If your 2007 Toyota Camry trunk won’t open, it could be that your car is stuck in “valet mode.” You can unlock it using the master key in your fob—but if that doesn’t work, there could be a more serious mechanical issue.

It’s a good idea to troubleshoot trunk problems before taking your Camry to a mechanic. That’s why

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What to do if your 2007 Toyota Camry trunk won’t open

If your 2007 Toyota Camry trunk won’t open, don’t panic! Here are some of the most common causes behind a stuck trunk situation.

Most common cause: valet mode accidentally activated

If your car’s key fob, trunk release lever, and trunk release latch all fail you, it could be that your car is stuck in valet mode.

Your 2007 Toyota Camry comes with a built-in valet mode designed to temporarily lock access to the vehicle’s trunk. This comes in handy when (you guessed it) you’re having your Camry valet parked and don’t want someone digging around in your car. And, this feature can be just as useful for protecting your belongings whenever you drop your car off at a shop or let a friend or family member get behind the wheel.

But it’s easy to forget that the valet mode is on—or to turn it on without even realizing it!

To enter valet mode in a 2007 Toyota Camry, you must insert your key into the trunk lock then turn it to the left (counterclockwise). When you remove the key, the lock will stay in a horizontal position, indicating that the vehicle has entered valet mode. With the lock in this position, you won’t be able to open your trunk by pulling the trunk release lever beside the driver’s seat or using the key fob.

If you use your key to lock and unlock your trunk regularly, it could be that you accidentally activated the valet mode when you last locked it—check the position of your trunk lock to ensure it’s not stuck horizontally!

Sometimes, your key can get stuck right in the lock, effectively locking your car into valet mode and holding your key hostage simultaneously! If this happens to you, use some silicone lube or WD-40 to loosen things up. If it’s really wedged in there, you’ll have to take your vehicle to a mechanic for further assistance.

Other possible causes

If your valet system isn’t to blame for the trunk not opening, you may be dealing with a mechanical problem, such as a faulty door switch or broken latch. Here are a few other possible causes:

Broken key fob: If your trunk release lever and trunk latch both work, it could be that you’re dealing with a dead battery in the key fob.

Faulty trunk lever: If the trunk latch and key fob both seem to be working, it could be that the trunk release lever is to blame.

Electrical malfunction: A blown fuse, faulty cable, or problematic wiring harness could be behind your stuck trunk.

Broken latch: If your trunk sounds like it’s unlocking but the lid just won’t open, it could be that the latch itself is broken and needs replacing.

If you’re facing one of the above issues, it’s best to bring your Camry to a dealership where an automotive diagnostic specialist can identify the problem and find the right repair. They'll inspect your fuse box, electrical connections, door locks, and any other components causing issues with your Toyota’s trunk.

How to manually open a 2007 Toyota Camry trunk

Taking your Toyota Camry to a dealership is a surefire fix—but if accessing the contents of your trunk can’t wait, there’s another way to gain entry.

Inside your 2007 Toyota Camry trunk is an emergency trunk release affixed to the interior of the trunk lid. Designed initially to curb car kidnappings and protect individuals from getting locked in the trunk, this release strap could also be the ticket you need to enter your stuck trunk.

You’ll have to pull down the split rear seats in your Camry to get to it and access your trunk from the inside. The emergency release should be easy to spot—the strap is lined with luminous fabric. Pulling it will manually unlock the trunk, allowing you to lift the lid from the outside!

Cost of trunk repair for 2007 Toyota Camry

The cost of repairing your Toyota Camry’s trunk can vary depending on the exact nature of your problem.

A replacement latch, for example, will cost about $150 for the part alone and an additional $95 per hour in labor. You'll likely face a similar price if you have to replace the

trunk lock actuator

trunk release cable

On the other hand, if all you need is a simple

trunk latch adjustment

—or if your problem is with the valet system—you’ll only have to pay for labor, not parts. In this case, you can expect a lower cost: around $100 or less, depending on the location and the shop.

Most of the time, your Toyota Camry trunk repair will be pretty affordable. The exception, of course, is in instances where extreme body damage is preventing you from opening the trunk, such as from a car accident. If you’re looking to replace the entire trunk lid, you could pay anywhere from $250 to $500 or more for parts alone.

That’s where having a strong insurance policy—one that includes

collision insurance

and

comprehensive coverage

—comes in handy.

MORE:

2007 Toyota Camry engine oil capacity

How to save on Toyota Camry insurance

The good news is, having an affordable

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