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Since Chevy decided to eliminate the trunk key lock for the 2023 model I came up with a somewhat simple fix with some off the shelf parts from Amazon and Home Depot and it looks like an OEM install IMO. I thought I would share it if anyone is interested. This will only work for the HTC. It cost me a total of about $25 and 2 small holes to drill. There is one thing to be careful with if you go this route and I noted it with the last photo. The install took me about 45 minutes. I decided not to go completely into the passenger cabin so I would drill as few holes as possible. Chances are it will never have to be used but it’s definitely better than drilling through the body panel if the trunk release stops working and it’s a nice clean look.
This is made for a Honda, ordered from Amazon. Cable clips also from Amazon. Purchased from Home Depot. This is the end of the cable which attaches to the trunk pull before a small modification The end of the cable pull will have this ring wire connector attached, crimped and heat wrapped around it. Cut about 1/4 inch of the plastic to leave room for the cable to retract completely when you pull the handle. I used a Dremel to shave the end around so it was small enough to be crimped onto the wire connector It should look like this when attached Heat shrink and key ring attached Drill a small hole in the rear upper side of the trunk panel near the trunk hinge and feed the cable through from the hinge side. Secure the cable with the cable clips to the inside of the trunk under the removable panels. You have to loop the cable because it’s longer than you actually need. Drill a small hole in the interior trunk panel and feed the wire connector through until the plastic end snaps through then attach the key ring to the wire connector. Feed the attached rubber gasket through to seal the opening to prevent water intrusion into the trunk. You can secure the base of the pull with 3M tape. Use adhesive promoter for a strong bond. Position the pull handle to the side of the trunk hinge. There is enough space for trunk and hinge clearance. Cable pull positioned Attach key ring to trunk release pull Trunk closes unobstructed Open the tonneau cover just enough to get your hand in and reach the cable pull while supporting the tonneau. It will want to slowly settle down when it’s not completely open. …….pop the trunk. **VERY IMPORTANT** PLACE A TOWEL OR PAINTERS TAPE IN THE GAP BETWEEN THE THE 2 PANELS. THEY MAY SLIGHTLY TOUCH WHILE THE TONNEAU IS SETTLING INTO PLACE. USE THE INSIDE HTC SWITCH TO CLOSE THE TONNEAU ONCE IT SETTLES. YOU CAN NOW SAFELY OPEN THE TRUNK ONCE THE TONNEAU IS COMPLETELY CLOSED.
Last edited by WhiteDevil828; Mar 7, 2023 at 03:56 PM.
I'm confused where the pull is located and how you access it from outside the car if you lose power.
It’s not meant to be used if you lose power. If you lose power you can jump the car to access the trunk. This would only be used of the trunk opener solenoid stops working. Restoring the power will still not allow you to access the trunk if that happens. If that happens you would have to follow GM’s instructions to access it by using a hole saw to cut through the trunk panel thereby destroying it. This is a $25 fix that I hope I never have to use, but if I do I won’t have to cut through my car with a hole saw.
^^^
Yep. Just so folks understand it can happen and did happen on my 2020 C8. In my case it appears it was a corroded terminal on the electrical connector to the latch mechanism. Thankfully the 2020 has emergency activation with the mechanical key in the FOB. Similar to the one that opens the drivers door in case of a battery failure.
BUT good battery is useless if the power to the trunk opening mechanism, as in my case, is corroded. It is not a weatherproof connector, should not needed where it's located. It appeared to be just one pin as it pulled close fine.
Note, did not take pic of actual electrical plug, but it looked similar to this one. One connection looked corroded as I try to show here. There was no water evident and seldom drive in the rain. Washing would not get water in that area. Tech was not sure it was only that plug that was the issue and the cable and plug are permanently attached to the pull down motorized latch and release mechanism. So he ordered a new assembly and replaced. Been working fine for ~2 years as the failure occurred about 6 months after I got my C8.
I just tried this mod on my ‘23 using a cable between the interior release mechanism and out through where the exterior manual key lock SHOULD be behind the license plate(I drilled a small hole for the cable). Result?
Yes, I can pull the internal emergency trunk release out fully, but NO, that doesn’t open the trunk. This trunk also has the electric motor to fully close so either that prevents external opening of the trunk or there is a failure in my internal emergency trunk release system. I suspect the manual trunk release handle pull is only PART of the requirement to open the trunk, internal upward pressure on the trunk itself is required to overcome the motor.
Has anyone who has done a cable mod actually attempted to open it for real with the trunk fully closed (as opposed to installing it, seeing it pull the ring with the trunk open and assuming it works)? If so, let me know what you did in addition to actually get inside the trunk.
I just tried this mod on my ‘23 using a cable between the interior release mechanism and out through where the exterior manual key lock SHOULD be behind the license plate(I drilled a small hole for the cable). Result?
Yes, I can pull the internal emergency trunk release out fully, but NO, that doesn’t open the trunk. This trunk also has the electric motor to fully close so either that prevents external opening of the trunk or there is a failure in my internal emergency trunk release system. I suspect the manual trunk release handle pull is only PART of the requirement to open the trunk, internal upward pressure on the trunk itself is required to overcome the motor.
Has anyone who has done a cable mod actually attempted to open it for real with the trunk fully closed (as opposed to installing it, seeing it pull the ring with the trunk open and assuming it works)? If so, let me know what you did in addition to actually get inside the trunk.
I came up with it and after I installed it I tried it multiple times. I just tried it again over 2 years later and It works flawlessly. I suspect it’s a failure in your emergency trunk release.
Last edited by WhiteDevil828; Apr 17, 2025 at 10:21 PM.
Is this like drilling a hole in my elbow ahead of time for the one in a million chance I need Tommy John surgery? Seems like a statistics class would negate this.
Is this like drilling a hole in my elbow ahead of time for the one in a million chance I need Tommy John surgery? Seems like a statistics class would negate this.
Yes. PM me when your connector becomes corroded so I can say I told you so. 1 in a million chance sucks when it happens to you 🤷🏻♂️ especially when you’re out of warranty.
Yes. PM me when your connector becomes corroded so I can say I told you so. 1 in a million chance sucks when it happens to you 🤷🏻♂️ especially when you’re out of warranty.
OK, that's what I thought. THANKS for confirming, most would have dodged.
"Normals" can disregard, but if your C8 is your precious of precious, start running fishing line all over the place so you can sleep better!
4:13 AM "WHAT IF MY TRUNK CONNECTOR CORRODES!!! I CAN'T SLEEP!!!" lol
Really though. One in a million chance you might have to pay some money to open the trunk. Let's do all sorts of stuff so we can sleep.
I get it, if your possession of possessions is an off the lot five digit Chevy, you'll go to any length to relax about potential hypotheticals. But 85 out of 100 people in the general public would understand this is ridiculous.
Very, very few people wake up in the night and scream "MUH C8!!!" in terror , but those who do should perform these mods, buy a tool to put it in neutral. carry multiple 10mm tools to remove Soler controller, etc. It helps some, not like pharmaceuticals, but perhaps enough.
Really though. One in a million chance you might have to pay some money to open the trunk. Let's do all sorts of stuff so we can sleep.
I get it, if your possession of possessions is an off the lot five digit Chevy, you'll go to any length to relax about potential hypotheticals. But 85 out of 100 people in the general public would understand this is ridiculous.
Very, very few people wake up in the night and scream "MUH C8!" , but those who do should perform these modes, buy a tool to put it in neutral. etc. It helps.
It’s not meant to be used if you lose power. If you lose power you can jump the car to access the trunk. This would only be used of the trunk opener solenoid stops working. Restoring the power will still not allow you to access the trunk if that happens. If that happens you would have to follow GM’s instructions to access it by using a hole saw to cut through the trunk panel thereby destroying it. This is a $25 fix that I hope I never have to use, but if I do I won’t have to cut through my car with a hole saw.
Good mod! Question : I thought if you lose power you cant open the Funk to jump it?
Yes. PM me when your connector becomes corroded so I can say I told you so. 1 in a million chance sucks when it happens to you 🤷🏻♂️ especially when you’re out of warranty.
Yep, 2020 C8 electrical connector had a visible corroded terminal and since the connector is NOT replaceable they had to replace the whole mechanism. So I was concerned I and the dealer tech use the mechanical key a number of times. Hard to turn so like the door I used lathe long nose pliers to the FOB did not break! .
Thought I would use one of the workarounds with breaded SS cable in left rear vent. But a quick look at my E-Ray where it apparently works on a standard Vette, would not on my E-Ray.
Then I saw the GM solution which is a Slim-Jim grabbing the Kiddie Pull thru the right side wheel well. Good enough for me as the probability of needing is very low. However IF you have the truck full of "stuff" and they can no reach the Kiddie Pull Handle would be a concern. I seldom use the truck, never use the Vette for long trips so non issue for me.
Although this is not the actual Pic of the plug, I did see the corroded terminal. Tech thought it might also be something else and the plug is integrated with the mechanism so ordered a complete system, Happened ~6 months after I got my 2020 C8, never had another issue. The plug as shown hear was NOT a waterproof type as for example used in the engine compartment. Perhaps they improved.
It’s not meant to be used if you lose power. If you lose power you can jump the car to access the trunk. This would only be used of the trunk opener solenoid stops working. Restoring the power will still not allow you to access the trunk if that happens. If that happens you would have to follow GM’s instructions to access it by using a hole saw to cut through the trunk panel thereby destroying it. This is a $25 fix that I hope I never have to use, but if I do I won’t have to cut through my car with a hole saw.
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2023 HTC trunk release solution with OEM look.
