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Trunk release switch not working, how to open trunk from inside the car so I can replace the switch?

8.3K views 44 replies 18 participants last post by  Eric1704  
#1 ·
The trunk release button on my 2023 Bolt EUV stopped working 2 days ago, feels like the button is stuck in the depressed position. I went to remove the button assembly to fix/replace it and realized I have to open the trunk to do so. Is there a manual trunk release mechanism somewhere inside the rear hatch so I can open it and get to work?
 
#2 ·
Can't really answer your question - hasn't happened to me.
But I'd try some simple(r) things first - before taking some drastic
actions; disassembling the hatch, etc.

1. Push on the hatch shut - to make sure it's completely closed.
This might reset the release button.

2. I know the hatch should release - if the key fob is nearby.
But you can also hit the unlock button on the door/fob - to make
sure the hatch is unlocked.

3. Fuse.
 
#8 · (Edited)
So I got the hatch open, took off the interior panels and got the switch assembly out. Upon removing it the switch housing fell away from the switch itself. I looked at the housing and 3 of the 4 clips that hold the actual switch into the assembly are missing, so the switch itself was recessing up into the assembly instead of being pressed since it had nothing holding it in place. I can't imagine how these could have broken, as the trunk button isn't exactly something you can be aggressive with. Now I have to decide if I should put it all back together, take it to chevy so they can (hopefully) find this problem, then fix it under warranty. Or if I should just try to find the part and fix it myself. The part has "PN: BLL62220" on it but this is not showing up online anywhere.

Image


Seems like its part number 19. Might also be the handle assembly part number 20. Either way its supposedly a sub 20 dollar fix. Honestly seeing the part is so cheap for the actual switch I think I am going to just epoxy this together and forget about it. If it ever breaks again I will fix it properly.
 
#12 ·
Epoxied it back together and it works perfectly. Seems to be a weak part or maybe I did something funky once that broke 3/4 clips 😂

Hopefully this helps someone one day, all I could find online from years of threads was that it's impossible to open the trunk from the inside 🤷
Solid work, congrats…
 
#23 ·
I checked my other EV and it's even easier. It has a clearly labeled slot with an illustration and an arrow that you stick a pocket knife in and slide to the side.
 
#26 ·
I saw that. I was dumbfounded. I guess if you're too thick to pull on that obvious release handle ... You know ... the one Tesla drivers keep having to tell their new passengers NOT to use. And the TV people were just as clueless. I guess this is why they have to warn people to not use their hair dryer in the bathtub.
 
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#32 · (Edited)
This thread concerns me somewhat. What if I were involved in an accident where my 23 EUV ended up going into a lake? The weight of the battery and the motor(in front) would likely mean the car would sink to the bottom front first. The available air pocket would be available at the rear hatch area, while the only egress is at one of the doors which would be locked with no way to pull up the tab to release the lock to allow the doors to be opened.
 
#34 ·
This thread concerns me somewhat. What if I were involved in an accident where my 23 EUV ended up going into a lake? The weight of the battery and the motor(in front) would likely mean the car would sink to the bottom front first. The available air pocket would be available at the rear hatch area, while the only egress is at one of the doors which would be locked with no way to pull up the lock to release the lock to allow the doors to be opened.
If the car is submerged, it's impossible to open any door without first breaking the glass or (if you can) opening the window a little bit.
Being Trapped in a Car Underwater Is a Nightmare, But There Are Ways to Escape

And it would sink somewhat nose downward, but could land in any orientation.
 
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