What To Do If Your Chevy Malibu Trunk Won’t Open
If your Chevy Malibu trunk won’t open, the most common cause is a blown fuse. If your fuses look good, a few other problems can cause this issue.
Written by John Davis
Reviewed by Lisa Steuer McArdle
If your Chevy Malibu trunk won't open, the problem is likely due to a blown fuse. Depending on your car's model year, you'll need to replace a fuse from the engine fuse box or the interior cabin fuse box.
However, a blown fuse is only one of several things that might prevent you from opening your trunk. A different electrical malfunction, a faulty latch, or a damaged keyfob can all result in a stuck trunk. The best way to fix this problem is to take your car to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair, but you might be able to save yourself a little cash by investigating the issue yourself first.
Fortunately,
Jerry
, the trustworthy insurance comparison app
, is here to help if your Chevy Malibu trunk won't open. We'll cover the common causes and their fixes so you can get into your trunk and rest easy. We'll even discuss some ways to save money on Chevy Malibu insurance costs
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What to do if your Chevy Malibu trunk won't open
Being locked out of your car's trunk is frustrating, especially if you left something important inside that you urgently need. And while the best way to fix this issue properly is to visit a mechanic, you might be able to save a little money by doing some troubleshooting on your own—the fix might turn out to be quick and straightforward.
Most common cause: a blown fuse
Various issues can cause your car's trunk to get stuck shut. But for Chevy Malibu owners, the most common cause of this problem is a blown fuse.
For ninth-generation Chevy Malibus, you'll want to check fuse number six in the engine compartment fuse box. This is a 10-amp fuse located on the bottom left of the fuse block.
Some ninth-gen Malibu owners also report that the body control fuses—numbers F5, F10, F20, and F41—are occasionally to blame for a stuck trunk. These fuses are located in the interior cabin fuse box.
If you own an older-generation Chevy Malibu, you'll need to check the interior fuse box located on the driver's side. Fuses eight and 16 are tied to the trunk and commonly cause it to get stuck shut.
You can use a test light or a multimeter to inspect the condition of your car's fuses. Alternatively, you can visually inspect them for damage—just be sure to handle the fuses with care, as they are delicate and easily broken.
Other possible causes
If you inspect your fuses and find them to be in good condition, but your trunk still won't open, there are a few other issues that might be to blame. Let's look at some of the other potential problems that might cause your Chevy Malibu trunk to get stuck shut:
- A different electrical malfunction. If the fuses look good, another electrical problem could be preventing you from opening your trunk. A faulty relay, a bad wiring harness, or a malfunctioning actuator can all result in a stuck trunk.
- Damaged keyfob. If your keyfob won't open the trunk, it might be damaged or need new batteries.
- Faulty trunk latch. If you can hear the actuator trying to open the trunk, but it still won't move, the trunk latch itself might be broken.
If you believe that one of these issues is to blame for your locked trunk, the best move is to take your car to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair. A trained technician will inspect all of the areas in your car that can cause this problem and will fix the issue properly.
How to manually open a Chevy Malibu trunk
While the best way to get into your stuck trunk is to let a mechanic fix the problem, it's not an immediate solution. And what if you urgently need to get an item out of your trunk? Well, depending on your model year, you might be able to access the trunk with relative ease.
You can fold down the rear seats in older model Chevy Malibus and access the trunk from within the cabin. From there, you can even crawl into the trunk and use the emergency release lever to open the trunk lid.
But unfortunately, that method does not work for ninth-generation Malibus. That's because, to fold down the seats in a newer Malibu, you must pull the seat releases, which are located in the trunk.
If you absolutely must get into the trunk of your ninth-generation Malibu, there is no way to do so without potentially damaging the vehicle. You could remove the rear seat cushions and attempt to pry the seatbacks up, giving you enough room to probe the trunk release with a broom or long tool. However, this may not work, and you may cause significant damage while trying to pry up the seatbacks.
Instead, the best thing to do is let a mechanic fix the issue for you. The professionals will have the skills and tools to access your trunk without damaging it.
Don't get ripped off!
Don't get ripped off!
Estimate repairs near you with GarageGuard™ for free so you KNOW the fair price.
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Cost of trunk repair for a Chevy Malibu
If your Chevy Malibu needs a trunk repair, the cost will vary depending on your location and the nature of the problem.
If you have a blown fuse, it could cost as little as $5 for a replacement. And if you do it yourself, you won't have to pay for a technician's labor.
If you need a replacement latch, it's going to cost you a bit more. An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part will run you around $181 from the
Chevy parts store
. When you add in the labor costs, you're looking at a grand total of approximately $300. However, if you only need a
trunk latch adjustment
with no replacement parts, you'll probably only need to pay for the cost of labor. In this case, you should expect a bill of around $100, depending on your location and the shop's labor rates. In the worst-case scenario, you'll need a completely new trunk lid following physical damage. For this repair, the part alone costs nearly $700! That's why it's essential to protect yourself from bills like this by making sure your car insurance plan includes
collision insurance
and comprehensive coverage
. How to save on Chevy Malibu insurance
While we're speaking of
car insurance
, it's important to note that not all policies are the same, and you may be overpaying for yours. Regularly shopping around and comparing rates is the best way to ensure that you're getting the best deal without sacrificing coverage.Luckily, shopping for insurance is no longer a tedious hassle, thanks to the trusted broker app
Jerry
. When you download the Jerry app, you'll gain instant access to a team of licensed professionals who will do the hard work for you. All you have to do is answer a few quick questions and wait around 45 seconds to start viewing great rates from dozens of today's best-rated providers. "I was paying roughly $180 a month for insurance, butJerryhooked me up with an Allstate full coverage plan for only $89! I'm so glad I trusted Jerry to find me a better plan." —David A.
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