Trunk release does not open, how to manually open the trunk

TRAIL1A

MEMBER
2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
84,000 MILES

When we attempt to open the trunk we can hear the switch activate but the trunk does not open. I am unable to locate a manual release. How do I manually open the truck, so I can repair the device? The dealership will not share any information. But for a starting $175.00 they will look at it. The VW parts department states there are only two parts, the latch ($79.00) and a servo ($49.00). I cannot get the trunk open. We have a son with autism and mental retardation and I do not want my wife to get a flat tire and not have access to the spare.

Ray

5 Replies

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello Ray,

We will do our best to assist you with this but a couple of questions. First there are several models of Passat. Is yours a GLS or the GLS wagon? Please be more specific. Also, the engine, please let me know if it is a 1.8L Turbo AUG or AWM or something different. I want to make sure we give you the correct information.

With that, are you able to remove or lay your back seat down to get into the trunk? Do you know if you have an emergency release inside your trunk? Does your key not unlock the trunk manually?

Please get back with so we can better assist.

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Friday, October 31st, 2008 AT 8:32 PM

TRAIL1A

MEMBER
2 POSTS

It is a Passat sedan, 1.8 turbo, front wheel drive.

Yes the back seats fold down and I have been in the trunk. No manual trunk release. There is no slot to insert the key to open the trunk manually. There is a key slot at the trunk that according to the owners manual locks the trunk. I have turned it both ways and the trunk still will not open.

Ray

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Saturday, November 1st, 2008 AT 3:56 PM

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello Ray.

Okay, I have attached a few pictures for you to review. The one with the relay positions. Try swapping relay #2 with another and see if the lock works then.

You may need to get in through the rear seat to remove the panel.

If not the other pictures in a couple of them item 6 and 8 have nuts can the nuts be removed and the latch stay connected to the catch and then the trunk open?

In the other picture item 7 shows an actuator can you push on it to release the trunk

Also, is there a connector you can disconnect and put 12 volts to one pin and ground the other and if that does not work swap pins and try it again.

You may have to have someone gently pushing down on the truck during any of these to allow the latch to release with no pressure.

Let me know how this goes.

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Sunday, November 2nd, 2008 AT 12:31 AM

SADIEH503

MEMBER
1 POST
2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
148,000 MILES

My trunk will not open, the remote does not work to pop it open anymore. It will not pop when I press the trunk open button from inside the car, and even when I try to use my key to open it, it will not open. When I try to pop the trunk, I hear a noise like it is opening, but it just will not. I am so frustrated with this car right now, had it for four weeks and problem after problem, Please help. This site rocks! BTW

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Saturday, July 7th, 2018 AT 11:52 AM (Merged)

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,636 POSTS

Hello,

Two things come to mind, first is the seal around the trunk lid is stuck to the lid. This will make it tough to open even though the latch is undone. Like the lid is taped down. Try to use a little force to open while releasing the the trunk latch. Next is a little tougher. If the latch has broken then you will need to remove the rear seats to access the latch from the rear of the car.

Here is a guide on how to replace the latch.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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