Install New Software in the Mobile App: In your phone, open the Tesla App and hit Software Update > Install or Yes.
Fix #2: Turn Off Driver Door Unlock Mode
To disable the Drive Door Unlock Mode on your car, the procedure is a little different. In your Model X or S car, you’ll need to go to Controls > Vehicle > Drive Door Unlock Mode. And then, hit on the slider (make it grey).
However, if you have Model 3 or Y cars, then go to Controls > Lock > Drive Door Unlock Mode (right below the Walk-Away Door Lock). Next, turn it off by clicking on the slider.
Fix #3: Change Clinch Motor
To replace the part, you’ll need to approach the rear trunk through the back seats. For that, just fold the backseats of the rear-row seats and crawl inside the rear trunk. After that, do the following steps:
Step 1: Open the Liftgate Up
To begin with, take out the right coverage of the rear trunk. At this time, use a T20 or T25 Torx screwdriver to take out the Torx screw below the plastic to release the fabric coverage.
You’ll now be able to see the two controllers where the rear box is a black socket (located below). After that, pull out the black socket from the power liftgate module and do it until the liftgate opens up.
Step 2: Remove the Plastic Parts
Then, you’ll need to detach parcel shelf supports, headliner side bolsters (around the trunk opening area), bridge plastic trim (above the lift gate), and side vertical plastic trims (on the sides of the liftgate).
Next, loosen up the top of the rear plastic trim from the lift gate. Keep in mind this part won’t fully come out as it’s attached to the handle inserts below the lift gate.
After that, use the same tool that you’ve used before to detach the two Torx bolts on the sides. That way you can remove the big plastic coverage. In this case, you’ll need to take out the door handles using the pry bar and control the wire inside.
Step 3: Remove and Install New Clinch Motor
Now, use a paperclip to push the button and then take out the speaker socket. Then, locate the problematic clinch motor which is behind the plastic trim above the liftgate opening area.
Next, unhook the Bowden cable from the puller arm of the clinch motor and then unscrew the 3 Torx screws with the suitable screwdriver.
After that, insert the new clinch motor and test if the liftgate functions or not. And then, reinstall all the parts.
Fix #4: Change Trunk Wiring Harness
To do that, you’ll need the help of an expert like Tesla Service Center to get it repaired properly. As this task involves electrical workings, it’s best to do it via a skilled technician instead of trying at home.
How Can You Manually Open a Tesla Trunk?
To open the Tesla rear trunk manually, you can do it using the low-voltage power socket or mechanical release latch (based on the car series). Here’s how to do it yourself:
In Model 3
You’ll find the mechanical release latch that illuminates, located inside the rear trunk. Using this latch, you can open the rear trunk with no electrical power or in a critical situation.
To use it, simply press and hold this button in the direction of the arrow. Then, push the rear trunk while pressing the same button to open the trunk.
In Model Y
Inside the left side of the rear trunk, you’ll find the low-voltage power socket that helps to open up the trunk in urgent cases.
To use it, ensure to fold the cargo cover if you can while inside the rear-row seat. After that, hit the socket for a while and the rear trunk should open up.
Be sure to learn the Model Y trunk dimensions if you are planning to add a new cargo cover by reading this guide.
In Model S
There is an interior release switch to open up the trunk in 2012 – 2020 Model S cars that are located inside the rear trunk. But this switch won’t work if your car isn’t equipped with a Tesla Rear Facing Child Seat.
To use it, you’ll need to press one time to unlock the rear trunk and then hit the button again to open it up.
In Model X
You’ll find the mechanical release latch in the 2015 – 2020 manufactured Model X cars. It glows for several hours and is located inside the rear trunk.
To use it, take out the cover of this latch and pull its bottom edge firmly toward your direction. Next, pull the cable to release the latch and push the rear trunk to open it up.
Overall Thoughts
Resolving the Tesla trunk not opening won’t take longer if you are able to follow the instructions carefully without skipping a bit.
However, you’ll need expert help to change the wiring harness of the trunk which may cost around a little if not under warranty.
Hope you find this content helpful in fixing the issue of the rear trunk and I’ll see you with a new guide soon. Goodbye!
