Opening a Fiat 500 Trunk from Inside
If you find yourself needing to open the trunk of a Fiat 500 from inside the vehicle, perhaps due to a malfunctioning key fob or a trunk release button that’s not working, you can follow these step-by-step instructions. Please note that these instructions are general and may vary slightly depending on the model year of your Fiat 500.
Step 1: Locate the Emergency Trunk Release
Most modern cars, including the Fiat 500, are equipped with an emergency trunk release. This is a safety feature designed to prevent entrapment in the trunk. In the Fiat 500, the emergency release is typically located inside the trunk itself. To access it, you may need to crawl through the back seats into the trunk area.
Step 2: Fold Down the Rear Seats
If your Fiat 500 has a second row of seats that can be folded down, here’s how to do it:
- Locate the seat folding mechanism, which is usually at the top of the rear seats or possibly between the seats if you have a 50/50 split configuration.
- Pull the lever or push the button to release the seat lock.
- Fold down the backrest of the rear seats to create a passage leading to the trunk area.
Step 3: Crawl Into the Trunk
Carefully crawl into the trunk through the passage created by folding down the rear seats. Be mindful not to hurt yourself on any of the metallic or plastic edges during this process.
Step 4: Find and Pull the Emergency Trunk Release
Once inside the trunk, look for a glow-in-the-dark handle or cord. This is the emergency trunk release. It should have a label indicating its purpose, often with a symbol depicting a car with an open trunk.
Step 5: Pull the Emergency Release
Grasp the release handle firmly and pull it. This action should mechanically release the trunk latch and pop open the trunk lid. Push the trunk lid up completely to ensure it is open.
Step 6: Exit the Trunk Area
After the trunk is open, carefully exit the trunk area, making sure not to close it inadvertently if you need to keep it open, for instance, to repair a faulty release mechanism.
Additional Tips and Precautions
- Review Your Owner’s Manual: The owner’s manual for your specific Fiat 500 model year will provide the most accurate and detailed instructions.
- Safety First: Do not enter closed spaces like a car trunk without ensuring someone else is aware of your location and you have a way of communicating in case of emergency.
- Maintenance: Regularly check the functionality of your trunk release mechanisms to prevent future incidents.
If these steps do not work, or if you are unable to access the emergency release, there might be a more serious issue that requires professional assistance. In this case, it is best to contact a Fiat dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith for help.