Trunk release button on the dash or on the key fob will not open the trunk only the key itself will open the trunk need help

Your going to have to try and crawl in there and get to the lock mechanism itself. If it doesn't open with the emergency release cable its going to be a pain. Obviously its jammed up somehow, to free it up without damaging anything will be a struggle. A long screwdriver with some pressure in the right spot on the lock itself while a assistant operates the release may do the trick.

Theresa, First thing to do is change the battery in the key fob. Its not expensive and you can do it yourself.
Check the attached links,instruction , Good luck .
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Chrysler 200 Key Fob Battery Replacement Guide 2011 To 2014 Model Years...

Try checking to see if it has released buttons on the back top passanger seats.

make sure glovebox trunk lock didn't accidentally get pressed http://youtu.be/JGLQtYSdL1Y

check in your glove box on left hand side.valet switch may have accidentally set.let me know how you make out!

My avalon 2002 trunk was not opening. The problem was a little switch in the glove compartment was depressed I puched the switch back in and wala everything was just fine again. A lil black switch in the glove compartment. wish u the best.

This may sound silly but do you not have a key to open the trunk or a 'FOB' that you can just press the button to open the trunk. You may want to go to your Ford dealership to get a 'FOB' or a remote, may cost you around $40.00

Maybe a fuse needs replacing......That's all I got, good luck.

the keys needs to be initialised. put key in door lock or ignition barrel and press/hold the remote open button until led flashes on dash, release button and rremove key from lock, remote should now work

To get inside the car .... Use the key in the lock cylinder, unlock the drivers door to get inside. You shouldn't have to reprogram the fob unless it or the keyless module was changed. There may be a blown fuse that supplies the keyless control module (check the owners manual for location). or wires that lead into the Drivers door may be damaged ... The keyless module is located inside the drivers door at the bottom behind the door panel ... do the unlock/lock and trunk release switches on the inside of the drivers door operate the locks and or trunk release? If so it is not the fuse ... and not the wires to it ... And it could be your BCM body control module, located in the dash board to right of your gas petal. Because the number entry keypad (code for that is on the inside of the right passenger trunk bracket arm) also doesn't work I assume it's not the key fobs themselves. Your 98 manual is correct for your car.