Did you go for groceries and now are dealing with too much stuff and too little space? You can secure your extra items in the frunk without overloading your passenger cabin. Some Tesla Model 3 owners have complained that the frunk won’t open or close properly several times.
My Tesla Model 3 Frunk Not Opening – What Is The Cause?
Still confused? Allow me to dive a little deeper into each of the problems.
Note: Just like frunk issues people have also complained of Model X Falcon door opening issues.
1. Faulty Latch Actuators
An actuator is a device that converts signals into useful motions. If any of the two actuators are broken, it causes your Tesla hood to not open when you click the open button.
The primary actuator unlocks the hood and allows it to rise about an inch. The second actuator stops the hood from opening any further until you open it.
2. Faulty Microswitches
A microswitch functions to determine whether the hood is open or not. When a microswitch is faulty or broken, it may show the hood as open even when it’s not.
3. Rusted Actuator Cables
If there is rust on the actuator cables, it causes them to get jammed. In most cases, does not cause any problem while closing the frunk but rusted cables may cause the frunk to get stuck while opening.
4. Misplaced Hood Latch
A misplaced hood latch can also prevent a Tesla hood from closing or opening. As a result, this can cause damage to microswitches or actuators.
5. Restricted Driver Profiles
Uncommonly, this issue can occur when opening the frunk from the screen. This can happen when a driver has the driver door unlock setting turned on.
6. Sensor Problems
Although it is really rare to occur, a stuck frunk may also arise due to the Tesla Model S or X, being unable to sense that the car is parked.
Tesla Model 3 Frunk Won’t Open – All The Fixes
Remember that your car must be parked before you try to open the frunk!
Now that you have detailed knowledge about what may be causing the issue, it is safe to move towards the troubleshooting process. If your Tesla Model 3, X, or Y frunk is stuck, you can try the fixes mentioned below:
Problem #1: Frunk Shows Gap But Won’t Open
Can you see a small gap between the frunk but won’t open all the way? This error occurs when the frunk latch is stuck. Here’s what you can do in this case:
- Get yourself a rubber or plastic pry bar.
- Stick the pry bar under the gap and apply pressure in an upward direction.
- Now, also remove the lower latch cover in the same way. You’ll be able to see springs and other components till this point.
- Once you have ensured that the bonnet is opened, spray WD40 penetrating oil on the metal pieces.
- Let it rest for around 30 seconds.
- Now close the trunk and check the working once again.
Problem #2: Front Bonnet Not Opening While The Command Works
Is the frunk not opening even when the command shows that it is working? The most probable fault in this case is a stuck spring.
Here’s how you can solve this issue:
- Exit your car.
- Put upward pressure on your Tesla’s hood simultaneously pressing the open button on the touchscreen.
- Now, apply a slight downward pressure on the frunk in the latch region.
- Before releasing the pressure, once again touch the open button on the touchscreen.
Problem #3: Frunk Won’t Open And The Command Doesn’t Work
In this scenario, a bad actuator is the basic problem. You can solve this by:
- Use a pry bar to open the frunk and then the lower latch.
- Disconnect the 3-wire connector from the switch.
- Remove the air intake cover in the trunk using a 10mm socket wrench. Also, remove the battery cover.
- Locate the primary actuator and unplug the cable that goes to the 12A battery.
- Now, remove the 2 bolts using a 10mm socket.
- Detach the primary actuator compartment and insert the new actuator in the compartment. Strengthen the connection by reapplying the 2 screws.
- Reattach the release cable to the actuator. Plug one of its ends in the latch area and the other in the actuator.
- Now, place everything back in its place in the same manner you removed them.
- When all the components are placed back and fixed in their places, close the frunk and researt the Tesla.
- Now test out the actuator system by opening the trunk.
Note: Take a look at the video added below for additional learning in visual form.
Alternate Methods
1. By Manual Release:
You can also use the Tesla Model 3 manual release option to open the frunk. It is a small round button under the hood on the driver’s side.
2. By Tesla App:
You can also use your Tesla app to open the frunk. Open the Tesla app and go to Toggles > Frunk Open/Close button > Confirm.
After you have confirmed by pressing ‘Yes‘, wait for the frunk to open.
3. By Key Fob:
- Bring your key fob.
- Click on the upper button close to the Tesla logo two times.
- Wait for the frunk to open.
4. Contact Tesla Support
If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work out, then it’s time for you to get professional help.
Conclusion
A Tesla frunk that’s not working properly can be quite annoying. No matter how many reasons cause this problem, the solutions are pretty much the same. You can always try the above-mentioned methods to solve your Tesla’s frunk issues.
