The frustration of locking out of your Tata Punch boot or not being able to open the tailgate with the key can be very stressful and when your bags, tools or valuable things are locked inside.
The advantage here is that the Tata Punch also has various options for reaching the boot based on the circumstances. Depending on the type of car, you might open it in the car, or you might have to make use of the smart key system, the emergency release techniques or even the manual unlocking techniques.
It is best to know how the Tata Punch tailgate system functions before attempting any violent movements with it.
How the Tata Punch Tailgate System Works
The Tata Punch also has an electronically assisted tailgate locking system in most of the variants.
Normally, the boot can be opened by:
- Using the key fob to unlock the vehicle.
- Pressing the tailgate handle switch.
- Keeping the smart key within range.
- Unlocking the car through the central locking system from inside the cabin.
- Using the physical key in case of key fob battery failure or electronic malfunction.
- Opening the tailgate only after the vehicle is unlocked, as the boot remains locked when the central locking system is engaged.
- Receiving a signal from the vehicle's Body Control Module (BCM), which releases the tailgate latch electronically when an authorized unlock command is detected.
According to the Tata Punch owner’s manual, when you press the tailgate key, press the tailgate handle switch in 30 seconds to open the tailgate when using the smart key.
In case the key is not available or the system malfunctions, you might have to resort to other procedures.
Method 1: Use the Smart Key Remote
First, you need to check to see whether you can open the boot or not when you have the smart key, although it may not appear to be.
Steps:
- 1. Open the car to the fullest.
- 2. Click the tailgate unlock button up on the key fob.
- 3. Get to the back of the car.
- 4. Press the hidden tailgate release switch near the number plate area
Other times, users may unlock the car and fail to press the tailgate release switch after that.
The switch in the Tata Punch car is a boot handle at the point close to the rear number plate and might need several attempts to fit properly.
Method 2: Open the Boot from Inside the Car
In the case when the external tailgate release fails, then you can attempt opening the boot inside the car.
Cases of Tata Punch owners exposing an emergency tailgate opening lever which is accessible at the inside have occurred.
How to do it:
- 1. Fold back the back seats.
- 2. Safely get into the back of the car.
- 3. Find the emergency tailgate release switch by the lock.
- 4. Manually open the boot; press the lever.
This method is especially useful if:
- The key battery is dead
- The electronic lock fails
- The tailgate button stops responding
Always avoid using excessive force while accessing the internal release mechanism.
Method 3: Check If the Car Is Fully Unlocked
Full unlocking is another quite frequent problem of Tata Punch models.
There are instances of some owners reporting that:
- Doors unlock properly
- Tailgate remains locked separately
This issue has also been discussed by Tata Punch users online.
Quick fix to try:
- Lock car back up fully.
- Open all doors with remote.
- Turn on one door first, as a passenger.
- Then try opening the tailgate again
After a complete unlock cycle the system may sometimes reboot itself.
Method 4: Replace the Key Fob Battery
In case of a weak smart key battery, the signal of the key might not reach the car adequately.
Common symptoms include:
- Tailgate not responding
- Delayed unlocking
- Intermittent lock issues
Solution:
- Replace the key fob battery
- Retry unlocking the vehicle
- Stand closer to the car while testing
The weak batteries are usually ignored in the process of troubleshooting.
Common Tata Punch Tailgate Problems
Some Tata Punch owners report occasional tailgate issues including:
- Failure to boot up.
- Malfunctions in aligning tailgate sensors.
- Delayed electronic response
- Tailgate switch malfunction
Some online forums state that incorrect locking of boots due to incorrect placement of sensors can result in locking issues.
In case the problem occurs repeatedly, it is most likely to be safe to visit a Tata service center.
Things You Should Avoid
When trying to open the tailgate without a key, avoid these mistakes:
- Using screwdrivers aggressively
- And yanking the tailgate.
- Breaking the locking mechanism.
- Attempting to unlock maliciously.
To start with ignoring means of electronic reset.
- Banging the tailgate can cause damage to:
- Tailgate locks
- Sensors
- Wiring
- Alignment
It is always less costly to be careful.
Being locked out of your Tata Punch tailgate might certainly be frustrating, yet in quite a number of instances, the real problem is not as difficult as it might seem.
Incomplete unlocking, low-strength smart key battery, sensor positioning problems or poor understanding of the tailgate release mechanism are the root causes of most of the issues. Luckily, Tata Punch models also have emergency access points which can assist you in opening the boot safely and do not harm the car.
It is only necessary to remain patient and never push the lock mechanism. A stepwise, detailed solution tends to address the problem much quicker and avoid needless expenses in repair in the future.
FAQs
1. How do I open the trunk of Tata Punch?
The trunk of the Tata Punch is opened with either the smart key or the tailgate release switch, or with the internal emergency release mechanism in case the external system is not operated.
2. What is the common problem in the Tata Punch?
Reported problems by owners are occasional problems in the tailgate lock, misalignment of sensors and delays in unlocking electronics.
3. How do I get my trunk open without a key?
You can attempt the internal emergency tailgate release, the smart key backup techniques or unlock the car manually and then get to the tailgate system.
4. How do I open the boot from the inside?
Fold rear seats, crawl to the rear cargo area and look for the emergency tailgate release lever, which is adjacent to the latch mechanism and unlock it manually.