Weird trunk issue

[2001 Y33]

Hey all,

So I've got a 2001 Q45 2nd gen (Y33) and I'm having a weird issue with my trunk. The lid won't open using any of my keys to the car, but will work with the automatic open from the key fob or the switch in the driver's side front door. The key will go into the lock, but not turn it.

I pulled out the trim, and it looks like the lock for the actual key has an electrical component above it. Is this just the security system, or some type of key-override?

I doubt the lock just seized up, WD40 didn't help and it wasn't crusty at all before.

For what it's worth, the trunk closing motor seems to not be working. Haven't tried to troubleshoot that yet.

Any ideas?

[qship96]

maybe all your keys were cut from the valet key?

[my12by60]

I vaguely remember reading in the owners manual for my 2000 about a switch in the glove compartment that somehow blocks the trunk from working with the keys. The purpose is to allow you to store valuables in the trunk in the event that you hand your keys to a valet guy or anybody else that you may not trust for whatever reason. A think the switch is called a trunk security switch.

[BadQ45t]

There is no switch in the 97' ---while i have owned my for 16 years I went and checked to make sure and there isn't any lock out in the glove box.

[szh]

maybe all your keys were cut from the valet key?

Yeah ... this sounds like a possibility. Assuming that keys are not the original ones ...

But, I also like the valet position switch theory - my 2003 M45 also has the switch inside the glove box like my prior two Q45's did.

Do these keys open the car doors (not trunk) normally? How about the glove compartment - do these keys open/lock that? If that works, they are not valet keys.

One other possibility: maybe the teeth are a bit worn and are not engaging the trunk lock mechanism properly? Since keys are rarely used for trunks, it is possible that the mechanism there is not as worn as on the door.

Z