How to Open the Frunk on a 2020 Chevy Corvette C8

Since the C8's engine sits behind the passenger compartment, the front of the car houses a front trunk ("frunk") instead, and Chevrolet built in three separate ways to open it — plus a manual backup for a dead battery.

Using the Key Fob

Press and release the hood release button on your key fob once, then press and hold it a second time until the frunk pops open. If you don't hold the button down on that second press, the frunk won't release, which is the most common reason this method seems not to work.

Using the Interior Button

With the transmission in Park, press and hold the interior frunk release button until it unlatches. As with the fob, releasing too early before the latch disengages will leave it closed.

Using the Front Grille Button

There's also a physical button located at the front of the car in the grille area that opens the frunk directly, useful if you're already standing at the front of the vehicle rather than reaching for the fob or interior button.

Manual Emergency Release

If your battery is dead or the electronic release isn't working, a manual release cable is located under the driver's side dash, toward the back of the footwell. Pull this cable twice to manually release the frunk latch — a single pull isn't enough to fully release it.

Closing It Properly

The frunk lid isn't heavy enough to latch shut under its own weight, so simply pushing it down won't close it. Set the hood striker into the latch, then press firmly on the front edge until you hear the latch click twice, confirming it's fully secured.

Quick Reference Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my frunk open with the key fob?

The most common reason is not holding the button down long enough on the required second press; try again, making sure to hold it firmly until you feel or hear the latch release.

Can I open the frunk if my 12-volt battery is completely dead?

Yes — the manual release cable under the driver's side dash is specifically designed for this situation and doesn't require any electrical power to operate.

Why does my frunk pop back open after I close it?

This usually means the latch didn't fully engage — make sure you're pressing firmly on the front edge until you hear it click twice, not just resting the lid down gently.

Is it normal to need the transmission in Park for the interior button?

Yes — this is a built-in safety requirement for the interior release button specifically, so if it's not working, double-check the shifter position first.

Shop the Parts Mentioned

• Car Jump Starter with Air Compressor & Digital Tire Inflator — useful if a dead battery is why you need the manual release.
• ACDelco Gold Negative Battery Cable — for addressing a battery connection issue causing electronic release failure.
• 95-Piece Mechanics Tool Set (Metric & SAE) — useful for any related latch inspection.