CANT GET ACCESS TO TRUNK FROMT HE REAR SEATS...

Vettethret · 08-06-2025, 07:12 PM

I just picked up the Zl1 after a big build. I had to disconnect the negative terminal for 30 minutes. The trunk closed with no power. I have spent an hour trying to find some kind of release mechanism from the inside of the car from the rear seats, am I screwed?

DaveC113 · 08-06-2025, 07:47 PM

There's an emergency release in the trunk, top/middle. It glows in the dark if you can't find it...

I just used it while I was changing trunk lids, lol.

SOCAL.M6.ZLE · 08-06-2025, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vettethret

I just picked up the Zl1 after a big build. I had to disconnect the negative terminal for 30 minutes. The trunk closed with no power. I have spent an hour trying to find some kind of release mechanism from the inside of the car from the rear seats, am I screwed?

Trying hooking up a battery tender under the hood to the jumper terminals... then pop the truck. You correct, Can't lower the rear seat in a ZLE from inside the car.... only happens from inside the trunk.

ZLRob · 08-06-2025, 08:09 PM

I hope he managed to get out. You okay there buddy?

closs2sx · 08-06-2025, 09:31 PM

no there is a spot about the top middle of the back seat on a zl1 1le that will release the trunk. Search the forum I know I posted about it years ago in a thread. I'm at work now but if I think of it I will look for it later

closs2sx · 08-06-2025, 09:35 PM

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527575

page 2 post # 15

Vettethret · 08-06-2025, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by closs2sx

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527575

page 2 post # 15

I appreciate this, thank you. I cant tell by the picture, are they taking a trim tool and putting it down the center of the rear seatback to release?

arpad_m · 08-06-2025, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vettethret

I appreciate this, thank you. I cant tell by the picture, are they taking a trim tool and putting it down the center of the rear seatback to release?

Yes, either that or a long flathead screwdriver, you may need to muck around a bit to find the latch. GM saved a few grams by removing the leather latch release handle, but the release mechanism is the same as on lower trims.

Hooking up a trickle charger to the underhood terminals and quickly trying to open the trunk is a very good idea from Gabe, it's simpler and if it works, you don't have to squeeze through the rear seatback opening to reach the emergency trunk release handle.

Vettethret · 08-06-2025, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arpad_m

Yes, either that or a long flathead screwdriver, you may need to muck around a bit to find the latch. GM saved a few grams by removing the leather latch release handle, but the release mechanism is the same as on lower trims.

Hooking up a trickle charger to the underhood terminals and quickly trying to open the trunk is a very good idea from Gabe, it's simpler and if it works, you don't have to squeeze through the rear seatback opening to reach the emergency trunk release handle.

I owe you some drinks! By the grace of God, it worked on the first try. I put a thin trim tool straight down the center of the seat back, and it went right in the latch hole and disengaged. If you're going to use a screwdriver, it has to be long because its a ways down the seatback. You saved me a major headache tomorrow, thank you sir!!

arpad_m · 08-06-2025, 10:26 PM

Glad you were able to get in there

Next time you disconnect the battery, don't forget to put a large folded towel on the edge of the trunk, ask me how I started this habit

Credit and drinks should go to closs2sx, he gave you the solution, I just added some color.

Vettethret · 08-07-2025, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arpad_m

Glad you were able to get in there

Next time you disconnect the battery, don't forget to put a large folded towel on the edge of the trunk, ask me how I started this habit

Credit and drinks should go to closs2sx, he gave you the solution, I just added some color.

Believe me, NOTED! I love the forums, been on them for 30 years. Good people helping each other with questions/issues!

closs2sx · 08-07-2025, 09:32 PM

glad to see you got it

closs2sx · 08-07-2025, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arpad_m

Glad you were able to get in there

Next time you disconnect the battery, don't forget to put a large folded towel on the edge of the trunk, ask me how I started this habit

Credit and drinks should go to closs2sx, he gave you the solution, I just added some color.

it was a team effort

arpad_m · 08-07-2025, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by closs2sx

it was a team effort

08-06-2025, 07:12 PM	#1
Vettethret Drives: 2023 ZL1 1LE Join Date: May 2018 Location: Naples Posts: 127	CANT GET ACCESS TO TRUNK FROMT HE REAR SEATS... I just picked up the Zl1 after a big build. I had to disconnect the negative terminal for 30 minutes. The trunk closed with no power. I have spent an hour trying to find some kind of release mechanism from the inside of the car from the rear seats, am I screwed? __________________ 2023 BMW X4M Competition (Downpipes, Midpipes, Intake, Exhaust, Tune) 2023 ZL1 1LE BC Forged KXO5, 325/345 R888R, KPMF Satin Pearl Wrap, 2650/Heads/Cam/3200 stall/Meth- 918 rhwp/842 rwtq, Girodisc/Carbotech AX6, Race louvers. Last edited by Vettethret; 08-06-2025 at 07:37 PM.

08-06-2025, 07:47 PM	#2
DaveC113 Drives: 2018 Camaro 1SS 1LE Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Front Range, CO Posts: 2,204	There's an emergency release in the trunk, top/middle. It glows in the dark if you can't find it... I just used it while I was changing trunk lids, lol. __________________

08-06-2025, 08:09 PM	#4
ZLRob Super Stock Drives: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Join Date: May 2022 Location: Concordia Posts: 868	I hope he managed to get out. You okay there buddy? __________________ 2017 Red Hot ZL1 A10 - Apex ARC-8's, 305/ 325 PS4's, DSX 9.06 12% lower, Griptec 2.5 upper, NGK HR7 Ruthenium plugs, Nostrum 22+ injectors, XDI Goliath HPFP, Katech dual in tank low side pump, Katech oil pump, LME tensioner, DOD delete, LT1 big fuel cam, Jokerz ported blower, MPI lid, GMS hood extractor bracket, Soler ported 87mm (91mm eff) TB, Granatelli SS plug wires, Cordes LTR reservoir, DMS T-stat housing, 186* LS3 T-stat, Black Widow Angry Housewife/ Corsa NPP mufflers, Borla X pipe, BMR engine mounts, Banks iDash, Lithium Battery, AEM X- Series, HP Tuners, E85, 16.5 psi 723 HP/ 765 TQ

08-06-2025, 09:31 PM	#5
closs2sx Drives: 1970 chevelle Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central NH Posts: 1,438	no there is a spot about the top middle of the back seat on a zl1 1le that will release the trunk. Search the forum I know I posted about it years ago in a thread. I'm at work now but if I think of it I will look for it later __________________ On Order 2018 ZL1 1LE Garnet Red Tint Coat Metallic MY Car 2015 Z06 Z07 Daytona Sunrise Orange Metallic Dads Car 2013 ZL1 vin 963 Crystal Red Tint Coat/Black Wheels Exposed Carbon Fiber Insert 6 Spd Manual

08-06-2025, 09:35 PM	#6
closs2sx Drives: 1970 chevelle Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central NH Posts: 1,438	https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527575 page 2 post # 15 __________________ On Order 2018 ZL1 1LE Garnet Red Tint Coat Metallic MY Car 2015 Z06 Z07 Daytona Sunrise Orange Metallic Dads Car 2013 ZL1 vin 963 Crystal Red Tint Coat/Black Wheels Exposed Carbon Fiber Insert 6 Spd Manual

08-06-2025, 10:26 PM	#10
arpad_m Drives: 2018 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 13,301 View My Garage	Glad you were able to get in there Next time you disconnect the battery, don't forget to put a large folded towel on the edge of the trunk, ask me how I started this habit Credit and drinks should go to closs2sx, he gave you the solution, I just added some color. __________________ 2018 Camaro 2SS — G7E MX0 NPP F55 IO6 735 rwhp \| 665 rwtq Magnuson TVS 2300 80mm pulley \| Kooks 1 7/8" LT headers \| JRE smooth idle Terminator cam \| LT4 FS & injectors \| TSP forged pistons & rods JMS PowerMAX \| DSX flex fuel kit \| Roto-Fab CAI \| Soler 95mm LT5 TB \| 1LE wheels \| 1LE brakes \| BMR rear cradle lockout \| JRE custom tune 1100 - 1/30/18 \| 2000 - 1/31/18 3000 - 2/06/18 TPW 2/26/18 3400 - 2/19/18 \| 3800 - 2/26/18 4300 - 2/27/18 \| 4B00 - 3/01/18 4200 - 3/05/18 \| 4800 - 3/14/18 5000 - 3/16/18 \| 6000 - 3/19/18

08-07-2025, 09:32 PM	#12
closs2sx Drives: 1970 chevelle Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central NH Posts: 1,438	glad to see you got it __________________ On Order 2018 ZL1 1LE Garnet Red Tint Coat Metallic MY Car 2015 Z06 Z07 Daytona Sunrise Orange Metallic Dads Car 2013 ZL1 vin 963 Crystal Red Tint Coat/Black Wheels Exposed Carbon Fiber Insert 6 Spd Manual

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