Opening the trunk of your Jeep Cherokee 2017 might seem simple, but many drivers run into small issues—especially if they’re new to the vehicle or dealing with a full car of groceries. Whether you’re unlocking the tailgate for the first time, using the key fob, or handling a tricky situation like a dead battery, knowing the right steps saves time and hassle. This guide will walk you through all practical methods, offer troubleshooting tips, and help you make the most of your Cherokee’s features.
Main Methods To Open The Trunk
Every Jeep Cherokee 2017 comes with multiple ways to open the trunk. Each method is useful in different situations knowing all of them ensures you’re never locked out.
1. Using The Key Fob
Most owners use the key fob to open the trunk:
- Stand close to the rear of your car.
- Locate the trunk release button on the fob. It usually shows a picture of an open trunk.
- Press and hold the button for about 2 seconds.
- You’ll hear a beep, and the trunk should pop open slightly.
This method is quick and works as long as the battery in your fob is working.
Inside your Jeep Cherokee, there’s a trunk release button:
- Look for the button on the left side of the dashboard, near the steering wheel.
- Press it once. The trunk will unlock and slightly open.
This is handy if you’re already inside and want to open the trunk for someone outside.
3. Manual Release (exterior Handle)
If you don’t have the fob or the car battery is low, the manual release handle at the back helps:
- Go to the rear of your Cherokee.
- Look under the trunk handle—there’s usually a rubber button or lever.
- Press or pull it. The trunk should unlock if the doors are already unlocked.
Note: If the car is completely locked, this method won’t work unless you unlock the doors first.
Common Problems And Solutions
Even with modern features, problems can happen. Here’s how to solve the most common trunk issues in the Jeep Cherokee 2017.
Trunk Won’t Open With Key Fob
- Replace the fob battery: A weak battery is a common reason. Swap it for a new CR2032 coin cell battery.
- Check car battery: If your Jeep’s main battery is dead, electronic releases won’t work.
- Resynchronize the fob: Sometimes, holding the lock and unlock buttons together for a few seconds helps.
Trunk Stuck Or Jammed
- Obstruction: Check for any visible blockages.
- Frozen latch: In cold weather, the latch can freeze. Pouring warm (not hot) water gently over the latch can help.
- Mechanical fault: If the handle feels loose or nothing happens, the latch mechanism may need attention from a mechanic.
Interior Release Not Working
- Fuse issue: The interior release often shares a fuse with other electronics. If it’s not working, check your fuse box (refer to your owner’s manual for the trunk fuse location).
- Child safety lock: Some models let you disable the interior release for safety reasons. Check your settings.
Comparison: Trunk Opening Methods
To see the differences between each method, here’s a quick comparison:
| Method | Works When Car Is Locked? | Needs Power? | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Fob | No | Yes | Very Easy |
| Interior Button | N/A (from inside) | Yes | Easy |
| Manual Handle | No (unless unlocked) | No | Easy |
Opening The Trunk In Special Situations
Sometimes you need to open the trunk when things aren’t normal. Here’s what to do:
If The Battery Is Dead
You can’t use electronic releases if the car battery is dead. Instead:
- Unlock the driver’s door with the physical key inside your fob (pull the small tab to slide out the hidden key).
- Fold down the rear seats from inside the car.
- Crawl into the trunk area. Look for a small plastic cover on the trunk latch inside.
- Remove the cover and use a screwdriver or the key to move the release lever.
This is not comfortable, but it’s the only way if you can’t power the car.
If The Key Fob Is Lost
- Use the physical key to unlock the doors.
- Open the trunk with the manual handle, as long as the doors are unlocked.
Inside Trunk Release And Child Safety
The Jeep Cherokee 2017 has an interior emergency trunk release. This is usually a glow-in-the-dark handle inside the trunk:
- Pull the handle to open the trunk from inside. It’s a safety feature in case someone is trapped.
- Make sure children understand this feature, but also supervise them around the trunk.
Maintenance Tips For A Smooth Trunk Operation
Keeping your trunk latch and electronics working well avoids problems:
- Lubricate the latch: Use silicone spray every six months.
- Clean the rubber seals: Wipe them down to prevent dirt buildup.
- Replace batteries: Change the key fob battery every 1-2 years, even if it’s still working.
- Check for recalls: Sometimes Jeep issues recalls for trunk latches—visit the NHTSA website to check for your VIN.
Comparison: Jeep Cherokee Vs. Other Suvs (trunk Access)
How Does The Cherokee’s Trunk Access Compare To Similar Suvs?
| Model | Power Liftgate Standard | Interior Emergency Release | Remote Open with Key Fob |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Cherokee 2017 | No (optional) | Yes | Yes |
| Honda CR-V 2017 | No (optional) | Yes | Yes |
| Toyota RAV4 2017 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Non-obvious tip: Some Jeep Cherokees have a programmable liftgate height. You can set how high the trunk opens—useful for low garages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Open The Trunk If My Key Fob Is Not Working?
Use the physical key inside your fob to unlock the doors. Then use the manual release under the trunk handle, as long as the doors are unlocked.
Is There A Way To Open The Trunk From Inside The Jeep Cherokee 2017?
Yes, there’s an interior trunk release button on the dashboard. There’s also an emergency release handle inside the trunk for safety.
What Should I Do If The Trunk Latch Freezes In Winter?
Pour warm (not hot) water over the latch area. Dry it afterward to prevent refreezing, and apply silicone spray to the latch.
Can I Program The Trunk To Open Only Halfway?
If your model has a power liftgate, you can usually set the opening height. Check your owner’s manual for the exact steps.
Why Does My Trunk Beep But Not Open?
A beeping trunk often means an obstruction or a low battery. Check for blocked items or replace the car/fob battery if needed.
Opening your Jeep Cherokee 2017 trunk is straightforward once you know the options. Remember these steps, keep your key fob battery fresh, and check safety features regularly. With a little care, you’ll never be stuck with a locked trunk—no matter the situation.
