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Here’s How To Open The C8 Corvette’s Rear Compartment After A Power Loss

In the event of a power loss, some C8 Corvette owners may be left scratching their head as to how they can access the rear compartment of their mid-engine sports car. After all, GM deleted the key lock cylinder located behind the license plate with the launch of the 2023 model year, and as such, access requires a few extra steps. Luckily, GM has outlined how to access the C8 Corvette’s rear compartment after a power loss.

The rear end of the C8 Corvette.

In a preliminary information bulletin (PIC6502A), GM outlines several methods to access the rear compartment of the 2023+ Chevy Corvette in the event of a power loss. GM recommends that mechanics try these methods in order, from the easiest to the most complex. Preferably, the methods should be performed by a certified GM technician, as well.

Accessing the rear compartment in convertible models involves opening the rear stowage compartment lid (tonneau panel). After applying some kind of protection for the paint, a wedge or airbag tool can be used to create a gap between the weather stripping and the rear compartment lid. A slender tool with a bore scope can then be inserted through the gap to locate and pull the emergency release handle on the passenger side of the latch assembly.

For both coupe and convertible models, another method involves lifting the vehicle and removing the right rear wheel and tire, as well as the rear wheel liner in order to expose a grommet in the body. A slender tool with a hook can then inserted through the wheel well into the rear compartment to pull the emergency release handle located on the passenger side of the latch assembly.

If the rear compartment is full and access to the emergency release handle is blocked, a more involved method is required. This method involves drilling an access hole in the rear tub, and may require a specific tool. This method is outlined further in the January 2023 Emerging Issues Video, and is only suggested when other methods fail.

Finally, in cases where there is a mechanical issue with the rear compartment latch assembly and none of the outlined methods work, the document advises contacting the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to discuss further steps.

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

Comments

  1. Hut

    Seriously?!

    Reply
    1. morrisangelo

      Ridiculous in an effort to save on a lock and key that probably saves gm $0.53…
      Total head-up-the poop chute design.

      Reply
      1. Jim johnson

        Cheap @ss Gm ceos

        Reply
        1. morrisangelo

          Apparently, high-tech excludes common sense, proven mechanical contraptions. But Mary saved $0.53 on a Corvette…such a genius CEO!

          Gotta pay for that expensive and financially upside-down EV fairy tale somehow.

          Reply
          1. PETER MANDEVILLE

            Jumper Cables?

            Reply
      2. GrandAmGT

        The bean counters win again!

        Reply
      3. BobM

        Well, more than that, because the whole mechanical linkage is gone, too. But yeah, probably not more than $20 in total, including the labor to assemble it. Stupid cost cutting, but all the manufacturers are doing it, not just GM.

        Reply
  2. Mel

    I like that color!

    Reply
    1. C8LOVR

      I think the gray color shown here has too much green undertone for my tastes.
      But color is very subjective.

      Reply
  3. C8LOVR

    “Take off the rear license plate”?????
    So the lesson here is:
    Do NOT keep your screwdriver-containing tool kit in the REAR trunk. 🤪

    Reply
  4. Oldmechanic

    Just another example of gm not caring one bit about their customers. I just bought a new Colorado and it has no printed owner’s manual. They save a couple of bucks and the customer is left holding the bag. Sure, you can download a digital copy on your phone, computer, tablet. Little consolation in most cases where you really need some information. Their good news is you can get a printed one from HELM. $80.00 delivered to your house snail mail. This was the 29th new gm vehicle I have purchased in my life and right now I think it will be my last.

    Reply
    1. JB

      Hey, Old Mechanic, it’s not just GM, most if not all of the manufacturers have done this. I have a relative that bought a new F150 and he was complaining about the lack of an owner’s manual. Another bought a Honda, per this relative, Honda has also stopped supplying Owner’s manuals, but like the others you can order one and pay through the teeth for it. Guess they all think they need to save a few bucks, since they pay their CEO’s and others at the top, millions to screw the customers out of owner’s manuals, locks, cheap plastic parts, etc. But the same CEO’s will tell their workers they can’t afford to give their workers a raise.

      Reply
      1. morrisangelo

        JB, my 2024 Maverick Tremor has keyed tumblers in driver’s door and tailgate. The key is hidden in the pocket remote control.

        gm, how is this not common sense as a standard backup design?

        Reply
        1. BobM

          You’ve made this comment twice, so I’ll answer it twice: the C8 has a keyed tumbler in the drivers door.

          From there you can access the frunk and replace or jump the battery.

          Reply
        2. morrisangelo

          Pretty sure this article was about difficult and convoluted trunk access, no Bob?

          Why get rid of it, Bob?

          Reply
  5. Real Truth

    Make the keylock cylinder a $2 option and for another $2 an option that lets you shift into neutral when the engine is not running

    Reply
  6. torch red C8 2021

    Wow, what a mess. My 2021 .. has the license plate keyhole. and you only need to do that if you need access to back trunk for tools. But, lets talk about the eventual latch failure… Maybe there should be a cable loop inside the cabin behind a seat?? It seems that would be an easier way to secure and allow access if needed. I have had to replace a battery, I only needed to get to cabin, from cabin open front trunk using manual pull cable. I bet a smart person could design an accessory cable to add on that would do what I suggested. It cannot be that hard to add a properly designed cable pull to the rear latch.

    Reply
  7. Kevin

    Didn’t know that. I have a 2024 model and I think that a leisurely Saturday would be a good time for me to install a cable from behind the seat to the trunk lid, can’t be that hard and would only take about a six pack.

    Reply
  8. rick

    An AR-15 with a 30 round clip aiming at the lock will probably suffice also

    Reply
  9. Forever Fuelie

    OK, this is so convoluted. All steps needed in case of battery power loss. 1- Access passenger compartment via mechanical key contained in the fob. 2 – Pull (hard twice) mechanical override cable on firewall. 3- Remove plastic panels covering access to battery. 4- Charge, jump or replace battery. (All accomplished without tools). Everything electrical should now be fully functional. No holes to drill, no need to jack up the car and no need to overthink this issue.

    Reply
  10. morrisangelo

    JB, my 2024 Maverick Tremor has keyed tumblers in driver’s door and tailgate. The key is hidden in the pocket remote control.

    gm, how is this not common sense as a standard backup design?

    Reply
    1. BobM

      The Corvette has a keyed tumbler in the drivers door. You really shouldn’t comment on things you know nothing about.

      Reply
  11. LeRoy

    What if you are inside the locked vehicle when the battery goes dead, like if you are attempting to start it and the weak battery dies? You are then trapped inside the locked vehicle. If this was April 1, I would surely think this was an April Fools Day article.

    Reply
    1. Kevin

      Cable opener accessed from inside cabin…..see owners manual.

      Reply
      1. Mel

        What owners manual?

        Reply
        1. Dennis L Zarling

          On your phone, which you forgot and left in the house on the charger.

          Reply
        2. BobM

          Mine came with a printed manual. Guess you don’t actually own one, eh?

          Reply
    2. BobM

      There are manual releases for both doors, clearly marked on the floor by each door.

      Reply
    3. Frank la Vacca

      There is a release cable under the drivers seat to open the door!

      Reply
  12. Bob

    WTF is going on in the automotive industry as a whole. Not just GM, but all the manufacturers. All they are doing is producing expensive cars and trucks with all sorts of fancy gadgets. I say we go back to the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s and start producing vehicles that work when you turn the key and don’t need a damned computer.

    Reply
    1. morrisangelo

      Save money while producing high-tech wizzbangery that will boost repair cost from the owners and insurance companies. Who can’t see this?

      Just out of warranty and you need an entire new digital dashboard? gm will sell you one for $4000 out-of-pocket. Or maybe they’ll get a 3rd party warranty company to cough it up. Either way, it’s out of the consumers pocket.

      Reply
    2. BobM

      LOL. A car with 60s technology that met today’s EPA standards would only make 50 HP.

      Reply
      1. Bob

        FXXX the EPA

        Reply
  13. Mick1

    Can I assume (you know what that means) that a power failure is the same as a dead battery?

    Reply
  14. BobM

    “Accessing the rear compartment in convertible models involves opening the rear stowage compartment lid (tonneau panel). After applying some kind of protection for the paint, a wedge or airbag tool can be used to create a gap between the weather stripping and the rear compartment lid. ”

    LOL. Whoever wrote this never actually drove a Corvette. Without power there’s no way to open the tonneau. Period. Can’t be done.

    If you lose power, the best way to get into the trunk is to use the remote frunk opener under the dash, remove the plastic panels in the frunk to access the battery, then replace the battery or jump it to another one.

    Reply
  15. C1TOC8

    Relax, everyone. This is only for a latch failure. If your battery is dead, you will use a jumper cable or a charger to open it. I can’t imagine doing all this crazy work when you just have to add some volts to it, but I am happy to have a 22 model. My C5 had a cable to open the convertible top lid right behind the driver seat if needed; oh, the good old days.

    Reply
  16. Wayne

    Boys! You’re paying for the new technologies that make no sense. Just another way to raise the bar price on vehicles.

    Reply
  17. Bob C8

    Call a tow truck, then call an Uber.

    Reply

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