Struggling to open your Jeep Cherokee’s trunk from inside? Whether you’re loading groceries, escaping a tight spot, or just need quick access without stepping out, knowing the exact steps can save you time and hassle.
You might think it’s complicated, but unlocking the trunk from inside your vehicle is easier than you imagine. In this guide, you’ll discover simple tricks and little-known features that let you pop open the trunk right from your driver’s seat or backseat.
Keep reading to unlock these easy methods and never get stuck again.
Knowing where the trunk release button is inside your Jeep Cherokee helps you open the trunk quickly. The location varies by model and year. It can be on the overhead console, the lower dashboard, or your key fob. Understanding these spots saves time and effort.
Look above the rearview mirror or near the sunroof controls. Many Jeep Cherokees have a button here with a small icon of an open trunk. Press this button once. The powered liftgate will open or close automatically. Make sure your doors are unlocked for it to work.
On some Jeep Cherokee models, the trunk release button sits on the lower left side of the steering wheel. This button also has a trunk symbol. Pressing it opens the trunk. Your vehicle must be unlocked for the button to respond. Check this area if you don’t see a button overhead.
Key Fob Trunk Release
The key fob often includes a trunk release button. It usually shows a trunk icon or a car with an open hatch. Press and hold this button for a few seconds. The trunk will pop open remotely. This option works even if you are outside the vehicle.
Using The Powered Liftgate Feature
The powered liftgate feature in the Jeep Cherokee offers a simple way to open the trunk from inside the vehicle. This function adds convenience, especially when your hands are full or in bad weather. It works smoothly with just a press of a button or a wave of your foot.
Using the powered liftgate saves time and effort. It provides easy access to the trunk without needing to leave your seat. This feature is designed for quick and safe operation, making your driving experience better.
Inside the Jeep Cherokee, find the powered liftgate button near the dashboard or overhead console. This button usually has a symbol of a car with an open trunk. Press it once to open the trunk automatically.
The vehicle’s doors must be unlocked for this button to work. After pressing, the liftgate will rise slowly, giving you access to the trunk. Press the button again to close the liftgate.
Hands-free Liftgate Activation
The Jeep Cherokee also offers hands-free liftgate activation. Stand behind the vehicle and wave your foot under the rear bumper. Sensors will detect the motion and open the trunk automatically.
This method is helpful when your hands carry heavy items. Make sure the key fob is nearby for the system to work. The hands-free feature adds ease and comfort to loading and unloading tasks.
Opening The Trunk With Rear Seat Access
Accessing the Jeep Cherokee trunk from inside often requires using the rear seat area. This method is helpful when the exterior trunk release is inaccessible. It involves folding down the rear seats and physically entering the trunk space.
This approach is practical for emergencies or when keys are lost. The process is straightforward and requires no special tools.
Folding Down Rear Seats
Start by locating the rear seat release levers. These are usually found at the top or side of the back seats. Pull the lever to unlock the seatback and fold it forward. Make sure the seat folds flat to create enough space. Clear any objects that might block the seat from folding fully. This step opens a pathway from the cabin to the trunk.
Crawling Into The Trunk
Once the seats are down, carefully climb through the gap. Move slowly to avoid damaging the interior. Inside the trunk, find the emergency release handle. It is often a glowing, T-shaped handle near the center bottom of the trunk door. Pull the handle firmly to open the trunk from the inside. This manual release bypasses any electronic lock systems.
This method ensures you can open the trunk without the key or remote. It also complies with safety regulations for emergency exits.
Emergency Mechanical Release
The Emergency Mechanical Release offers a manual way to open the Jeep Cherokee trunk from inside. This feature is important for safety, especially during power failures or if you get locked inside the trunk. It works without electricity and allows you to open the trunk by pulling a special release handle.
Finding The Release Handle
First, fold the rear seats forward to access the trunk area. Look at the inside bottom center of the trunk door. You will find a small, glowing handle or a cord designed for emergency use. This handle is usually T-shaped and easy to spot in low light. It stays hidden to avoid accidental opening but is simple to grab when needed.
Pulling The T-shaped Handle
Grab the T-shaped handle firmly and pull it toward you. This action mechanically releases the trunk latch. You will hear a click or feel the trunk door loosen. After pulling the handle, push the trunk door open from inside. This release bypasses the electronic lock, giving you a safe way out. Always remember to keep calm and pull the handle steadily.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Troubleshooting common issues when trying to open the Jeep Cherokee trunk from inside helps avoid frustration. Knowing simple fixes saves time and effort. Problems like power failure or unresponsive buttons can block access to the trunk.
Understanding the root cause guides you to the right solution. This section explains common problems and clear steps to fix them. Follow these tips to regain control and access your trunk smoothly.
Power Failure Scenarios
Power failures stop electronic controls from working. The trunk button inside the vehicle won’t respond. The key fob may also fail to open the trunk. This often happens when the car battery is dead or weak.
Check if other electrical parts work, like headlights or the radio. If they do not, the battery needs charging or replacement. Use a jump starter or call for roadside assistance.
During a power failure, use the mechanical emergency release. This is a glowing, T-shaped handle inside the trunk. Fold the rear seats down to reach it. Pull the handle to open the trunk manually.
Sometimes the trunk buttons inside the car or on the key fob stop working. This can be due to a locked door system or a blown fuse. Check if all doors are unlocked. The trunk release button will not work if doors remain locked.
Inspect the fuse box for any blown fuses related to the trunk release. Replace any blown fuses with the correct type. Also, test the key fob battery. A weak battery can cause the remote buttons to fail.
If buttons still do not work, try using the manual trunk release inside the trunk. Keep this method in mind for emergencies or power outages. Contact a mechanic if the problem persists or if the trunk release mechanism seems damaged.
Tips For Maintaining Trunk Accessibility
Keeping your Jeep Cherokee’s trunk easy to open from the inside ensures safety and convenience. Regular care helps prevent problems with the trunk release system. A few simple habits will keep the trunk working smoothly.
Check buttons and locks often to catch any issues early. Make sure the emergency release stays easy to reach and use. This way, you avoid getting stuck or facing trouble during power failures.
Test the trunk release buttons regularly. Press the button inside the vehicle and check the key fob’s trunk release. Make sure the buttons respond quickly and fully open the trunk.
Look for any signs of wear or damage. Clean dirt and dust from the buttons and locks. Lubricate the mechanical parts lightly to prevent rust and sticking. Replace faulty buttons or locks right away to avoid bigger problems.
Keeping Emergency Release Accessible
Locate the emergency release handle inside the trunk. This handle glows in the dark to help you find it quickly. Do not block or cover this handle with items or cargo.
Check the release handle often to ensure it moves freely. Test it by pulling gently to confirm it opens the trunk. Teach family members where it is and how to use it in emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Open A Jeep Cherokee Hatch From Inside?
Press the interior trunk release button near the rearview mirror or lower left dashboard. Unlock doors first. For emergencies, fold rear seats and pull the glowing handle inside the hatch to open mechanically.
Is There A Way To Open The Trunk From The Inside?
Yes, many Jeep Cherokees have an interior trunk release button near the rearview mirror or lower dashboard. If unavailable, fold rear seats and use the glowing emergency release handle inside the trunk to open it manually. Key fobs also often include a trunk release feature.
The trunk button on a Jeep Grand Cherokee is usually on the overhead console near the rearview mirror. Some models place it on the lower left side of the steering wheel. The button shows a Jeep icon with an open trunk.
Unlock doors first to use it.
How Do I Get Into My Trunk From The Backseat?
Fold down the rear seats to access the trunk. Locate and pull the glowing T-shaped emergency release handle inside the trunk to open it.
Conclusion
Opening the Jeep Cherokee trunk from inside is simple with the right steps. Use the dashboard button or your key fob for quick access. In emergencies, the glowing release handle lets you exit safely. Remember to check your model’s features, as locations vary.
Knowing these options keeps you prepared and stress-free. Try these easy tips next time you need to open the trunk from inside.
