Rod Spohn

I can't get the trunk to open except with the key at the trunk. with out the key the button pushes in but it will not open. The switch on the dash worked untill recently but even then I had to switch it a few times before it opened. now nothing. Did I set some lock unknowingly or is it just broke. I couldn't find a bad fuse but unsure what fuse it is. Any davice ??? This is in a '96 S320
Thanks Rod

Peter Guenther

The trunk is released by the "infamous lock, lumbar, headrest, gas door, HVAC backup , pump under the rear passenger seat. If all of those things work there is a electrical vacuum valve in line to the tunk release. I would think either the switch, the diaphram at the lock or, the control valve seem to be defective. There could be a chance there is a leaking hose. Toubleshooting the vac system requires a "handi-vac" it allows you to draw a vacuum and see by a guage if it holds, typically $50

brett san diego

I would first suspect an air leak in the line going to the trunk release (could be a bad actuator at the latch or just a separated connection). Or the latch release could be mechanically stuck. You'll just have to dig in there and take a look to see what's up. Remove the trunk liners around the latch and on the right hand side. The line runs down this side of the car. With the trunk open, use your thumb to close the latch, then push the button and observe. You should hear the hiss of any air leaks. You can disconnect a line to see if you're getting air from the pump at all.

Good luck,
Brett