I have a 96 jetta, and my trunk release button doesn't work. how do I fix it. Plus I put the key in the trunk to open it, its always worked, now it doesn't. I need my trunk, I have a small child and always have to unload and load a stroller.

If it has the electric trunk release, the button could be in the glove box.
Otherwise you may have to remove the back seat to gain entry to the trunk.

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

check trunk fuse

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.

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.

sounds like you have 2 probs if you turn ign on whilst holding valet button pressed it should cancel it if not the key is poss faulty

if you can crawl into the trunk try that and use some muscle.

I have the same problem with 94 Cadillac, trunk is locked and can't open, cannot get rear seat back off, any suggestions how?

cable knocked loose and key wouldn't work if it did previously. last option, obtain acess from back passenger seat and pull aux cable or force lock open, as far as the key issue, call a locksmith

I had the same problem with my 96 jetta trek edition, solenoid was engaging but the trunk was jammed, went in via back seat, fold down the seat and crawled into the trunk unscrewed the latch, cleaned and greased the latch mechanism and hinges, then screwed latch back, no problem since. The fusebox is underneath the dashboard, if the fuse is good, test the solenoid to see if it is working correctly, be careful have an expert in electricity do the testing for you, if solenoid is good, might be your switch in your console, if the switch is good, might be mechanical, these are basic troubleshooting procedures.