I have been disappointed that the trunk cannot be opened if the car battery is totally dead. So I want to add a opening device, essentially like a control cable, that would be accessible from the trunk opening in the middle of the rear seat.
I had no problem removing the plastic buttons that support the trunk lid liner but I do not know how to remove the lock mechanism or the pull tab assembly. Any one knows? any advice would be appreciated

Buy a new battery.

I would have to concur with Jag.....with such an isolated situation why would you to go such lengths for that,. I guess my question is how often do you have a dead battery...just curious.

Buy one of those "jump-starters for blondes" that you are supposed to plug into the cigarette lighter.
They cannot start a car, but they will give enough juice for the accessories to work and the trunk to open.

I used about a 4 ft rod and just pushed down on the emergency trunk release through the trunk access in the rear seat (armrest). It was easy.

That if of course what will happen but I would have loved to get a jump except the jumper cable is in the trunk. Furthermore I do leave the car at airports etc for several days, even weeks at a time and did have dead batteries more then once, Quite a pain to have to wait for AAA to give me a jump.(they have the jumper cable)

The airport ramps and lots here have jump start service available, might be worth checking into at the airport(s) you use. If your car is still under warranty you can use Lexus Roadside Assistance too.

Leave one of these type start up chargers on the backseat floor and cover it with a rag or something so it can't be seen and stolen at the airport.

http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-IPD...=pd_sbs_auto_2

Excellent idea!

But, I have to say, your battery should hold a charge for several weeks. My boat batteries will hold a charge for weeks on end during the winter when its put up. Went down yesterday to throw some juice to them. One may be suspect because it's not taking a charge like the other one.

Buy a new battery! You will have no more worries.

Once your battery runs down completely a few times, most likely it would not hold charge anymore.
Completely discharging the battery damages it. You definitely need a new battery.
And then just make sure that you turn off all the lights when you leave the car for a while.
Especially watch for those little blue LED lights.

You can open your trunk lid even without battery. All what you need is your mechanical key...

I found that feature by accident while I was playing in my car... There is a manual trunk release (not the emergency release) in the trunk access... Open the trunk access and at the top of the trunk access you will find a cable. Just pull this cable and your trunk lid will open.

I really don't remember reading this in the owner’s manual...

There's a manual release built-in at the factory. To use it: Pull down the center arm rest in the rear seating area, and open the plastic door behind it (trunk pass through). Reach in there and just above the opening on the trunk side is a black cable loop. Pull it, and the trunk lock will be mechanically released.

FYI, there's also a mechanical release for the gas tank filler. Open the trunk, and pop off the 3" diameter round black plastic cover on the left wall in the trunk. Push the plastic button inside.

Unknown and YotaCarFan - Now that is truly some good information. And I have to admit I doubted you both but went out and checked and it is there. Something new and useful after my second version of this model.

Thanks guys.

Dave Mac

East coast based owners got the know how!

Yes indeed this is very useful info. Thank you very much.
Bandi