Saturn ion trunk key won't unlock trunk

have you checked the fuses for these things -cheers Denny

Get locks checked out by a locksmith. You might have to replace that lock.

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.

Hi!

I thing following happened: when the steering wheel is moved just a little bit with NO key inserted, it will lock itself (that's some common anti-theft measure).
In order to get it unlocked, you have to insert the key and gently push to rotate it while you also gently move the steering wheel left and right untill the lock is released.

Make sure the valet lock on the underside of the trunk is not switched.

Check to make sure the button on the trunk latch is turned from manual unlock...they made that feature so only the key will work to open the trunk that way if someone breaks in the front of your car they can't hit the trunk release and get into the trunk...may be the same thing for your remote. Hope that helps.

Try pulling the steering wheel back and forth while trying to take the key out. Or, push forward and back on the shifter while it's in park, while trying to take the key out. This could be the steering wheel lock mechanism.

If you think it needs lubrication, try a LITTLE bit of graphite lubricant. Do NOT use WD-40.

you need a new ignition for sure

there is a manual switch that is located near the trunk latch for a safty lockout it might have been switched by accident look to make sure.hope this helps.

If only the trunk release is not working, did you check to see if the little lever arm switch on the trunk lid at the latch assembly is switched to enable the release? Mine came switched to the 'Off' position when I bought it and it took me a few days to figure that one out.