GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

To unlock the trunk from the outside, use the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter.

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

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.

Remote Trunk Release


Object Number: 1202341  Size: A2

Press the remote trunk release button, located on the driver's door, to release the trunk lid.

Do not press the remote trunk release button while your vehicle is moving because your trunk will open whenever the remote trunk release button is pressed.

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.

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 your sedan from outside of your vehicle, insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn the key clockwise or use the remote keyless entry transmitter, if equipped.

Remote Trunk Release


Object Number: 1252769  Size: A3

Open the trunk from inside your vehicle by pulling the release lever located to the left side of the driver's seat..

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

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.

Trunk Sedan

To unlock the trunk on your sedan from the outside, insert the key and turn it clockwise in the trunk lock cylinder or use the remote keyless entry transmitter if your vehicle has one.

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

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.

Remote Trunk Release


Object Number: 1272928  Size: A2

Press the remote trunk release button, located on the side of the driver's door trim, to release the trunk lid.

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 inside the trunk 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.