Trunk latch broken won't open hatchback, how can I remove panels to access for repair

Question edited for clarity.
Question moved from Television and Video category.

Normally you remove the back seat back, and pull the emergency release. Or a mobile locksmith can get in. If the lock is worn, any similar shape key may work with some jiggling. Also look in the glove box for a release button.

I just found this in your Owner Manual for Cutlass Supreme

Remote Trunk Release (OPTION) Press the yellow trunk release button located under the instrument panel on the driver's side. Your automatic transaxle must be in P (Park). Remember that your trunk can be opened at any time using the lock release. Be sure to lock your doors

and also access into the back.

Trunk Access Panel If you have split rear seats, you may have a trunk access panel for storing long objects like skis. Pull your rear armrest down using the strap. Then pull the latch on the trunk access panel towards you to open the panel. To close the access panel lift the latch.

https://carmanuals2.com/get/oldsmobile-cutlass-supreme-1993-owner-s-manual-79185

Videos regarding a locked trunk.

https://www.google.com/search?q=open+the+trunk+on+93+oldsmobile+cutlass+ciera+without+key

..

I had the very same problem with my 2002 Saab 9-3 after I manually moved the trunk latch to the locked position "out of curiosity..." Then I noticed there is a handle you can pull to release latch opening it up! Very simple remedy... It is a glow in the dark green plastic handle hanging down when the trunk/hatch is open dead center, just in slightly behind latch... Gently pull handle until you hear and see the latch click into the open position...Let me know how You make out. BTW: Toyota Camry has the same set up,same color as well...lol Good Luck!

move the latch up slamming it knock it lower

Lower the back seat and crawl into the trunk and see what the latch is doing when you activate the key fob. the trunk lid will have to be open to enable any repairs. Also an emergency release cable is probably visible (yellow handle) inside the trunk and will Open the trunk lid.

First, if it does need an actuator, you can save some money on labor getting it done at an idependent aftermarket shop rather than the dealer. Yes, the part will most likely have to come from the dealer, but let the shop deal with that. You do not have to pay dealership labor rates. It would pay to shop around.

Second, before any parts are purchaced, the actual CAUSE of the problem needs to be verified. Unfortunately, the ONLY way to do that is to get the trunk lid open and inspect the trunk lid latch components. If none of the three methods provided by the manufacturer for opening the trunk in a normal fashion will work, the trunk will have to be accessed by removing the back seat. Once the back seat is removed, a technician can reach into the trunk and remove the bolts that secure the trunk latch to get the trunk open. The latch parts can then be accessed to disassemble, inspect, and repair accordingly.

Please note that this is the ONLY way to do this without causing further damage to the vehicle. DO NOT allow anyone to attempt getting into the trunk any other way! (Do not use pry bars or screwdrivers on the trunk lid, key tumblers, etc..)

The only other way I can think of is to remove the back seat to gain access to the trunk latch.
Otherwise, a locksmith would be my next solution.

There are 3 phases to fixing your car's trunk lid release problem.

Phase 1: First check the fuse - once you know that's OK, then proceed to phase 2 (below).
The fuse for the trunk lock is
the bcm (pwr) 15A fuse in the instrument panel fuse box (behind panel at drivers right foot)

Check that fuse, as it is the power supply for the button on the dash that sends power to the actuator in the trunk.

Phase 2: Get the trunk open (without taking it to the dealership).
If you have remote keyless entry to the trunk, you could try that - but with the actuator
dead/dying, it shouldn't work.

Here are a couple of ideas to try to enter trunk while (a) actuator isn't working, and (b) all
valet lockout features (designed to deny valets access to the trunk) are in the "Lock" position:

There is the lock cylinder, which you stated is not functioning - put the key in, and it doesn't
turn. Just to be sure, consider: lubricate key with Graphite lock-type lubricant, and retry.

The trunk has 2 valet safetys...the locking rear seats which require access to the trunk to unlock, and then there is a valet switch in the trunk that locks the button on the dash from working to keep valet parking attendants out of the trunk. That may be in the lock position.

You can try accessing the center area of the fold down rear seat and see if you can unhinge the rear seat from there. Maybe reach in with your hand, or an extension-type tool.

there may be a way to fold the hinge away from the seat back so it can be removed from the hinge and give you access to the safety latch in the trunk and open it that way (white handle in trunk).
The white-handled safety latch release is desiged to prevent accidentally trapping children, and
if you can pull it with your extending-type or grasping-type tool, the trunk will open whether or
not the actuator motor is working.

Phase 3: Replace the Problem part.

Your failed part may be either (1) Trunk Release Relay, or (2) Trunk Lock Release Switch

My Satrun ION manual doesn't cover either of these parts, and the online parts houses, e.g.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1431624,pgname,Electrical-Switch%2B%2526%252338%253B%2BRelay,a,search.yahoo.com%2BSearch%2Bfor%2B2004%2BSATURN
fail to provide instructions. One of those times a mechanic has to t=rely on his/her native
handiness and/or experience.
To identify which of these parts is bad, locae the Trunk Release Relay (call your dealer parts
dept. for helpful tips on finding it), then operate the dashboard trunk release button with your
ear close tothe relay - if it makes a noise, the problem is the Trunk Lock Release Switch in
the trunk lid, otherwise its the relay.

1. Open trunk
2. Place latch in lock position
3. Pull inside trunk release to see what isn't moving
4. If trunk key won't turn, the key may be worn out and need to be replaced

If you hear the sound of the electric latch switch, then it's working but stuck somehow. Just put the key in the switch and turn it to the right and then pull up the trunk or ask someone to help you. it will open. I tried it today and it opened with me. It was stuck from inside by some kind of a broken plastic pieces. Just removed it and now it's working fine. good luck