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Edited by Waited, Uma Lumna, KnowItSome, Bo and 29 others

Being trapped in a car's trunk can be a harrowing, sometimes deadly experience. Sometimes a criminal will force a person into a trunk, and sometimes a person (usually a child) will accidentally get trapped in a trunk, but regardless of the cause of entrapment, a trunk is a very dangerous place to be. Unfortunately, it's not easy to get out of a locked trunk. While some vehicles now have trunk release levers inside, others do not. So what can you do? Read on to find out.

Edit Steps

  1. 1
    Be calm if you become trapped in a trunk. Trunks aren't completely airtight, and it generally takes at least twelve hours to fall unconscious; more, if you are small or the trunk is large (or both). What could kill you is hyperventilation, so breathe regularly and don't panic. It may get very hot in there - up to 140°F (60°C) - but you still need to stay calm in order to increase your likelihood of escaping.[1]
  2. 2
    Attempt to escape through the back seat. Some cars have back seats that fold down to allow access to the trunk. Generally the release for these seats is located inside the car, but there may be one in the trunk as well. If not, try to push, kick, or pry the seats down, and then climb out
  3. 3
    Look for a trunk release. The trunk you're in may not have a release unless it's a newer model or a release is installed. Nonetheless, it's worth looking for the release, just in case. It will usually be a glow-in-the-dark handle located near the trunk latch, but it may also be a cord, button, or toggle switch, or a handle that does not glow in the dark.
  4. 4
    Look for a trunk release cable. If the car is equipped with a cable trunk release that can be operated from inside the car (usually by a lever near the driver's seat), you may be able to pull the cable and open the trunk latch. Pull up the carpet on the floor of the trunk and feel for a cable. It will typically be on the driver's side. If no cable is there, search along the side of the trunk. If you locate a cable, pull on it (pulling toward the front of the car) to open the trunk. The cable may be difficult to pull, but keep trying. If there are pliers inside the trunk they may help you grip the cable.
  5. 5
    Pry the latch open. Search for a screwdriver, crowbar, or tire iron inside the trunk. There may be a toolkit or tire-changing tool set under the trunk floor. If you find a tool, use it to pry open the trunk latch. If you are unable to pry the latch, you may be able to pry up the side of the trunk. This will provide some ventilation and enable you to signal for help.
  6. 6
    Push out the brake lights. You should be able to access the brake lights from inside the trunk. You may need to pull or pry a panel off to get to them. Once you have access to them, rip the wires out of them. Then try to push or kick the lights through so that they fall out of the back of the vehicle. You can then signal to motorists or passersby by sticking your hand out through the hole. Even if you're unable to push the lights out, if you disconnect the wires, you increase the chance that whoever is driving the vehicle (if you've been abducted) will get pulled over by the police for a faulty brake light or tail light.
  7. 7
    Use the car jack to pop up the trunk lid. Many cars have a jack and a few tools in the trunk along with the spare tire. Sometimes they are underneath the carpet in the trunk, or on the side of the trunk. If you can get to the jack, set it up and crank the jack up under the trunk lid and attempt to keep pumping the jack up until the trunk lid pops open.
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Edit Video



 A controlled demonstration in which a woman attempts to kick out the tail light while trapped inside the trunk of a car.

Edit Prevention

  1. Install a trunk release in your car's trunk. The vast majority of trunk entrapment cases occur in the victim's own car. The good news is, you can prepare for such an eventuality by installing a trunk release. Check if your car already has a trunk release in the trunk. If it doesn't you may be able to install one as long as yours has an operational electronic trunk release mechanism.

    • If your trunk can be opened remotely, the easiest thing to do is to hide a spare remote in the trunk. Make sure to tell your children and other family members where it is located and how it is operated.
    • If your trunk cannot be opened remotely, you can purchase the supplies to install a trunk release yourself for about $4. Have the release installed for you if you are not confident in your mechanical abilities.
  2. Keep a flashlight and crowbar and/or screwdriver in your trunk. If you can't install a trunk release, keep tools in your trunk that will help you pry open the latch or, at the very least, help you attract attention from passersby.

Edit Tips

  • Emergency trunk releases have been required on all vehicles with non-hatchback trunks sold in the U.S. beginning with the 2002 model year.
  • Many cars have a spare tire and some tools to change it in the trunk. If you can get to them, you may be able to use them to help you escape!
  • Keep in mind that if you have been abducted, your kidnapper will have most likely already cleared out the trunk, as these people usually will think ahead.

Edit Warnings

  • If the car is moving, do not attempt to jump out of the car at freeway speeds. Wait for the car to slow down or stop before attempting to flee.

Edit Related wikiHows

Edit Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.worstcasescenarios.com/scenario.htm?scenarioid=16&cache=1233460539

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Categories: Featured Articles | Cars

Recent edits by: Ciccio Veronese, Jeffrey, Teresa

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