Toyota Repair: 200o Avalon, lock cylinder, seatbacks


Question
We purchased in 2005 with 107K miles.  At about 120K the interior truck release button stopped working.  Now the key same as ignition key), nor the key fob will open the truck.  There is no manual switch.  Is complete replacement of all keys, and fob needed?

Answer
If the key remote opens the other doors then that's not the problem, it's a mechanical problem or the trunk opening actuator stopped working but in that case the key should still open the trunk, it sounds more like a control linkage rod or connecting clip came off the lock, to check for this the rear seatbacks can be folded down to get access through the opening then the inner panel on the trunk removed to gain access to the lock to open it manually, if the seats can not be folded down then the lock cylinder has to be drilled out to get the trunk open.