{"id":21828,"date":"2024-11-08T08:26:48","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T16:26:48","guid":{"rendered":"\/wp-site\/?p=21828"},"modified":"2024-11-18T09:43:45","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T17:43:45","slug":"how-do-i-open-the-trunk-of-my-bmw-when-the-battery-is-dead","status":"publish","type":"car-repair","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/car-repair\/how-do-i-open-the-trunk-of-my-bmw-when-the-battery-is-dead\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Open the Trunk of my BMW When the Battery is Dead?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Question:<\/strong> The battery in my BMW is dead and my jumper cables are in my trunk. I\u2019ve always used the key fob to open the trunk, but now that isn\u2019t working. How do you open a BMW trunk while the battery is dead?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answer: <\/strong>If you don\u2019t have battery power to your BMW and need to open the trunk, you might have to get a little creative. Here\u2019s what we recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 1: Look for a key slot on the back of the car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Older BMWs\u2014typically those made before 2009\u2014usually have a slot for a mechanical key near the back of the car. This could be located on the panel near the license plate or under the rear emblem. To figure out if you have a key slot and where exactly you can find it, check your owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: <\/span>To find the mechanical key on your fob, turn it over and press the small button on the back. A panel will pop open\u2014release the mechanical key by pulling this panel.<\/span><\/div>
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Option 2: Access the trunk from the back seat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In many BMWs, you can fold down the center seat or the compartment in the center seat to get access to the trunk from the inside of your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your car is locked, use the mechanical key to open the front door, then reach back and manually unlock the rear door. From the back of the car, look for the folding console on the back center seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve opened that compartment, look for the trunk release lever. In some BMWs, it\u2019s yellow with a trunk emblem on it. You may have to crawl through the opening to reach the lever\u2014be aware that this can be a narrow fit, and it may be difficult if there are large items in your trunk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also check your owner\u2019s manual for more information about accessing the trunk from your back seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 3: Use jumper cables<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your battery is dead or even disconnected, you may still be able to open the trunk of your BMW by jumping the car. Open the hood using the hood release lever, then look for the red positive terminal in the engine compartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connect the positive (red) side of the jumper cables to the positive terminal and the negative side of the cables to a neutral ground terminal. Then, connect the other end of the cables to a power supply, like a portable battery charger or another vehicle\u2019s charged battery. Turn on the other power supply\u2014within seconds, you should be able to use the key fob to pop the trunk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 4: Apply power to the trunk lid solenoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have experience working with your car\u2019s electrical system, you may feel comfortable enough to pop the trunk by applying battery power to the solenoid that controls your trunk lid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find a wiring diagram for your BMW\u2019s specific model and year and locate the \u201cCentral locking drive, trunk lid\u201d solenoid. Then, access the junction box\u2014essentially the fuse panel\u2014where this solenoid is found. Depending on the model, you may have to remove panels and other components to reach the correct fuse panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you find the wire leading to the trunk lid solenoid, apply a charge to the wire from a 9V or 12V battery. To do this, connect a ground lead to the negative battery terminal and a positive lead to the positive battery terminal. Ground the negative lead, then touch the positive lead to the trunk lid solenoid wire. The charge will trigger the trunk to release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NEED TO KNOW: <\/span>If you\u2019re not comfortable working with electricity, don\u2019t attempt this yourself. Take your vehicle to a certified BMW dealership or an auto shop that specializes in BMWs and ask a technician to do this for you.<\/span><\/div>
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