Hey there! Ever found yourself in a situation where you need to open your Dodge Charger trunk but can’t find your keys? No worries, it happens to the best of us. Let’s dive into the different ways you can get that trunk open without a key, covering every possible aspect to ensure you’re never left stranded again.
1. Using the Trunk Release Button Inside the Car
First things first, let鈥檚 talk about the most straightforward method鈥攗sing the trunk release button inside your Charger. This button is usually located near the driver鈥檚 seat. In most models, you鈥檒l find it on the left side of the steering wheel or on the driver鈥檚 door panel.
- Get Inside Your Car: If your car doors are unlocked, you鈥檙e in luck. Simply open the door and get inside.
- Locate the Trunk Release Button: Look around the dashboard on the driver鈥檚 side or the driver鈥檚 door panel. It typically has an icon of an open trunk.
- Press the Button: Press the button, and voila! Your trunk should pop open.
2. Using the Key Fob
Now, you might think, “But I said I don鈥檛 have my keys!” However, let鈥檚 cover this just in case you have a spare key fob handy or if the battery in your main fob is dead.
- Locate the Spare Key Fob: If you have a spare key fob, you can use it to unlock and open the trunk.
- Press the Trunk Button: On the key fob, there鈥檚 usually a button specifically for the trunk. Press and hold it, and the trunk should open.
3. Manual Release Inside the Trunk
In some scenarios, especially if you鈥檙e dealing with a dead battery, the internal trunk release might be your best bet. This method requires you to access the trunk from inside the car, usually through the backseat.
- Fold Down the Rear Seats: Most Dodge Chargers allow you to fold down the rear seats to access the trunk. Look for a latch or pull tab on the top of the rear seats.
- Crawl Into the Trunk: Once the seats are folded down, crawl into the trunk. Yes, it sounds a bit uncomfortable, but it鈥檚 doable!
- Find the Manual Release: Inside the trunk, you should find a manual release lever. This is a safety feature designed to prevent entrapment. Pull the lever, and the trunk will open.
4. Using a Slim Jim
Alright, this method is a bit more advanced and should be used with caution. A Slim Jim can help you unlock the door, which then allows you to access the trunk release button inside the car.
- Acquire a Slim Jim: You can buy one from an auto parts store or online.
- Insert the Slim Jim: Slide the Slim Jim between the window and the weather stripping on the passenger side door.
- Hook the Lock Mechanism: Carefully maneuver the Slim Jim to hook the lock mechanism. This might take some patience and practice.
- Unlock the Door: Once you鈥檝e hooked the mechanism, pull it up to unlock the door. Now you can get inside and use the trunk release button.
5. Calling Roadside Assistance
If all else fails, don鈥檛 hesitate to call for help. Roadside assistance services can unlock your car and help you access your trunk.
- Contact Roadside Assistance: If you have a membership with a service like AAA, give them a call. They can usually send someone to help you within an hour.
- Provide Details: Let them know the make and model of your car, and explain the situation. They鈥檒l have the tools needed to unlock your car.
- Wait for Assistance: While waiting, stay with your vehicle if it鈥檚 safe to do so.
6. Using the Trunk Release Cable
Some Dodge Chargers have a trunk release cable that can be accessed from inside the vehicle.
- Locate the Rear Seat Access: Fold down the rear seats to get access to the trunk area.
- Find the Release Cable: Look for a cable or strap that鈥檚 connected to the trunk latch mechanism. It might be hidden under the trunk lining or a plastic cover.
- Pull the Cable: Gently pull on the cable or strap to release the trunk latch.
7. Accessing the Trunk Through the Tail Light
This method involves removing a tail light to access the trunk release mechanism. It鈥檚 more technical and should be done carefully to avoid damage.
- Remove the Tail Light: Using a screwdriver, remove the screws holding the tail light in place.
- Pull Out the Tail Light: Carefully pull the tail light assembly out. Be gentle to avoid breaking any clips or wires.
- Access the Trunk Release: Look for the trunk release mechanism through the opening. You might need to use a long tool, like a coat hanger, to reach and manipulate the latch.
8. Using the Emergency Trunk Release
This method applies if someone is inside the trunk or if you have access to the trunk from inside the car.
- Locate the Emergency Release Handle: Inside the trunk, there鈥檚 a glow-in-the-dark handle designed for emergencies.
- Pull the Handle: Pull this handle to release the trunk latch. This is a safety feature that ensures anyone trapped inside can get out.
9. Jumpstarting the Car
If the reason you can鈥檛 open the trunk is due to a dead battery, jumpstarting your car might solve the problem.
- Find a Jumpstarter or Another Vehicle: Use a portable jumpstarter or another vehicle with jumper cables.
- Connect the Jumper Cables: Attach the cables to the battery terminals (positive to positive, negative to negative).
- Start the Engine: Once the car has power, you should be able to use the trunk release button or key fob to open the trunk.
10. Using an OBD2 Scanner with Key Programming Capability
For those who are tech-savvy, an OBD2 scanner with key programming capabilities might help.
- Get an OBD2 Scanner: Purchase or borrow an OBD2 scanner with key programming features.
- Connect to the OBD2 Port: Plug the scanner into the OBD2 port, usually located under the dashboard near the steering wheel.
- Follow Instructions: Use the scanner to program a new key fob or access trunk release functions. This varies by model and scanner, so refer to the device manual.
11. Contacting a Locksmith
When all else fails, contacting a professional locksmith can be a reliable option.
- Find a Reputable Locksmith: Search for a certified automotive locksmith in your area.
- Explain the Situation: Inform the locksmith about your Dodge Charger and the issue with the trunk.
- Professional Assistance: A locksmith has the tools and expertise to unlock your car and trunk without causing damage.
12. Using a Coat Hanger or Similar Tool
This is another manual method similar to the Slim Jim technique.
- Straighten a Coat Hanger: Unbend a wire coat hanger into a straight line with a small hook at one end.
- Insert Between the Window and Weather Stripping: Slide the hooked end between the window and weather stripping on the passenger side door.
- Manipulate the Lock: Carefully maneuver the hanger to hook the lock mechanism and unlock the door. Then you can access the trunk release button.
Conclusion
There you have it! Several ways to open your Dodge Charger trunk without a key. From using the internal release button and key fob to more manual methods like crawling through the backseat or using a Slim Jim, there鈥檚 always a solution. And remember, if all else fails, calling roadside assistance or a locksmith is a reliable option. Hopefully, one of these methods will get you back on the road in no time. Stay safe and drive on!
