ok, I've been thinking about doing this, and i want to make sure i am thinking correctly. so i have been having problems with my trunk and basically, i can only open the trunk with the key insert inside the smart key. but it is such a pain to have to pull the little slide release and then slide the key out (can't do it one-handed either). so i was thinking about getting a regular key and just having the blade cut to match my key insert in the smart key. then i could just use the key to get into the trunk. in theory, it should work, right? is there something that could make this not work?

i mean i wish i could figure out what's wrong with my trunk, but I'm fine with doing it this way. just thinking if i didn't have to stop to slide the key insert out, it would be easier.

 

I think your solution is worth a try. You might also try using the black button/opening switch on the edge of the trunk lid and if that does not work replace the button/switch.

 

Could it be as simple as the trunk security button in the glove box is set to defeat the power release?
Intended to thwart valet parkers from popping the trunk, you push the button so it is "out" and now
the lower left side dash button and the fob trunk buttons are inoperative. Find the button on the left
side of the open glove box and press it so it stays "in".

 

I'm sorry, I've only owned my LS for a few months and I'm still finding out new things about the car. This is going to sound stupid but where is there a key insert to open the trunk?? I remember trying to look for one but couldn't find it...

 

Let me Google that for you 😉

 

so to give you a little back ground......

one day the trunk would not close. i started messing with the actuator (i have no idea what i did) but i was able to get it to close. but the switch (i did check the position of the key) in the dash, key fob, or button on the trunk would not open the trunk. i could only open it using the key. i purchased 3 different used lock actuators (on the trunk lid) and one brand new striker switch (on the body since that had a switch that i thought might have went bad). all do the same thing, except one which ended up being worse where i couldn't shut it again.

weird thing is, i can use the button to close the trunk (without slamming the trunk). i push the trunk lid down, and then push the button. then the soft close motor engages and pulls the lid down. oh, btw, i also replaced the button on the trunk.