Trunk won't close

The latch is most likely the issue. If the trunk is used a lot, the latch is misaligned or a foreign object obstructed the latch from closing. The latch itself could be damaged. Carefully inspect the opening of the latch and look for bent, mushroomed or damaged steel. I would have to see to know for sure, how to proceed.

Trunk lock assemble could just need oiled,try that first and if no help it may need to be replaced.....please rate this post and good luck and hope info helps.

Remove the bulb if you think it runs the battery down. the switch is part of the latch assembly of the trunk.

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.

The trunk release rod is made of plastic and it is adjustable, it came apart. You have to fold down the back seat, remove the trunk lid liner and pull on on the plastic piece connected to the latch mechanism on the deck lid. It is a little difficult but is the only way to get in. You can buy the plastic piece from V.W. its cheap. When you install the new piece, use a screw driver to close the latch and try to open it with your key fob or button, this way you won't shut it and not be able to open it because it is not adjusted properly. there should be very little play (movement) between pod and latch if adjusted correctly. The rod connects to a vacuum pod for the key fob to operate the trunk remotely. good driving

In case of a problem or clarification or my solution was insufficient, don't hesitate to post me a reply.

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Two possibilities:1) The latch part (the one installed in the chassis, not on the lid) has adjusting screws, these might have become loose, pushed down, and the lid part cant reach it when you close it. 2) The remote cable lid opener might be stuck on the open position, not allowing the lid to lock. Check the remote tab by the driver´s side for freedom of movement, and proper return to rest position.

Do you mean the pulldown is not working, or the trunk lid latch is not connecting to the pulldown assembly when you try to close the trunk?

This latter case typically happens when someone slams the trunk lid down several times not realizing there is a pulldown system and thinking slamming it will make it close (this often breaks something). Check the latch on the trunk lid - if it's in the closed position, use the key to try to move it to the open position and try gently closing the lid again.

If not, there is also a switch on the pulldown assembly that starts the pulldown motor when it is depressed by the closing trunk lid - you can also check this to make sure it's working. Otherwise, either the latch or the pulldown assembly has been bent/broken.

There's an electronic actuator inside the trunk door. The actuator opens the trunk lid when you press either the remote keyless entry or the inside trunk release. If the electronic actuator fails it usually fails in the trunk open mode which will not allow you to close the trunk lid. You can either remove the actuator and take the car to the VW dealer, or buy a new actuator and replace it yourself. It's a tough fix, but not impossible for the mechanically inclined.

Fold down rear seat and climb in the trunk....there is a manual release at the center of the trunk lid. (mandated by the government to kids don't get trapped in the trunk).