I drive a 2005 a4 3.0L and just last week, the trunk release wasn't working and i have to turn off the car to use the keys to open the trunk, and it's been a hassle.

any ideas what's wrong? would it be loose wirings that can be fixed easily?

thanks

 

I just went through this on my 2004 A4 Avant. I could hear the actuator moving when I pressed the trunk open button - but the door would not open.

After taking off the trunk trim on the inside I figured out the actuator was not pulling hard enough. I bought a replacement at the dealer for around $85 and replaced it. Now the trunk works great.

The hardest part was getting the interior trim panel off. There were 2 screws visible and 2 behind the door holding the safety triangle. Then I had to pry the trim panel off which was held by a number of push on connector clips.

Once you get to the actuator you can disconnect it and/or test it with the remote easily.

 

I have the same issue about the trunk but severe so does speak. what would it cause the trunk lid not to open? the switch on the driver side door and key as well doesn't do anything. do you think i have a bad motor, actuator or what? need help asap. i tried everything and i am getting really frustrated of my car. 2003 audi a4 3.0 quattro.
thanks much

 

I just fixed this problem with my 04 A4 3.0 this evening.
The trunk release actuator was moving, but not pulling hard enough, so I knew it was getting power... it just didn't have enough umph to pull on the rod that releases the trunk lock.
The Solution: 3 in 1 motor oil!
After removing the actuator, and poping it apart via needle nosed pliers to push out the little tabs (and toothpicks to hold them apart as I poped the other tabs), I figured that it must have been binding on something internally. I removed the white gear shaft, and the coil spring that provides tension to return the shaft to its origional position, and tested the internal motor. It sounded like there was a bit of dirt inside.
I then put a few drops of the 3in1 oil into the motor (mind you, this motor costs about 3 bucks on eBay, but it's difficult to remove without damaging the housing), and tested it again... No Noise!
Not wanting to repeat the tedious tab procedure again, I put a few drops of the oil in key frictional places, and a drop on the spring for good measure.
After sealing it back up, and reinstalling it back in the car, No More Problems!
Good as new, and saved about $60
=oD