One of the best electric car manufacturers, Tesla, has added an emergency release system to its trunks. The emergency trunk release feature is intended to provide accessibility and safety even when the car is not powered by electricity.
Most advanced cars can encounter unexpected situations. One of them is the possibility of getting trapped inside the trunk of a Tesla or having a dead battery that prevents you from opening the trunk. That’s when the Emergency trunk release feature comes to save the day.
What is the Tesla Frunk Emergency Release?
The Tesla trunk emergency release is a feature that allows you to open the trunk from the inside or outside of the car in case of an emergency. The trunk emergency release can be useful if:
- You accidentally lock yourself or someone else in the trunk.
- Your car battery dies and you need to access the trunk.
- Your trunk latch malfunctions and you can’t open it normally.
How To Use the Tesla Trunk Emergency Release for Different Models?
Depending on the model of your Tesla, there are different ways to access the trunk emergency release.
Tesla Model S
The Model S also has two trunks: a rear trunk and a frunk. Tesla Model S comes with an emergency trunk release feature.
The Rear Trunk
If the Model S is not powered by electricity, an illuminated mechanical release located inside the trunk enables the trunk to be opened from the inside. This mechanical release also grants access to an individual who is confined within.
- To remove the cover, firmly pull its lower border toward you.
- Loosen the clasp by pulling the cable.
- Force open the rear compartment.
The Front Trunk (Frunk)
An interior emergency release mechanism that glows in the dark is situated within the frunk. To operate it, unlatch the frunk by pressing and holding the button, then raise the hood.
Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 has two trunks: a rear trunk and a front trunk (also known as a frunk). Tesla Model 3 comes with an emergency trunk release feature.
The Rear Trunk
The rear trunk has an interior emergency release button located inside the trunk that glows in the dark. To use it, press and hold the button in the direction of the arrow to release the latch, then push up on the lid.
The Front Trunk (Frunk)
The frunk is equipped with an internal emergency release mechanism that illuminates when viewed in the dark. To operate the frunk unlatching switch, press and hold it for one second, then push the hood.
Tesla Model X
The Model X has two trunks: a rear trunk, and a frunk. Tesla Model X comes with an emergency trunk release feature.
The Rear Trunk
The Model X’s rear trunk can be opened from the inside using an illuminated mechanical release located inside the trunk when there is no electrical power. This mechanical release also grants access to an individual who is confined within.
- Gently pull the cover’s lower edge in your direction to remove it.
- To release the latch, pull the cable.
- Open the trunk from the back.
The Front Trunk (Frunk)
The frunk has an interior emergency release button located inside the frunk that also glows in the dark. To use it, press and hold the button to unlatch the frunk, then push up on the hood.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y has a rear trunk and a frunk. Tesla Model Y comes with an emergency trunk release feature.
The Rear Trunk
The rear trunk has an interior emergency release button that illuminates. That can be used to open it from the inside if the vehicle has no power or if a person is locked inside.
To use the interior emergency release, press and hold the button to release the latch.
The Front Trunk (Frunk)
The frunk has an interior emergency release button that illuminates in the dark and can be used to open it from the inside if a person is locked inside.
To use the interior emergency release, press the button to unlatch the frunk, then push up on the hood.
When should you use the Tesla Trunk Emergency Release?
You should use the Tesla trunk emergency release only in case of an emergency, such as:
- You or someone else is trapped inside the trunk and cannot get out.
- The car has no power and you cannot open the trunk using the touchscreen, key fob, mobile app, or exterior switch.
- The trunk latch is malfunctioning and you cannot open or close the trunk normally.
You should not use the Tesla trunk emergency release for any other reason, such as:
- You want to save battery by opening the trunk manually.
- You want to show off your Tesla’s features to your friends or family.
- You want to test if the emergency release works.
Using the Tesla trunk emergency release unnecessarily can cause damage to your car or void your warranty. It can also trigger an alarm or disable some features, such as:
- The frunk release can disable the windshield wipers if used while driving.
- The rear trunk release can activate the anti-theft system if used while locked.
- The powered trunk (if equipped) can stop working if you override its open or close command.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
How can I open the front trunk of a Tesla Model S from the inside?
To open the front trunk of a Tesla Model S, click Frunk on the touchscreen, double-click the front trunk button on the key fob, or touch the front trunk button on the mobile app.
How can I open the front trunk of a Tesla Model 3 from the inside?
The front trunk of a Tesla Model 3 can be opened from the inside by double-clicking the trunk button on the key fob, using the mobile app, or tapping the Open icon on the touchscreen.
How can I open the front trunk of a Tesla Model X from the inside?
You can open the front trunk by pressing the interior release button and then pushing up on the hood.
How can I open the front trunk of a Tesla Model Y from the inside?
The front trunk of a Tesla Model Y can be opened from the inside by double-clicking the trunk button on the key fob, using the mobile app, or tapping the Open icon on the touchscreen.
Is the Frunk’s emergency release button inactive when the vehicle is moving?
Yes, the frunk’s emergency release button is designed to prevent the frunk from fully opening while the car is in motion.
