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Should the trunk open with the key?

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Old Nov 16, 2002 | 09:22 AM
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Default Should the trunk open with the key?

I cant seem to get my key to open the trunk. I have to open it from the inside. Is there some trick to it, or does it only open at certain times (like if doors are unlocked, or etc.)?
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Old Nov 16, 2002 | 10:29 AM
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Check the lock cylinder on the inside of the trunk, there should be a metal rod connected to the cylinder. When you turn the key the rod should move and release the trunk locking mechanism.

gazi
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Old Nov 16, 2002 | 12:19 PM
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Default keys

There are different keys made for our vehicles. You may be using the valet key, which I believe does not allow access into the trunk and glove compartment for security reasons.
Tim
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Old Nov 16, 2002 | 07:20 PM
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It goes in but it does not turn. I am using the key with the keyless entry button, so I dont think thats the valet right?
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Old Nov 16, 2002 | 08:33 PM
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Default nope

That one should work, its not a valet key as far as I know.
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Old Nov 16, 2002 | 10:55 PM
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that happend to me once and it wasnt frozen i just tried it the next day and it worked but for some reason my glove box doesnt lock. and i am using the correct key it hoes in but will not turn and im afraid to go to a delaership for something relatively minor
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Old Nov 16, 2002 | 10:57 PM
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There might be some pressure on the latch that you can't overcome by turning the key. Try pressing further down on the trunk lid while turning the key.

Last edited by PERRYinLA; Nov 16, 2002 at 10:58 PM.
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Old Nov 17, 2002 | 04:52 AM
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OK, lets say the car is locked and thus the trunk locked. Should I turn key to left or right to unlock it?
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Old Nov 17, 2002 | 05:42 AM
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clockwise
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Old Nov 17, 2002 | 06:14 PM
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Tried pressing down on the trunk and that didnt work. I took the cloth cover off and nothing jumps out as being wrong. When I put the key in, it turns like a centimeter, but I can feel the little rod turning with it...so....
One more question....my key only goes in the lock halfway, is that normal or should the key go fully into the lock?
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Old Nov 17, 2002 | 07:57 PM
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Default fully

The key needs to be inserted all the way.
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Old Nov 18, 2002 | 12:39 AM
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Maybe you can try to lube the key and/or hole. Sounds like the link between the door lock and lock cylinder is either bent or needs a bit of light grease. The graphite is a lubricant for the key and inner workings of the lock. I use the graphite powder from Home Depot when my Lexus dealer messed my trunk key hole. It works well if your key doesn't go into smoothly. or you can try other product like Tri-Flo.
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Old Nov 18, 2002 | 10:58 AM
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There is a hood lock under the steering wheel that when pressed locks the hood and I think (but not sure) that it locks the trunk too.
Can you open your hood? If not this is why.
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Old Nov 18, 2002 | 06:18 PM
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Originally posted by messysc
There is a hood lock under the steering wheel that when pressed locks the hood and I think (but not sure) that it locks the trunk too.
Can you open your hood? If not this is why.
That lock in your dash is used to lock those remote switches only. It does nothing to disable opening the trunk with a key or using the keyless entry remote. When you push in the lock, it locks those three items. When you use the master key, you unlock it.

There are two keys that came with your car.
1 - valet key - starts engine and opens front doors only
2 - master key - opens everything the valet key does, in addition to:
2a - unlocking the above-mentioned lock to enable the hood, gas door, and trunk
2b - locks and unlocks the glove compartment
2c - opens the trunk

If your key can lock and unlock the glove compartment, you are using the master. If you are able to put that same key all the way into the trunk keyhole, but unable to turn it, they probably replaced that lock cylinder and didn't give you the key.

Last edited by moshlub; Nov 18, 2002 at 06:19 PM.
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Old Nov 18, 2002 | 06:34 PM
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Well I tried graphite and that didnt work I dont think.
I mean the remote unlock works fine for opening the trunk. Doesnt the lock, unlock mechanism that unlocks it when you press the button under the dash the same mechanism that should unlocks it with the key?
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