Im screwed with a Locked trunk!

[PIZZ]

Im trying to open my trunk on my 03 corolla, I went to lock it one day and completely turned it to the right and now it wont open with the key. Its not iced over and I tried lube still no luck. It wont open with the driver side latch either. To top it off my rear car seats are locked and cant put them down to access the handle in the back to release the trunk. Does anyone know a way to get this think open?

[MD1032]

Sounds like a trip to the dealer to me!

[Tech1984]

Have them cut a master key (you have a valet key) from your vin. Your trunk lock is just in valet position. Not as screwed as you think you are.

[mikered30]

How do you know he is not using the master key?

[fj62]

I bet he used the master to set the lock to valet. For some reason he is using a valet key now. My daughter did this- lost her master and couldn't figure out how to get her trunk open. I had to order a couple keys for her.

[Tech1984]

Originally Posted by mikered30

How do you know he is not using the master key?

Nevermind. I wasn't reading it right. Thought he meant he turned it to the left.
Could try and pop the back seat bottom up and see if the seat backs could be unbolted enough to lift and get access.

[ab30494]

on my car, you can put it in the val\let position with the valet key.

[PIZZ]

I have two keys, one that starts the ignition and one that unlocks the doors. How can you tell which is the Valet key? Ive tried both keys and none seem to unlock the trunk. It is in lock position all the way to the right.

[invader]

Originally Posted by Bosley

Well, with a little brute force & ignorance I managed to solve the problem!

While I'm not all that small I'm just too stupid to give up,.... :wink: I downloaded a Corolla service manual to see how the seats were attached.

I found by following the rear seat belt down there was a small bolt that held the corners of each seat in place. By removing that bolt and prying the seat forwards I was able to create a small gap bewteen the seat and plastic side panel and cram my hand and forearm into the trunk.

With that accomplished I tried to feel around for the aircraft cable that releases the safety latch on the seat (hoping it wasn't the speaker wire at the same time,.... ...) Giving that a sharp tug the seat-lock released and I was able to then empty my trunk, pop the lid from the inside, and replace the friggin' lock cylinder that caused me all this grief in the first place!!!

[invader]

Help! I was checking the back seat mounts and I've locked myself in the trunk! Now I can't get out! It's 30 below and the lock is frozen...

[Dave's]

If memory serves, a valet key will open the doors and start the vehicle. It will not open the glove box if it's locked nor will it open the trunk if the trunk lock is turned in whichever direction (left?) activates valet mode. This disables the valet key from opening the trunk and also the interior release . The purpose is to keep valuables or personal items placed in the trunk or glove box inaccessible to anyone using the valet key. (valets, mechanics, etc.) If your glove box is lockable you may be able to test which key works to unlock it and which doesn't. This assumes also that you have a valet key. It could be your lock simply malfunctioned for some reason. Pulling the bottom cushion and removing the seat backs to reach the emergency release may be your best option.

[ab30494]

my valet key is grey

[PIZZ]

well after alot of frustration i decided to get a lock picking kit and try to pick the darn lock myself. Only cost me $20. Happy to say that it worked remarkably! Now im going to replace the lock for good. All in all not bad for $20. I picked up a new skill and saved myself a few hundred at least.

[Tech1984]

I'm impressed. Way to go.

[Dave's]

Glad you got it. And it's nice to hear when people solve a problem although I understand that once they get it fixed they tend to forget about it. Still, your solution may help someone else. Good job.