Emergency Exit Instructions

[Vingnut]

This looks the same as when I removed the plastic cover. I then inserted a flat bladed screwdriver into what I thought was a slot and tried to rotate it counterclockwise.
However, it would not rotate which I then assumed was because the tailgate was already open.... obviously.
Was that correct or was anyone able to rotate the lock with the tailgate open?

The "keynob" (blue on my car) only need to rotete a tiny bit (little less than 1/16th of a turn) in a counter-clockwise direction, this rotation can be done locked and unlocked on my car.

My car came with 2 keyfobs, each have an emergensy key inside. The force needed to turn the "keynob" is miniscule, it's so easy to turn that one might not register that the "keynob" actually has turned and think you have only taken up the slack but there are no slack in this setup.

Emergensy tailgate exit (opening) MG4 step by step (sorry for the grammar).

See post #1, #8 and 30 for original descripton, picture of the tailgate lock with the cover removed and the emergency key.

Remove the emergency key from your key fob (do not loose the emergency key as it's quite small).

Fold down the rear seats.

Crawl to the trunk and remove the small cover above the tailgate lock at the bottom in the middle of the tailgate. There is a small "tab" at the top of the small cover that you have to press down to remove the cover.

When the cover in front of the lock is removed, the tailgate lock is vissible and at the bottom of it there is a small blue plastic rounding that has room for the tip of the emergency key, insert the emergency key and turn it slightly counter-clockwise (about 1/16th of a turn). The tailgate is now open and can be lifted up.

Get out of the trunk and use the emergency key to unlock the driver's door.
Note read the user manual for how to do this, as the manual lock is hidden behind a plastic cover on the door handle.
Happy escapes.

 

[Martinonline]

Is it known whether the plastic rounding activates an electric release or a physical one? The small movement seems to indicate the former.

 

[OriginalBigAl]

Useful to know in case someone else from this forum tries to kidnap you ! Would your key work in some one else's boot from the inside? I might need to go away and consider this.

 

[Vingnut]

Useful to know in case someone else from this forum tries to kidnap you ! Would your key work in some one else's boot from the inside? I might need to go away and consider this.

The slot for the key is just a slot, a screwdriver pocket knife or a nail file will also work.

 

[Vingnut]

Is it known whether the plastic rounding activates an electric release or a physical one? The small movement seems to indicate the former.

I suspect electric release cause there are absolutly no change in resistance while turning the "key". Would be nice if anyone could test if the emergency tailgate release works when 12v battery is disconected.

 

[DBedford]

Quite incredible that this even needs to be discussed/known.
Mind blowing.

According to TV crime drama writers it’s common for people to get locked in the odd car boot. This at least gives the victims a fighting change of escaping!

 

[Ian Key]

According to TV crime drama writers it’s common for people to get locked in the odd car boot. This at least gives the victims a fighting change of escaping!

They'd get licked to death in mine ?

 

[DBedford]

They'd get licked to death in mine ?

I won’t ask ?

 

[Ian Key]

I won’t ask ?

 

[Barbette]

The emergency key inside the fob also has a fold out thin blade that looks as if it’s been provided specifically to open the boot from the inside. As shown in the picture it doesn’t fully fold out, but stops at about 135 degrees, this makes doing the small twist needed slightly easier.

Edit: The fold out blade is also useful to provide extra leverage when using the key part in the door lock. on reflection, this may be its primary purpose.

 

[OriginalBigAl]

View attachment 18288

I, m not the best when it comes to using the internet, but I,ve searched the MG electric site three times, and also the user manual but cannot find any references to the optional security devices which you have managed to obtain. Alibaba by any chance?