GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

To unlock the trunk or liftgate from outside of your vehicle, insert the key and turn it.


Object Number: 1219005  Size: A2

To unlock the trunk from inside your vehicle, push the trunk release button located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.

Your trunk release button will not function if one of the following conditions exists:

    • Your valet lockout switch is in the locked position (the right side of the lockout switch is pushed down). See the next part, "Valet Lockout Switch," for more information.
    • Your vehicle is moving. (If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, your trunk release button will function only when the shift lever is in the "P" (Park) position.)

See "Saturn Security System", later in this section, for information on opening the trunk with your Saturn Security System transmitter.

Caution: It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk or liftgate open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk or liftgate open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk or liftgate:

   • Make sure all other windows are shut.
   • Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed and select the control setting that will force outside air into your vehicle. See Climate Control System .
   •  If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way.
See Engine Exhaust .

Valet Lockout Switch (Sedan Models)


Object Number: 1558444  Size: B3

Your vehicle is equipped with a trunk release lockout feature. When this feature is activated, the trunk release button inside the vehicle won't open the trunk. This helps prevent authorized entry into your trunk after you have secured items in your trunk and are leaving the vehicle unattended. The switch is located on the inside of the trunk lid, mounted to the right of the trunk lid latch.

Here's how to use the valet lockout switch:

    • Push down the right side of the switch to activate the valet lockout feature.
    • Push down the left side of the switch to deactivate the valet lockout feature.

To help prevent unauthorized entry into your trunk, you must do the following:

  1. Lock the fold down switches on the backs of the rear seats. You must reach in from the trunk to lock these seats.
  2. Push down the right side of the valet lockout switch to activate the valet lockout feature, and close the trunk.
  3. Give the grey valet key to the valet attendant. This key will not unlock the trunk.
  4. Take your remote keyless entry transmitter and other keys with you.

Your remoter keyless entry transmitter and your normal ignition key will open the trunk even if the valet lockout switch is in the lockout position.