My Audi A4 Trunk Won’t Open – Why? What To Do?

It can be concerning if your Audi A4's trunk refuses to open. Now you want to know hat could be the reason for this problem? Also, what can you do to open it? Luckily, we've done plenty of research and have the answer for you!

An Audi A4's trunk may fail to open because of issues ranging from a low battery in the car's key fob to a bad trunk solenoid. You should troubleshoot the cause of the problem before attempting repairs.

Once found, you may use the appropriate DIY fix or take advantage of professional services to help solve the problem.

Keep reading as we discuss why an Audi A4 trunk won't open in greater detail. Don't forget to read through this post as we also tackle the potential solutions of each highlighted underlying issue. With that said, let's dive right in!

3 Reasons Audi A4 Refuses To Open (And Their Possible Fixes)

GIIAS 2022 atmosphere at the AUDI booth. Some of the AUDI vehicles on display at this booth

Your Key Fob Has A Low Battery

A typical key fob battery lasts about 3 to 4 years. Once it fails to work, especially when you press the trunk release button, it's time to replace the worn battery with a new unit.

How To Fix

Replacing an Audi A4 key fob battery is typically DIY-friendly. But note that you should use the same model, a CR2032 battery.

Using a different battery type may not fit in the key fob's housing. If it can fit, the key fob may still not work.

Once you have a replacement CR2032 battery, continue this procedure by following these steps:

Step-By-Step Guide
  1. Pull out the mechanical key from the key fob.
  2. Use the mechanical key or a flathead screwdriver to open the key fob's housing.
  3. Remove the old battery and replace it with the new unit. Make sure to follow the correct orientation.
  4. Close the housing and test the key fob to see if it can open your A4 trunk.

Check out this product on Amazon.

Watch this video if you need a visual guide to this key fob battery replacement process:

You can also gain additional insight into how long a car's remote battery lasts by following that link and reading our post.

Blown Fuse

Another possible reason your Audi A4's trunk refuses to open is if its connected fuse blew. Take note that automotive fuses support and safeguard the vehicle's electrical framework.

An overload or short circuit may cause the trunk's fuse to blow, causing the assembly to remain stuck in a closed position.

How To Fix

Swapping out the blown fuse with a new and working unit may release it from being stuck. You can typically find an Audi A4's fuse box in one of three locations, depending on your specific model:

  • On the right side of the trunk's interior
  • Behind a panel on the right side of the dashboard
  • Behind a panel on the left side of the dashboard

Once you find the location of the fuse box, it's generally a case of removing the blown fuse and installing the correct replacement unit.

But be wary not to touch other fuses in the box, particularly if they're still in good working condition. Otherwise, you might bring further harm to your vehicle.

See this automotive fuse set on Amazon.

You can gain additional insight into an Audi A4's fuse box by watching the video below:

Bad Trunk Solenoid

Also called a trunk actuator, this module releases the latch of your Audi A4's trunk. If this motor fails, the trunk may not respond to the remote commands sent from the key fob.

How To Fix

Audi A4, Big trunk open in a sedan car.

You may try repairing the trunk solenoid to restore its normal functions. But it might be best to replace the module for you to experience longer-term results than temporary outcomes brought by minor fixes.

What You'll Need
  • Torx screwdriver
  • Replacement trunk solenoid
Step-By-Step Guide
  1. Turn off your Audi A4's engine and engage its emergency, hand, or parking brake.
  2. Manually open the trunk if you can. If you can't, you may need to stop this procedure at this step and seek professional automotive repair services.
  3. If you could open the trunk, locate the trunk solenoid underneath the trunk's surface.
  4. Remove the two Torx screws securing the solenoid.
  5. Disconnect the cable attached to the solenoid carefully.
  6. Pull out the worn trunk solenoid and replace it with the new unit.
  7. Connect the cable you removed earlier to the new solenoid.
  8. Secure the assembly with the Torx screws you removed in step 4.
  9. Close the Audi A4's trunk and test if you can open it remotely.

See this replacement Audi A4 trunk solenoid on Amazon.

You can also watch this video for a visual representation of the steps mentioned above:

Also, the following clip shows you how to repair an Audi A4's trunk actuator if you find it interesting to learn about this particular topic:

How Do You Open An Audi Trunk From The Inside?

2018 Audi A4 photoshoot

If you can't open an Audi A4's trunk from the outside, perhaps you can unlock it from the inside. However, the following procedure assumes that you can gain access to the car.

Also, don't use this procedure other than trying to gain access to your Audi A4's trunk. Don't use the following steps to open other Audi A4 trunks you don't own unless the need is dire.

After this, follow these general steps to open your Audi's trunk from the inside:

Step-By-Step Guide

  1. Turn off the A4's engine and engage its emergency, hand, or parking brake.
  2. Open one of the rear passenger doors.
  3. Search for a red latch and pull on it to release the rear passenger seats.
  4. Fold the rear passenger seats to access the Audi A4's trunk.
  5. Reach for a cover underneath the trunk and open it.
  6. Pull the newly exposed latch to open the trunk.

You can also watch this video if you want to see the steps mentioned above:

How Much Does It Cost To Replace An Audi A4 Trunk Latch

GIIAS 2022 atmosphere at the AUDI booth. Some of the AUDI vehicles on display at this booth, My Audi A4 Trunk Won't Open - Why What To Do

The cost to replace an Audi A4's trunk latch is about $255. Take note that the overall fees may depend on certain factors, such as the location of the repair service center and the job's difficulty.

Also, the specific A4 model may affect the fees associated with the trunk latch replacement.

What Are The Common Issues With Audi A4?

2018 Audi A4 Avant photoshoot

Aside from its trunk refusing to open, you may encounter other common issues with your Audi A4. Some problems you may experience with the car are:

Coolant Leak

If your Audi A4 is hotter than usual, it may have a coolant leak. Park the vehicle at a safe site and inspect for liquid escaping underneath the car.

If you see a blue-, green-, orange-, or pink-colored solution, the A4's engine is leaking coolant.

One of the main reasons your Audi A4 has an engine coolant leak is a faulty water pump. This assembly is generally responsible for circulating the coolant from the radiator to the car's engine block.

If it fails, the coolant may leak from the water pump. Replacing this assembly may help eliminate the leaking problem and restore the car's optimal performance.

You can watch the video below if you want to gain insight into how to complete this replacement:

See this A4 water pump assembly on Amazon.

Excessive Oil Burning

Generally, cars burn oil to help move their parts and make the vehicles run, but some Audi A4 owners may encounter issues wherein their cars burn more oil than usual.

If so, the oil warning light may persist and won't go away until the problem disappears.

A possible solution to this concern is to replace the combustion chamber's gasket.

Watch the video below to learn how to do this:

Our Final Thoughts

Red Audi A4 2004 Engine test drive.

Check the Audi A4's trunk solenoid, fuse box, and key fob for potential suspects that may cause the trunk to remain closed.

Then, use one of the appropriate solutions mentioned in this post according to your findings to try and fix your car's trunk. If you have exhausted your DIY options, it's time to call a reliable automotive repair service.

Need more help with your Audi A4? Check out these related posts!

What's The Best Oil For An Audi? [Inc. A4, A6, And Q5]

Does The Audi A4 Have Folding Mirrors?

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