Whew-eeee, what next I ask....my 1997 960 sedan.

Trunk won't open, manually or by key or any $#%&ing way!

Is there a fuse that might be blown and or a secret emergency method???

HELP.......mike!

Just making sure you didn't lock it with the master because if it is locked with the master it will only unlock with the master and not the valet key or by power locks.

If it wont open with the key, the trouble is obviously mechanical. No fuse is going to fix that.

It is probably not a car part failure, unless you've had signs of this happening to a lesser degree in the past. It is more likely something like clothing or a tool that got wedged into the striker plate when you last closed the trunk and it is preventing the latch from moving to release.

My 960 is a 1997 965, so the trunk latch is different, but....

What does work? Key turns, yes? Meets the "unsual" amount of resistance, or less? Using the central lock system, is there a "clunk" back there? Or silence.

These steps will help determine if the problem is in the linkage or elsewhere.

You may wind up having to get into the linkage by removing the rear seats. Way different from a wagon, await another BBer. OR - visit your helpful dealer parts counter, things are quieter if they have Saturday open hours, and ask for a look at their computer system's diagram of the latch and operator solenoid.

Their diagrams are there to identify parts and show the part numbers and not for trouble-shooting or repairs. However, I have benefitted lots of times just learning how things fit together. If things go OK, ask if they can print you a copy? If you need "cover" you can explain that you are trying to determine if the problem is in the linkage or the electrical controls.

In fact, I did just that last week to learn how to change out the headlight switch. Learned that the "special tools" were two putty knives from ACE Harweare. It all worked well, and took very little time, looks and works like new.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)