I dodged the bullet, didnt have to open the trunk.

I experimented with the key in the cylinder at different depths, until I found one that seemed fairly steady, then I pushed down on the trunk hood and applied pressure to the key. It popped open!

Then I sprayed PB blaster into the cylinder and worked the key back and forth. Low and behold, after doing this, the thing is working normally again.

In hindsight, I think using the penetrating oil on the first step would have been the thing to do.

I followed up with some silicone based lubricating spray. Into the cylinder. I wonder if there was something better for this.

Thanks all!

Lawrence

Question about using a long extension from the back seat in order to remedy a stuck trunk lock: the lock mechanism is held by 3-10 mm bolts. 2 of the bolt heads are perpendecular to the ground, in my opinion unreachable through the back seat. 1 bolt is reachable. Would that be enough?