Nissan Altima Trunk Won’t Open: Causes And Tips!

Have you ever encountered this problem: your Nissan Altima trunk won’t open despite your best efforts?

This problem is relatively common, but not everyone knows how to deal with it. This can confuse you, especially when you are in a hurry.

Don’t worry! As you’ve landed at the right place. We’re here to help you discover the causes and how to fix them. If you’re ready, let’s get started!

Nissan Altima Trunk Won’t Open: Causes And Solutions 

nissan altima trunk won't open
Causes And Solutions When Nissan Altima Trunk Won’t Open

When you see the trunk won’t open Nissan Altima,  some hidden issues are at play:

  • Locked keys in the trunk
  • Non-responsive key fob
  • Broken trunk lock
  • Damaged trunk cable

While it won’t apply to all cases, they are worth your consideration and consideration.

Locked Keys In Trunk

Do you see the 2013 Nissan Altima trunk won’t open? There could be a locked key!

We’ve all had our forgetful moments, which sometimes means that your trunk won’t open or that you accidentally left your keys inside.

Either way, there isn’t much you can do about it. The trunk release is located next to the driver’s seat. If you’re lucky, your car will still be unlocked, allowing you to reach your keys.

Non-Responsive Key Fob

An unresponsive key fob is another potential cause when your 2008 Nissan Altima trunk won’t opening, even though this is a rare occurrence, especially for much older cars.

Newer Nissan Altima models with innovative technology may make it impossible for you to reach the trunk when it malfunctions, particularly if there is no slot to insert the key to unlocking the trunk.

To determine whether the trunk can be opened, try the manual release button on the front of the car, near the rear seat.

Broken Trunk Lock

The trunk lock actuator locks the doors and the trunk when you press the lock button on your release keys or inside the vehicle (under the glove box).

If pressing this button does not close any of the doors, the button’s battery is likely dead, or the switch is broken.

Its actuator is at fault when the button locks the doors but not the trunk. And this explains why the 2012 Nissan Altima trunk won’t open.

Damaged Trunk Cable

Some cars lack a handle on the trunk and can only be opened with a lever inside the car (or a button on the keys); or else, the 2013 Toyota Avalon trunk won’t open.

In this instance, you release the latch by pulling on a trigger instead of the trunk handle, which accesses the latch through a cable and is often found near the driver seat.

You won’t be able to open it if this cable is damaged since there will be no connection between the trunk opening driver side lever and the emergency trunk latch.

How To Diagnose? 

2015 nissan altima trunk won't open
How To Diagnose If Nissan Altima Trunk Won’t Open

When you see a 2015 Nissan Altima trunk won’t open or other models, you can diagnose this situation at home before driving it to the car service center:

  • Make sure the trunk is properly aligned first.
  • Verify the connectors’ voltage. When pressing the release trunk switch, if no 12 volts are detected, there can be a wiring issue.
  • The latching solenoid could be at fault if there are 12 volts present when the switch is depressed.
  • Replace the entire trunk latch assembly if the solenoid release switch is the source of the issue.
  • Change the blown fuse or rewire it when its wiring is damaged.

If you see your trunk is closed and vice versa, the trunk indicator senses it is open. This is due to a faulty microswitch inside the latch assembly. Replace the entire latch assembly to remedy this problem.

The trunk release lever outside the car won’t open the trunk: Some vehicles have a child safety lock-like anti-release lever that keeps the trunk from  opening from the outside using the trunk handle.

Its latch release mechanism linked to the outside lever may also be defective, which would explain why the 2010 Nissan Altima trunk won’t open. Resetting the lever is the solution.

FAQs

trunk wont open nissan altima
Some Frequently Asked When My Car Nissan Altima Trunk Won’t Open

How Much Does It Cost To Repair Nissan Altima Trunk?

The repair costs when the Nissan Altima trunk won’t open range from $150 to $250. The labor for this repair should call for between $100 and $150, and the part should cost between $60 and $120.

You will only be required to pay for labor cost (about $100 or less) if the remedy is labor-only, such as when you merely need to change the trunk latch. Repairs for trunks are typically rather inexpensive.

However, if the damage to your trunk is part of more significant damage, like damage sustained in an accident, the issue might become more pricey.

In certain circumstances, the cost of trunk repairs may exceed $750.

Why Can’t I Lock My Nissan Altima Trunk?

The trunk that can’t be unlocked is one thing, but what’s the main reason you can’t lock it?

In fact, the main reason why the trunk can’t open is also the reason why you can’t lock it. So, when you can’t lock it, pay attention to some of the main reasons we have mentioned above.

And you can find more information right here!

How To Open a Nissan Altima Trunk?

You can open your trunk with the two most common methods below:

Using your keys

  • If the key fob’s trunk release button is operational, press it. Typically, the box is controlled by a specific button on the key fob. This is a remote trunk release option, so when you push it, the trunk will open.
  • Use the car key to open the trunk lock if you don’t have power locks. The trunk should open after inserting the car’s key into the lock and turning it.
  • Most car models feature a trunk-opening button or lever on the dashboard or near the front seat. 
  • Pushing the trunk button or pulling the lever to open it is simple to do from the front seat.

Open with slim jim: DIY solution!

  • Swipe a slim jim‘s hook end between the trim and window. 
  • At the bottom, close the door handle and slide the tool down.
  • Lower the device to fit into the space between the door and window. When you feel the slim jim hook the rod, move it closer to the door handle.
  • With the slim jim, tighten the lock rod. After hooking the rod, slowly raise the slim jim to unlock the door.

Final Thoughts 

In short, you can diagnose and identify the main causes when the Nissan Altima trunk won’t open. What you should keep in mind is doing it step by step to avoid making more serious mistakes.

If you can’t, it would be better to get help from service technicians with expert tools at a car center.

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