2003 Max SE nothing outrageous in the trunk. For some odd reason the trunk won't open with the FOB, trunk lever on the door panel or key. In order to open it you have to climb in the trunk and use the emergency release mechanism. I read somewhere about a manual switch, not sure if there's one that may have been accidently enabled but could someone please offer some advise on this. Appreciate it.

 

I had the same problem. Theres a little lever on the latch that is at the bottom. Change it. Its its up, put it down, if its down put it up. That should fix the issue.

 

Even if the lockout switch in the trunk is activated you should still be able to open it with your key. When you use your keyfob or the driverside door remote you should just hear a "clunking" sound. That indicates that the system is working properly, if not you or somone else may have accidentally activated it.

 

I have this same issue on my 2002 SE. When I click the keyfob or the trunk release inside the car, I hear the trunk latch but it doesn't open all the way. I have to manually use my key in the trunk every time.

I've investigated the issue a bit, it just seems like when I push the keyfob the trunk released doesn't move enough to release the lock. I figured it was just 128K miles of being worn out but I would love to try to fix this.

 

^^look at the latch...you shuld see lik a plastic lookin thing...pull it up..and bam fixed lol

 

i went to my car and took some pics to show you what your problem might be. my car is a 2000 so i don't now if its different from yours. that little clip should be up not down. all you have to do is push it back up and that's it.

 

here are some more pics for you to see what i am talking about this pic is with the clip down and this one is up

 

Appreciate all the help.

 

Even of the trunk lock was enabled it should open with the key.

 

I love you guys. I assumed long ago that this was a feature of some sort, considering these model's come with the vallet key...what good is it if you can't lock the trunk? But of course, I never really looked into it more.

Well here is your answer. I'm glad my fob and trunk release are working again.

 

THANK YOU GUYS!!!

^^^^^^^^^This exact thing happened to me about 6 months ago and it was one of the biggest annoyances of my car but I never really bothered to look here to fix it. I just ran over to my car and everything works great now!! Thanks again.

 

WOW...it has been almost a yr since i was able to use my remote to open my trunk...thanks guys!! i thought it was sure an actuator or something....

very easy fix..use your remote to see what part is moving when u hit the open button...then just use your finger and pull up from under the metal piece..

 

Hi All , Am new here and I am in Australia.
My problem is with remote key access, I have located the switch/ lever under the trunk latch, (we call it a boot) and it worked fine after I repositioned the little lever
But after leaving the car standing for an hour or so ,You come back and the remote no longer opens the dorrs or the trunk.
Any clues to a fix please,
cheers
Rod.

 

When is the last time you replaced the battery in your FOB?

 

you for your help Maxiiiboy, I replaced the battery with no satisfactory result so I swapped remote for the spare one and with new battwey , so far is working ok.

cheers

Rod

 

For the longest time the car key and the fob would not open the trunk. The only way in was to pop the trunk from inside the car. Three days ago that stopped working, as well. Of course this only happens when you really need to get in the trunk.

As in the other posts in this forum all the mechanical stuff seemed to be in order, i.e. the cable and latch release in the car, but still no go. After trying a number of different solutions, like popping the latch, while pulling up on the trunk from outside I went in through the hole in the back seat with a 24" window deicing tool, popped the latch with the fob and held the latch open while I went around to the rear and finally got the key to open the trunk. I also had sprayed penetrating oil (WD40) on the key and tried the key with the oil on it earlier. Finally, the key turned and the trunk opened. Then I changed the position of the latch mentioned in the other posts on this page. Now, everything's working fine and the key will open the trunk every time.