So, there are a few threads with similar topics, but this situation has some differences so I figured Id start a new one.

1. Trunk will not open.
-wont open with key
-wont open with button under steering wheel
-have tried switching the valet toggle to both positions and that doesnt work for the key or button under the steering wheel.

2. When I use the key, I can hear it triggering something underneath the steering wheel, but nothing actually happens.

3. Almost got my head stuck in the back seat arm rest hole looking for the manual release tab and in doing that was able to confirm that there is nothing jamming the locking mechanism.

Any ideas what the root of this problem may be and ways to fix it??

 

The switch in the glove box is the main switch, if you remove it and have it in the ON position you should have continuity across the pins of the switch, with it OFF there should be no continuity. There are only 2 pins on that switch, if there's no continuity in either position then that's either the problem or part of it.

Fuse #8 under the dash, if blown would prevent power from being applied and also cause the problem.

I'd start there, given the clicker doesn't work either.

 

I also have this same problem. I can hear the release actuator engaging but the trunk will not open. I am currently trying to figure out what is going on.. my detailing items are back there. ):

 

+1 to the above suggestion of checking the fuse. Sounds like the solenoid relay is working like it's supposed to and I doubt it's the trunk release below the steering wheel since your fob doesn't work either.

Check fuse, then check the glove box switch. If those check out, it might be the solenoid having a problem.

You can open the trunk through the back seat armrest hole. The release is a small plastic handle on the end of a cable on top just inside the trunk. Don't get your head stuck in there like OP lol.

When you say that you can hear the release actuator, do you mean the one that's actually on the trunk latch? Because if you can hear it that means that all of the switches and fuses are okay and either the lid is stuck or the solenoid has failed. Pop the trunk manually with the lever through the armrest hole and try using your fob with the trunk open. Listen for the solenoid near the trunk latch.

 

^^I can't hear any actuators engaging from the trunk, only under the dash. Ill check the fuse and hopefully that will be the answer. I hate these stupid little electrical problems...

 

That comment was for the second guy lol. What year is your TL? And this is probably one of the most simple electrical problems you can have so don't worry, we'll figure it out.

 

Yes, I keep a broom handle in my backseat for when I really need to get back there. I can hear the actuator on the trunk trying to release, just no trunk action happening haha. I think the solenoid might be stuck or something along that line. I am busy trying to figure out why my car feels like its going to fall apart when I apply the brakes to worry about the trunk right now. Thanks for the info, though!

 

Hello,

When my 2005 TL's trunk release stopped working, the release made no sound when I pressed either the dash button or the key fob button. Like the original poster in this thread, 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!