Trunk (Boot) Open Warning Light

Dashboard Warning Lights Warning (red)

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? You can fix it yourself

Typical repair time 15 minutes – 2 hours

Typical cost SAR 80 to 900

What it means

Shown as a car seen from the side with its rear lid raised, red or amber depending on the make, this light means the trunk or tailgate is not fully closed. It does not normally come on at start-up when the trunk is shut; if it stays on with the trunk closed, the latch switch is usually at fault. Driving with the trunk open can let exhaust fumes into the cabin and the load may fall out.

Symptoms4

Light on with a chime or a message on the display.
Trunk light stays on.
Central locking does not lock the whole car.
Flat battery after long parking.

Possible causes5

Trunk lid not fully closed.
Luggage or a strap blocking full closure.
Faulty or dirty trunk latch switch.
Broken wire in the rubber boot at the tailgate hinge.
Power tailgate mechanism fault on cars that have one (less common).

How to diagnose4

Stop safely, open the trunk and close it firmly.
Make sure no luggage, cover or strap is in the way.
Check the latch for dirt, and see whether the trunk light goes out when closed.
At the workshop: read the switch status with a scan tool and check the wiring at the hinge.

How to fix5

Close the trunk fully and remove any obstruction.
Clean and lubricate the latch.
Repair the broken wire at the hinge.
Replace the trunk latch or power closing mechanism if confirmed faulty.
After the repair, confirm the warning and trunk light go out.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Often there is no cost if the trunk was simply not shut; the cost starts with cleaning or a wire repair and reaches the upper end for an electric latch or closing mechanism.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Is it dangerous to drive with the trunk open?

The load may fall out and exhaust fumes can enter the cabin, so stop and close it. If you must carry a long load, tie it down well and open the ventilation.

The trunk is shut but the light is on. Why?

Usually the latch switch is dirty or faulty, or a wire at the hinge has broken from repeated opening and closing.

Was this explanation helpful?

Tap the stars to rate; you can change it later.

This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

Report a mistake

Spotted something inaccurate? Tell us and we will review and correct it.