GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Trunk Release

Your vehicle has a trunk release on the floor near the driver's door. Pull up on the release to open the trunk. See Saturn Security System Operation section for procedures on opening the trunk with the Saturn Security System transmitter.

Secured Trunk Release


Object Number: 1551138  Size: B3

The secured trunk feature is one component in a three-part security system that also includes the valet lockout switch. The secured trunk feature prohibits access to your trunk from the inside of your vehicle.

The secured truck feature is located on the back side of the rear seatback(s). In order to use the secured trunk feature, the rear seatback(s) must be in an upright, latched position.

To lock the rear seatback(s), reach through the trunk and push the sliding lock bar(s) up. For the secured trunk feature to perform properly, both the left and right side lock bars have to be in the locked position. Then, push down on the valet lever on the trunk latch to activate the valet lockout feature. Refer to "Valet Lockout Switch" for more information.

To unlock the rear seatback(s), reach through the trunk and push the sliding lock bar(s) down.

Each rear seatback can be locked or unlocked independently.

Valet Lockout Switch


Object Number: 1563730  Size: B3

Your vehicle is equipped with a trunk release lockout feature. When this feature is activated, the trunk release lever inside the vehicle won't open the trunk.

This helps prevent unauthorized entry into your trunk after you have secured items in the trunk and you are leaving the vehicle unattended. The switch is located on the latch mounted inside the trunk lid.

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

  1. Lock the seatbacks in the upright position using the sliding lock bar to activate the secured trunk feature. You must reach in from the trunk to lock these seats.
  2. Push the valet lever, located on the left side of the latch, down to activate the valet lockout feature. Close the trunk.
  3. If you have the optional Valet key (available through your retailer), you can leave this key with the attendant. Take your remote keyless entry transmitter and other keys with you.

Your normal ignition key will open the trunk, even if the valet lockout switch is in the lockout position.

Emergency Trunk Release


Object Number: 1551139  Size: B4

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.

There is a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle attached to the trunk lid of your vehicle, which is located inside the trunk near the bottom edge of the trunk lid.

This handle will glow following exposure to light.

The trunk lid can be opened by pulling on the t-shaped release handle and pushing the trunk lid open from the inside.

Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit


Object Number: 1551142  Size: B4

To help prevent a child from becoming trapped in your trunk, you can order a trap-resistant trunk kit from your retailer. This kit includes:

    • A modified trunk latch
    • A lighted release handle

See your Saturn retailer for additional information.