GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Trunk Sedan

Caution: Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it is driven with the liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with any objects that pass through the seal between the body and the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

If the vehicle must be driven with the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:

   • Close all of the windows.
   • Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.
   • Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting that brings in only outside air and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control System in the Index.
   • If the vehicle is equipped with a power liftgate, disable the power liftgate function.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust.

To open the trunk on a sedan from outside of the vehicle, insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn the key clockwise or use the RKE transmitter, if equipped. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation.

Remote Trunk Release

Trunk Release Button


Object Number: 1530597  Size: A2

If the vehicle has a trunk release button located on the driver door, the trunk can be opened from inside the vehicle by pressing the release button.

When closing the trunk, close from the center to ensure it fully latches.

Trunk Release Lever


Object Number: 1252769  Size: A3

If the vehicle has a trunk release lever located on the outboard side of the driver seat, the trunk can be opened from inside the vehicle by pulling the release lever.

Emergency Trunk Release Handle

Notice: Do not use the emergency trunk release handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing items in the trunk as it could damage the handle. The emergency trunk release handle is only intended to aid a person trapped in a latched trunk, enabling them to open the trunk from the inside.


Object Number: 1328322  Size: B3

There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release handle located on the underside of the trunk lid. This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle down to open the trunk from the inside.