How to Troubleshoot a General Motors Trunk Lock

The lockout is designed to immobilize the remote operation and force the trunk to be unlocked with the key at the trunk itself.

General Motors sells sedans with trunks under the Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac and Oldsmobile brands. Features of the trunk locks include remote trunk releases, a trunk release lockout option, optional trunk release handles and a trap-resistant trunk kit. Problems with the trunk lock systems can include the lock elements malfunctioning. Problems like these can be corrected through troubleshooting.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh batteries for keyless remote

Instructions

1. Change the battery on the remote keyless entry transmitter if the trunk won't unlock. You can test whether the problem is with the transmitter or not by seeing if it opens or locks the doors when you press the button. Open the transmitter and remove the old battery if you suspect it's dead. Replace it with a new one.

2. Switch the remote trunk release lockout to the "Off" position, if you try to unlock the trunk from the remote trunk release switch on the driver's door and it won't open the trunk. The lockout is designed to immobilize the remote operation and force the trunk to be unlocked with the key at the trunk itself. Look under the trunk lid and see if there's a lockout switch there. It will be marked and located at the latch. Move the switch to the "Off" position if it's installed.

3. Turn the ignition off, or engage the parking brake, if the remote trunk release still won't unlock the trunk.

4. Fully close the trunk from the center if the trunk won't latch. Be sure it latches before trying to lock it.

References

• "2001 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Guide"; GM; 2000