emergency trunk release!?!?!

[HellasA4]

ok so i know theres the gas cover emergency release, but after my central locking pump went, my trunk has been stuck in the lock position. i have tried to use the key and follow the owners manual but the trunk still wont unlock. any ideas on how to get it open!? is there an actual and separate trunk release from inside the trunk?

[MattzWarsteiner]

Does the key turn fully 90 degrees both ways from center?
To the left or anti-clockwise unlocks and it should stay unlocked.

[andyrew]

Or turn the key left and push it in will open the trunk and undo the alarm for the trunk, when you close it it will reset the alarm.

[HellasA4]

ahh damn.. i wish it would turn... the key doesnt even turn!!!! u think i should go to the dealer for that? was the key not cut right or not programmed right?

[AP-Specialties]

The lock mechanisms get really corroded up with salt/sand/whatever. Absolutely flood the cylinder with WD40 and work the key around (push it in and out, turn it side to side). It can take quite a while to get everything working smoothly again, you have to be quite forceful with the key to get it moving even.

Sam

[HellasA4]

ok. thank you sam. i will try that today

[MattzWarsteiner]

valet key will go in but not turn. This is the same key that worked before, correct?

[Siena]

Can you release the trunk from within the car?

[HellasA4]

valet key will go in but not turn. This is the same key that worked before, correct?

yes this key worked before

[HellasA4]

Can you release the trunk from within the car?

how do you do this?

[isramirez21]

I have the same exact problem! I cant turn the key either.:-(
Anyone knows what can we do to get the trunk open?


Thanks

[MattzWarsteiner]

Might have a frozen lock mechanism.

get inside through the back seats. Take off the fuzzy trim on the underside of the lid at the back and look for the vacuum lock actuator on the passenger side of the latch. Disconnect the rod from the vacuum motor end and pull or push it to unlock. If it wont move the lock mech needs replacing or some serious de-corrosion & grease.

[HellasA4]

ok so using wd-40 in the keyhole didnt work. i am sure this key is not the valet key because it opens the glove box therefore it should open the trunk. the key wont budge. I will attempt to open the trunk from the inside though i have no idea how to remove the trunk liner. any easy way or write up to do this?

[isramirez21]

ok so using wd-40 in the keyhole didnt work. i am sure this key is not the valet key because it opens the glove box therefore it should open the trunk. the key wont budge. I will attempt to open the trunk from the inside though i have no idea how to remove the trunk liner. any easy way or write up to do this?

I am in the same boat as you man! I cant see any release cable or something like that to open the trunk.:-(

Anyone plz take a picture where the release cable is!

Thank you

[isramirez21]

Any life saver PLEASE!!!

[HellasA4]

bump anyone do it already and have or know of a write up for it?!?!?!

[Burntaudi]

Try some PB blaster. WD40 is just about worthless.

[MattzWarsteiner]

To remove the liner take off the triangle and holder first. Two bolts and two clips underneath. The rest of the liner should just pull loose at the hold-down clips. The lock mechanism is right below the button/keyhole.

I'll try to get a picture of mine up tomorrow.





EDIT:
There are NO hold-down clips. Philips screws at the edge nearest rear window and bottom of lid hold liner on.

[xqwizit]

I too faced this problem of standing in front of my trunk trying to get it opened. I put the key in turned in all sorts of ways and pulled it out numerous times. I got so frustrated I also looked for a release cable from inside the cabin but to no avail. I even folded down the back seats and crawled through the back to see if I can open the trunk from the inside like some cars have if you put someone back there.

It turned out that simply I didn't know how to work the trunk lock. I still don't know how it works but after I got it open, I knew it was right and from then on, I only unlocked the trunk using the remote and will never put a key in the trunk keyhole again.

[MattzWarsteiner]

OK you guys, I looked close at my liner. If you can get this off, you can see the mechanism to unlock it.

After you take off the triangle and holder, there are also some hard to see philips-head screws around the back and bottom edge to remove.
There are no clips on my car < sorry about the misinformation on that part.
Please dont tell me somebody muscled the thing off on my bad.

[Turbo_B5]

nice 8 year thread bump. would of been better to make a new thread.

[Corrado_Guy]

Does all 1998 - 2004 audis have use remote trunk release button?

In North America the B5 series A4 (1996 - 2001) never had a remote trunk release (key fob or switch inside the car) and would only open by using the external lock/button. I would image other countries are like this as well.

[jsbs1991]

I did this like four months ago. You will need to pull the liner off but what like mattz said there are also screws that have felt on them to make them blend in with the liner that need to be taken off also. When.I did mine I put a hole through the liner and made an emergency release. But I also but a pump off eBay that works great.