If your 2016 Chevy Malibu trunk won’t open, there might be a problem with the key fob, the trunk latch, or a different electrical component of your car. You can try a few simple fixes to get it working again on your own, but you may need a mechanic if you’re dealing with an advanced electrical issue.
No one likes unexpected car trouble—especially one as hindering as a stuck trunk! You can always try troubleshooting problems at home, but it may be time to schedule an appointment with your mechanic if it’s too complicated for a DIY fix.
Fortunately, Jerry
, the trusted car insurance
comparison app, is here with a quick guide to help you figure out how to get your Malibu trunk open. Plus, we’ll show you how to save money on your Chevrolet Malibu insurance costs
, so keep reading! What to do if your 2016 Chevy Malibu trunk won’t open
Since the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu doesn’t have valet mode or an automatic liftgate, there aren’t as many things that can go wrong with the trunk. That being said, here are some of the most likely problems if the trunk on your ‘16 Malibu won’t open.
Possible causes
If you can’t open the trunk using the button on the trunk latch, on the key fob, or from inside the Malibu, you’re probably dealing with a broken part or electrical problem. Here are a few possible causes to look for:
Broken key fob: If you can open the trunk using the switches on the driver-side door or the trunk itself, the fob itself might be broken.
Dead battery on the key fob: If you can open the trunk using the button on the trunk latch, but you can’t get the fob to do anything, like lock or unlock the car doors, the fob probably has a dead battery.
Faulty door switch: If only your key fob will open the trunk, the interior button or switch on the trunk itself could be broken.
Electrical malfunction: A blown fuse, failing actuator, or faulty wiring harness could be to blame for your trunk issue.
Broken latch: If you can hear the actuator working but the trunk lid still isn’t unlocking, the trunk latch itself may be broken.
Misaligned latch: If part of the trunk looks visibly higher or not flush, the trunk parts might need a trunk latch adjustment
.
While you could take the fob to a hardware store or dealership and get a new battery, the other problems are best fixed by an automotive diagnostic specialist. Head to your local VW dealership where they’ll inspect the door locks, fuse box, electrical systems, and any other components that could be at the bottom of your trunk troubles.
How to manually open a 2016 Chevy Malibu trunk
If you can’t wait to get your Chevy Malibu to a mechanic, you can use a manual release button from inside the trunk to get it open. Sounds crazy, right? All you need is a flathead screwdriver. (A flashlight can be handy, too!)
Slide the flathead screwdriver between the back seats where they meet the trunk. You should be able to feel the center of the metal latch with the end of the screwdriver. Work the tip of the screwdriver 45 degrees until you hear the latch click. Then, lower the back seats so you can crawl back toward the trunk.
Look at the upper right corner of the trunk to find the emergency trunk release handle. It has a picture of a trunk springing open with a person jumping out of it—really! Pull on the handle and the trunk should pop open. Don’t forget to push the emergency trunk release back into place when you’re done.
Manually opening the trunk is useful if you lock your keys into the trunk or your car battery dies and you can’t use the button on the trunk itself.
Cost of trunk repair for 2016 Chevy Malibu
The cost of fixing your Chevy Malibu’s trunk depends on the exact problem and labor costs for your location.
For example, if you’re buying a replacement lock latch, it will set you back $140 if you buy it from the Chevy parts store
. But, the price of labor might add a few hundred dollars to your bill. If you need a new trunk latch release cable
, you’re looking at only around $40 before labor. If the mechanic doesn’t have to replace parts, like if you’re Malibu simply needs a trunk latch adjustment, you’ll only have to pay for labor. Expect to pay around $100 or less depending on the location and the dealership.
Because the 2016 Chevy Malibu’s trunk doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles that can be expensive to repair, it’s usually pretty affordable to maintain. However, if your Malibu is in a collision and the trunk is really damaged, a new trunk will cost you over $525 for the part alone. This is why it’s so important to have a good Chevrolet insurance policy that has collision insurance
and comprehensive coverage
. MORE: Are Chevrolets expensive to maintain?
How to save on Chevy Malibu insurance
Although the Malibu is typically cheaper to insure than most Chevys, you can always save more! After all, saving on Chevrolet car insurance costs
means you have money for those pesky trunk repairs. It’s this simple: download the free Jerry
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Saved $725 annually
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