when i use the key fob trunk release button, i hear the noise that it makes, but the trunk remains closed. if i use the trunk release on the driver's door, the same thing happens. the only way i can open it is with the key hole. is something wrong with the latch? is there a way to fix this?--because since i got the car i've always used the key fob and door release buttons. I've only used the key once

 

mine does this at times, try closing the trunk firmer(not slamming, but pressing it closed)

 

ur trunkmight be in lock position open the trunk with ur key and adjust the lil lever itmight have been pushed down too far but thats the problemi had once and all i had to do was adjust the adjustable lever should work and good luck with it

 

that adjustable lever is actually a valet lock. in the up position it's unlocked so the remote on the door & the keyfob can open the trunk, in the down position it's locked so only your master key can open the trunk. so you should push the lever down when you
valet park and leave only your valet key to be safe. or down if you park in an unsafe area, so if the window is broken, pushing the trunk release on the door won't open the trunk.

 

The valet lock is on. open it w/ the key and flip the lever.

 

spray wd40 on lock

 

i went through the same issue when I bought my I30. turns out the solenoid was adjusted to the wrong place.
There are 2 bolts that hold solenoid need to be loosened and the solenoid slid towards (or was it away?) from the latch. retighten the bolts and try again, it worked for me

 

thanks guys. it was the valet lock. i feel like an idiot.

 

I know I'm resurrecting an old thread, but I just went thru this on my '96.

I WD40'd everything, adjusted the striker bar, did a bunch of stuff, nothing worked.

I didn't even know that da*n lever was back there...flipped it up and everything works again. Must have gotten knocked down by something in the trunk. Yeah, I feel like an idiot.

 

or 3in1

 

But first check the valet lock-out lever just behind the lower locking mechanism.

 

what lever are you guys talking about? my trunk just stopped working too, i found the little lever!!! and it fixed it! i never knew about that

 

I'm guessing the lever i never knew about is also moved. however i don't have a master trunk key???? can you get to this lever from inside the trunk? I've already sent my kid through the access door from the rear seat to get some things out of the trunk. wondering if she can flip the lever??? anyone have a picture of it?

 

yes you can. it is dead center of the trunk under the latch.
I crawled in and out of mine enough when I bought it.

 

maybe it just seals shut, my trunk does it when i dont open it for a period of time. i guess the weather stripping some how seals the trunk shut if i dont frequently open it, especially in the summer time...

 

It's ok.... considering the guy below u posted this after OP found out it was the lever:

 

heres a pic for yall who dont know








Just flip that little switch up and you should be in buisness.