So about 3 weeks ago my boot wouldn't close so I pressed the release and pushed it down and it closed. Well ... now it wont open. Before I crawl in the back in 100F weather and sweat like a walrus eating a BigMac what do I need to do to release the boot and whats the odds on it working normally after I do it ?

 

What boot are we talking about? Shift boot, rack boot, axle boot, column boot?

 

None of the above.

OP is referring to the trunk










Can you open it with the key? If not, check the glove box for a switch... I think the 5th gen has a valet switch that will lock the trunk shut. That switch is located in the glove box

 

I had this from putting something heavy and round in the trunk that proceeded to roll back and bend a part of the latch. Once you get it open inspect the latch mechanism and see if anything looks bent or out of place. I didnt notice anything until I manually ran the latch a few times and noticed there was a little piece that should have been moving but wasnt.

 

Have you tried opening it with the keyhole in the trunk?

 

I think the valet switch is actually on the latch in the trunk.

 

Im pretty sure you guys are both wrong. The valet key only works in the ignition and doors, at least on a 5.5 gen. The key does not fit into the glovebox lock, trunk, or backseat locks due to a difference in thickness. The switch in the glovebox basically just disables the trunk lever by the driver's seat.

 

it would be wonderful if OP came in here and cleared things up for everyone

 

If the OP meant his trunk gets stuck,

My trunk got stuck once after someone shut it forcefully. It turned out trunk latch was moved down by the force when the trunk was slammed closed. No key or remote could open it.

End up, using a stick and going through the trunk passage in the backseat, I flipped the latch to up position. After that everything was normal again.

The latch should be inside the trunk around the area where the XI (as in MAXIMA) are on the outside. (mine 4th gen)

Nothing broke, just bad design and my excessive love of wd40 on any "mechanical movable joints" which make it to slide down easily.

 

Sorry guys my phone died so I.couldn't get on till now. My key never worked in the trunk, looks like illl habr to flop around like a sweaty walrus trying to open it.

 

What you just typed means that I am right. You flick the lever on the trunk latch, give the valet the red colored key and the valet people will not have access to the trunk.

 

U mean my 2003 maxima has a switch in the glovebox?? Gotta check this out tomorrow

 

the switch is not 1)in the trunk, 2)on the latch or 3) a lever. so no