After searching on the web, I understand that if the lock cylinder is in the horizontal position, it means it is in valet mode.
So I tried to look for my valet switch or button but I cannot find it in the glove compartment or under the dash.
And there is no mention of a valet switch in my 2005 Camry Owner's Manual.

I don't know how the lock cylinder got in this position except that I was having problems closing the trunk and I played with the latch a little.
I got it close after sticking the key in the lock cylinder and turning it left and right while holding down the trunk lid.

Now it is stuck in the horizontal position.
The key does go in but it won't turn counterclockwise (or clockwise, for that matter).

I don't see a phospherous trunk release in the trunk either (after crawling in the trunk with the back seat down.
Perhaps I need to look harder. I think it is supposed to be in the middle of the underside of the trunk lid, right?

Thanks in advance for any tips.

 

Are you using the master key to unlock the trunk? Insert key and try turning clockwise.

Do you have the wireless door opener, if so try this.

As to the emergency trunk release. Look on the outside of the trunk lid at the recessed license plate holder area of the lid. The release is on the inside of the lid in the lower drivers side corner of the indented license plate holder area. Its a lever release rather then a pull type handle. Shine the flashlight in this area in an attempt to get the lever to glow in the dark.

Your turning the master key CCW disabled the lock.

 

Joey (Toyomoho),
Thank you so much for replying.
With your encouragement, I tried my key again. I had read somewhere to put pressure from the top of the trunk, so I did that. Then I turned the key real hard to the right (clockwise, like you said to) and the lock cylinder turned vertical and the trunk opened!!!
Then I tried the lever by the driver seat and it is working as well (since the lock cylinder is now vertical and no longer in valet mode).
I learned so much today.
Thank you for your help!

To be complete, here are the answers to your questions (in case it helps someone in the future) -
I was using my good key which has always been able to open the trunk.


I had an after market remote to open the car but it is long lost, so I couldn't try that.

I did try to find the emergency trunk release and I think I see what you were referring to. But if I were ever stuck in the trunk, I don't think I would know how to release the trunk. It is a round plastic thing with about an inch of plastic thing sticking out. No idea if I push or pull or...


Thanks again for your help.
(Now I might even ask another quirk about this Camry in this forum!)

 

Great job!

Investigate the plastic rod in trunk to determine if it had a lever arm attached at one time. The end of the lever arm attaching to the rod and extending to the right of the rod as oriented in your photo. The shape of the recessed area around the trunk is exactly what is should be for this lever type emergency release as used by Toyota.

 

having this exact same issue on my 05. how do you apply the pressure to trunk lid???