2018 Chevy Malibu How To Open Trunk With Dead Battery

Dead battery got you locked out of your trunk? It's a common problem, especially with the 2018 Chevy Malibu. Don't panic; there are ways to access your trunk even with a completely dead battery. Knowing these methods can be incredibly useful if you need to grab jumper cables, groceries, or important documents locked inside.

Method 1: Using the Manual Key and Rear Seat Access

This is the most straightforward method and relies on the physical key fob you have. It's useful if the power trunk release is non-operational.

Step 1: Locate the Physical Key

Your key fob has a physical key hidden inside. Usually, there's a small button or latch that allows you to remove it. Inspect your key fob closely to find it. It often looks like a small indentation or a slide release.

Step 2: Unlock the Driver’s Side Door

Insert the physical key into the driver's side door lock. Turn the key to unlock the door. This should bypass the electronic locking system that’s affected by the dead battery.

Step 3: Access the Rear Seats

Once inside the car, proceed to the rear seats. You'll need to find the release mechanism to fold them down. Most 2018 Malibus have release levers located either in the trunk itself (which you can't access yet!) or on the top of the rear seats near the headrests. Check both locations.

Pro Tip: If you frequently carry cargo, familiarize yourself with the location of these seat release levers now, while the battery is still good. It'll save you time and frustration later.

Step 4: Fold Down the Rear Seats

Pull the lever or push the button to release the rear seat. Fold the seat down. You may need to fold down one or both seats depending on the size of the opening you need.

Step 5: Locate the Emergency Trunk Release

Crawl through the opening into the trunk. Look for the emergency trunk release. This is usually a glow-in-the-dark handle or a small cable pull located inside the trunk, often near the latch mechanism. It's designed specifically for situations like this.

Step 6: Activate the Emergency Trunk Release

Pull the handle or cable. This should manually release the trunk latch, allowing you to open the trunk.

Method 2: Using a Jumper Pack to Provide Temporary Power

This method involves using a portable jump starter to provide just enough power to activate the trunk release button. It's quicker than the first method but requires having a charged jump starter handy.

Step 1: Access the Jump Start Terminals

The jump start terminals on a 2018 Malibu are usually located under the hood. Refer to your owner’s manual if you are unsure of their precise location. They are typically marked with a positive (+) and negative (-) symbol.

Step 2: Connect the Jumper Pack

Connect the positive (red) clamp of the jumper pack to the positive (+) terminal in the engine compartment. Then, connect the negative (black) clamp to a suitable grounding point – an unpainted metal part of the engine or chassis, away from the battery and fuel lines. Do not connect the negative clamp directly to the negative battery terminal if possible.

Safety First: Always follow the instructions that come with your jumper pack. Connecting the clamps incorrectly can damage your car's electrical system.

Step 3: Turn on the Jumper Pack

Turn on the jumper pack and allow it to provide power to the car's electrical system. You don’t need to start the engine; you only need enough power to activate the trunk release.

Step 4: Use the Trunk Release Button

Go back to the driver's seat and press the trunk release button, typically located on the dashboard or the key fob (if it’s within range). With the jumper pack providing power, the trunk should pop open.

Step 5: Disconnect the Jumper Pack

Once the trunk is open, disconnect the jumper pack clamps in reverse order: first the negative (black) clamp, then the positive (red) clamp.

Method 3: Charging the Battery Enough to Pop the Trunk (Advanced)

This method is similar to using a jumper pack, but instead, you're using a battery charger to give the battery a quick boost of energy. This requires a bit more patience and a battery charger.

Step 1: Access the Battery Terminals

Locate the battery terminals. On the 2018 Malibu, the battery is usually located under the hood, but it might be partially concealed. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location and how to access it safely.

Step 2: Connect the Battery Charger

Connect the positive (red) clamp of the battery charger to the positive (+) battery terminal. Connect the negative (black) clamp to the negative (-) battery terminal.

Step 3: Set the Charger to a Low Charge Rate

Set the battery charger to a low charge rate (e.g., 2 amps or less). The goal is to provide a small amount of charge quickly, just enough to activate the trunk release. Avoid using a high charge rate for a prolonged period, as this could potentially damage a deeply discharged battery.

Step 4: Charge for a Short Period

Let the battery charge for about 15-20 minutes. This should be sufficient to provide enough power to activate the trunk release.

Step 5: Try the Trunk Release Button

Disconnect the charger and try pressing the trunk release button on the dashboard or key fob. The trunk should pop open if the battery has received enough charge.

Step 6: Disconnect the Charger and Address the Underlying Issue

Once the trunk is open, immediately disconnect the battery charger. Remember, this is just a temporary solution. You still need to fully charge or replace the battery to prevent this from happening again.

Important Considerations

• Safety First: Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries or jumper cables.
• Consult Your Owner's Manual: Your owner's manual contains valuable information specific to your vehicle, including the location of the jump start terminals, battery, and emergency trunk release.
• Battery Health: A frequently dead battery indicates a potential problem. Have your battery tested and replaced if necessary. Also, check for any parasitic drains that might be draining the battery while the car is off.
• Professional Assistance: If you're uncomfortable performing any of these steps, don't hesitate to call a roadside assistance service or a qualified mechanic.

Checklist: Opening a 2018 Chevy Malibu Trunk with a Dead Battery

1. Method 1 (Manual Key & Rear Seat):
   • [ ] Locate physical key in the fob.
   • [ ] Unlock driver's side door.
   • [ ] Access rear seats.
   • [ ] Fold down rear seats.
   • [ ] Locate emergency trunk release inside trunk.
   • [ ] Activate the release.
2. Method 2 (Jumper Pack):
   • [ ] Locate jump start terminals.
   • [ ] Connect jumper pack (positive then negative).
   • [ ] Turn on jumper pack.
   • [ ] Use trunk release button.
   • [ ] Disconnect jumper pack (negative then positive).
3. Method 3 (Battery Charger - Advanced):
   • [ ] Access battery terminals.
   • [ ] Connect battery charger (positive then negative).
   • [ ] Set charger to low charge rate.
   • [ ] Charge for 15-20 minutes.
   • [ ] Try trunk release button.
   • [ ] Disconnect charger.
4. General:
   • [ ] Prioritize safety.
   • [ ] Consult owner's manual if unsure.
   • [ ] Address the underlying battery issue.
   • [ ] Seek professional help if needed.