Recently got my car out of the shop and discovered the dashboard trunk release button is not working.

Confirmed that it is not the trunk release bypass in the glove box. Works fine from the key fob, and both manual releases work as well.

The only thing I can think of is maybe the service person inadvertently de-programmed the dash release button, but can't find anything in the manual to trouble shoot it.

Ant suggestions?

 

Well it's either the main switch (in the glove box) or the opener switch (driver's side dash).

Since the fob works, you know that the solenoid and fuses are not the issue. You'll need to test those switches.

Getting at them is simple enough: remove the panels they're attached to. Glove box, and driver's dashboard lower cover.

The main switch has two pins. Make sure they have continuity when the switch is ON and no continuity when the switch is OFF.

The opener switch has five pins. Check for continuity between pins 1 (WHT) and 2 (YEL/GRN). There should be continuity with the switch pressed and no continuity with the switch released.

First, I would make sure they're even plugged in. If you were in the shop, I wouldn't be surprised if they forgot something like that. What did you have done at the shop?

 

Thanks Vlad. I had front brakes, transmission fluid and changeout to summer tires.

Where/how would I check if they are plugged in? That seems like a logical place to start.

 

Lol that's weird. Can't imagine why they would remove those panels in that case. Cabin air filter change by chance?

Remove the glove box to get at the one in there. Remove the driver's dash under cover (the one below the one below the steering wheel) to get at the other one. You'll need a DMM to check the continuity. Use the wire colors I provided above to find out which pins are which.

 

You are spot on, went over the receipt and they did change the cabin air filter.

Does that narrow it to the glove box? Can you point me to any DIY for removing the box and checking it out?

Thanks again!!

 

Haha yeah I would say the glove box switch is likely the culprit then. But I can't confirm it for you just based on the filter change, could just be a coincidence. I preach proper diagnosis.

I think my previous post where I quoted Ron A should show you the steps to remove it. It's very simple. If you can't see the pictures, you're probably using an internet connection that blocks photobucket. Try checking this page on your smartphone or your computer at home and you should be able to see the pictures then.

 

Thanks again, I will let you know.

 

Ron A, I finally got around to it, plug was was reversed and not put on right.
THANK YOU!

 

Boom. Nice work!

 

Hello,

I'm glad the original poster found his reversed plug solution. For others who might have a problem with their trunk release...

My 2005 TL's trunk release became intermittent. When I pressed either the dash button or the key fob button, the release made no sound. I suspected an electrical problem.

After ensuring that valet switch in the glove compartment was ON, the owner of an electrical shop advised me to lubricate the release mechanism before doing any electrical troubleshooting. I didn’t think that would work, because there was no indication that there was any power to the release; but I tried lubrication anyway.

I filled all the cavities of the release with white lithium grease, and worked the mechanism back and forth many times.

To my surprise, that solved the problem. Now, the trunk opens every time.

Good luck!