Why does everything have to be so complicated with Tesla? I mean, opening and closing the Model 3 frunk should be a simple task, right?
But no, even the simplest of tasks require a 1000-word article to get it right.
Just so many precautions!
Let’s not waste a single second more and get right into the details.
Tesla’s Recommended Way to Open/Close the Model 3 Frunk
Opening the Model 3 Frunk
$$$$-Saving Precautions to Follow While Opening the Frunk
- Make sure no heavy loads are placed on the frunk before opening.
- Make sure the area around the frunk is wide open and safe from obstacles.
- Make sure there isn’t anything vulnerable in the vicinity of your Model 3 frunk.
- Make sure you open the frunk fully to avoid any free fall while loading stuff in it.
- Make sure your Tesla Model 3 is in parking mode.
You can choose any of the following Tesla-recommended ways for hassle-free opening of your Model 3 frunk:
- Locate and tap the “Open Frunk” button on your Tesla screen.
- Press the frunk button on your key fob two times.
- Choose the frunk option in your Tesla mobile app.
Closing the Model 3 Frunk
$$$$-Saving Precautions to Follow While Closing the Frunk
- Don’t apply pressure anywhere else, except in the highlighted green areas on the frunk.
- Applying pressure on the red regions is similar to getting Thanos back to life — as it can cause painful damage to your Model 3 frunk.
- Both hands must be in action. One-hand duty increases the probability of causing a dent or wrinkle on the frunk of your dearest Tesla Model 3.
- Avoid putting pressure on the front edge of the hood; it can cause the edge to wrinkle.
- Avoid slamming the hood shut.
- Empty your hands. Closing your Model 3 frunk with stuff like keys or jewelry in your hands can scratch and scuff the frunk’s body.
Adopt these Tesla-recommended ways for closing the Model 3 Frunk:
- Pull the hood down so that the striker comes into contact with the latches.
- Push firmly after placing your hands on the green spots highlighted at the frunk.
- To ensure that the frunk is closed properly, apply force on the frunk’s edge upward.
A Few More Things to Remember
To keep your journey free from hazards and buzz killers, don’t forget these novel buzz savers:
- Make sure your frunk is properly closed before you begin your voyage on your Tesla — Slightly lift the front edge of the frunk to ensure it’s fastened to the latches properly.
- A notification will appear on your Tesla screen if your Model 3’s frunk is not closed properly — This warning symbol implies that you won’t be able to move your Tesla an inch out of park until closed properly.
- In case the frunk is fastened properly to the latches but a warning icon is popping up on your Tesla screen, that is some serious error and can cause problems in the proper functioning of your Tesla features like Autopilot, etc. — You are advised to schedule an appointment with your nearest service center to get it fixed.
Opening the Model 3 Frunk — The Powerless Way!
Need to open the frunk but the battery is all drained out? No conventional method of opening the Model 3 frunk will work now.
Anticipating situations like this in advance, Tesla provided the towing eye aperture just below the hood that can help you get the frunk opened. You’ll have to go through the following procedure:
- Get a low-voltage operating external power supply (like a portable jump starter).
- Firmly press the top right edge of the tow eye cover and slowly move the elevated section toward yourself until it begins to rotate inside.
- Open the positive and negative terminals from the tow eye aperture by detaching both wires.
- Plug the red positive (+) line from the power source to the red positive (+) terminal.
- Plug the black negative (-) line from the power source to the black negative (-) terminal.
- By the time you turn on the external power source, the hood latches are readily freed, providing you access to the frunk region.
- Disconnect both lines from the terminals. You are recommended to start by plugging out the black negative (-) line.
- Avoid replacing the tow eye cover if you’re pulling the car onto a flatbed truck.
- Assemble the tow eye cover if necessary by putting the wires into the tow eye opening, positioning the tow eye cover, and pushing it into place.
These 5 rare tips can save you so much time and stress – and few owners know about them (even after years of ownership). Sign up below to learn more. It's free!
The Model 3 Frunk Is So Manual — Any Power Upgrade That’s Actually Worth It?
Even though the Model 3 comes with an automatic rear trunk in the refreshed models, Tesla hasn’t served us with automatic frunks as of now.
Imagine lifting a heavy load of grocery bags. To open the frunk in this case, you’re supposed to put those bags on the ground and open up the hood manually.
Having said that, if you have a power liftgate equipped in the frunk, you easily open it up by sliding your foot beneath the frunk or merely putting your finger on the hood.
As always, enter the aftermarket brands to the rescue!
Best Tesla Model 3 Power Liftgate for Frunk:
EVOffer
I have had my EV offer unit for well over a year. Was actually the first batch of their latest and greatest Mark 4.0 unit. A bunch of issues arose but they were quick to send upgraded replacement parts for this work in progress. Over time, everything was replaced with the exception of the struts. They now have a rock solid unit, never an issue. Has been at least 9 months without errors or failures.
Midnightsun
My Model 3 Frunk Won’t Close. What to Do?
Many Tesla owners have reported facing difficulties shutting the frunk. Some even claimed to have slightly damaged their Tesla hood while doing so. Here’s what a Tesla community member experienced:
I just took delivery of my model 3 a couple of days and I love it. One thing that bugs me though is I am avoiding opening the frunk because when I do I feel like I’m going to dent the hood. I lower it down and put my hands on either side of the logo like it shows in the manual and then pushes down as slowly as I can. But despite this, I can still feel the hood flex under my hands and I’m worried about denting the thin aluminum. Can this be adjusted? I thought the 2021 models were supposed to close easier?
aktg102
This is the most common issue reported by most Model 3 owners in the Tesla community.
Most of the time, it’s a latch problem. Just a simple adjustment of the latches upward would solve the problem.
All you need to do is open the frunk, remove the plastic covers on the latch, and then loosen the two bolts slightly and shove the mechanism up.
You may need to experiment a little since if you go too high, the hood will not be level with the bumper.
According to my observations, the latch is too low, requiring you to put pressure on the hood to close it. However, after the latches are corrected, they will shut quite simply, eliminating all dangers of denting or damaging the frunk during closure!
Final Thoughts: How to Open and Close the Model 3 Frunk
To summarize this whole long wrangle of opening and closing the Model 3 frunk, I can say that Tesla provides us with several alternatives for doing a single-piece task.
Thus, you must select the method that you feel is the easiest and most comfortable for this particular subject or any other normal operation of your Tesla — because after all, it’s comfort and ease that encouraged you to pick Tesla over other ICEs and EVs.
Just be mindful of the stuff that might scratch, scuff, damage, or dent your sleek Tesla Model 3 frunk. And don’t forget the rule of thumb: Always apply pressure using both hands at the green spots to avoid any damage.
And if you don’t mind investing a few hundred dollars for extra practicality and leisure, try adding a power liftgate to your Model 3’s frunk, which will also make your life much smoother.
Happy cruising!
Muhammad Hassan
Engineer by trade and writer by passion, Hassan is an automotive enthusiast who thinks EVs are the future. At TTU, he discusses the coolest features and products Model 3 owners look for -- so they can better experience their cars. In his free time, he enjoys tea, reading, and listening to podcasts.These 5 rare tips can save you so much time and stress – and few owners know about them (even after years of ownership). Sign up below to learn more. It's free!
