Key Fob can open trunk but internal button/switch cannot??

tweak_s · 04-22-2018, 12:11 AM

Hi all,

Weird one as normally its the keyfob that has the issue..

Internal button/switch won't open trunk when held down (car on/off doesn't matter) but the key fob button works.

Car is a sport (in Canada) so no keyless just a regular key.

Any ideas? Is it a fuse?

Thanks.

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Wayne Suhrbier · 04-23-2018, 01:20 PM

I would guess that the interior switch either died or has a loose wire.

Mulder · 04-23-2018, 02:03 PM

If you're still under the 3/36 warranty this should be a covered repair. Otherwise, if you're on your own you may want to get a hold of the FSM (particularly the wiring section) to help with troubleshooting.
The button on the dash connects to a pin on the BIU (Body Integrated Unit). When you press the button it grounds that pin and signals the BIU to energize the trunk release motor. Since this does work with the remote we know that the output part of the circuit is ok.
One test would be to pop the switch out of the dash and short the two pins together with a wire or cliplead. If the trunk release works that way you know it's a bad switch. You can also test the switch contacts (while unplugged) with an ohmeter. If shorting the pins does not activate the release, that would indicate a problem with either the BIU itself or the wiring between the switch and BIU.

Arnieduke · 03-28-2023, 07:06 PM

I'm having the same issue as the OP on a 2020 WRX. Weirdest thing is that when the headlights are on or in auto mode, pressing the switch makes the fog lights illuminate and not open the trunk. So the switch seems to be doing something, but not what it should. Any ideas?

twien · 05-15-2023, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arnieduke

I'm having the same issue as the OP on a 2020 WRX. Weirdest thing is that when the headlights are on or in auto mode, pressing the switch makes the fog lights illuminate and not open the trunk. So the switch seems to be doing something, but not what it should. Any ideas?

Hey, first of all want to say thank you. When I read that your fog lights came on when you pressed the switch it clicked in my head because I had the same problem but I leave my fogs on through the headlights stalk. Turned off the fog lights and hit the trunk switch and my fogs came off. If you haven't fixed it, all I did was take off the panel and unplug the harness to the trunk switch and swap it with the one next to it. My car was in the shop and I guess they swapped the harnesses and didn't notice.

FlyUSAF2002 · 09-16-2023, 07:13 PM

Hi All,

My car was in the shop, and the technician unplugged the trunk switch (interior switch by the left knee of the driver on the dashboard). Got the car back and the cable is STILL unplugged. Before I drive 45 minutes back to my dealer, can anyone help me figure where to plug in the switch.

The switch is plugged in on its back, but the other end is dangling right in front of the fuse panel! When you open the fuse-access panel, the cable is dangling right there in front of you. I have laid on my back and looked hard, but I cannot see any open receptacle. Anyone have an image or any guidance on where to plug it in so I can use my trunk again?

Thanks in advance!
Andy

2018 WRX Limited

04-22-2018, 12:11 AM	#1
tweak_s Scooby Newbie Member#: 411899 Join Date: Jan 2015 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Vehicle: 2015 WRX DGM	Key Fob can open trunk but internal button/switch cannot?? Hi all, Weird one as normally its the keyfob that has the issue.. Internal button/switch won't open trunk when held down (car on/off doesn't matter) but the key fob button works. Car is a sport (in Canada) so no keyless just a regular key. Any ideas? Is it a fuse? Thanks. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

09-16-2023, 07:13 PM	#6
FlyUSAF2002 Scooby Newbie Member#: 535522 Join Date: Sep 2023	Request Images/Help with Trunk-Switch Wiring Hi All, My car was in the shop, and the technician unplugged the trunk switch (interior switch by the left knee of the driver on the dashboard). Got the car back and the cable is STILL unplugged. Before I drive 45 minutes back to my dealer, can anyone help me figure where to plug in the switch. The switch is plugged in on its back, but the other end is dangling right in front of the fuse panel! When you open the fuse-access panel, the cable is dangling right there in front of you. I have laid on my back and looked hard, but I cannot see any open receptacle. Anyone have an image or any guidance on where to plug it in so I can use my trunk again? Thanks in advance! Andy 2018 WRX Limited

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04-23-2018, 01:20 PM	#2
Wayne Suhrbier Scooby Newbie Member#: 144044 Join Date: Mar 2007 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2006 STI OBP	I would guess that the interior switch either died or has a loose wire.

04-23-2018, 02:03 PM	#3
Mulder Trust no one Moderator Member#: 11170 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 02 RAV4 MT 15 WRX/11 CRZ	If you're still under the 3/36 warranty this should be a covered repair. Otherwise, if you're on your own you may want to get a hold of the FSM (particularly the wiring section) to help with troubleshooting. The button on the dash connects to a pin on the BIU (Body Integrated Unit). When you press the button it grounds that pin and signals the BIU to energize the trunk release motor. Since this does work with the remote we know that the output part of the circuit is ok. One test would be to pop the switch out of the dash and short the two pins together with a wire or cliplead. If the trunk release works that way you know it's a bad switch. You can also test the switch contacts (while unplugged) with an ohmeter. If shorting the pins does not activate the release, that would indicate a problem with either the BIU itself or the wiring between the switch and BIU.

03-28-2023, 07:06 PM	#4
Arnieduke Scooby Newbie Member#: 513071 Join Date: Apr 2020 Chapter/Region: W. Canada Location: Calgary, AB Vehicle: 2020 WRX Sport Magnetite Grey	I'm having the same issue as the OP on a 2020 WRX. Weirdest thing is that when the headlights are on or in auto mode, pressing the switch makes the fog lights illuminate and not open the trunk. So the switch seems to be doing something, but not what it should. Any ideas?