There is a cable that runs to the engine latch mechanism that engages the latch but it doesn't lead to anywhere . The button inside the car also works. Cable seems to be OEM. What is this cable for seen on the pic below ?

 

Manual release for engine compartment cover - usually tucked under the driver's side rear twilight...never understood that though since you need to have the cover open to access the taillights. Take off that taillight and you should see the cable maybe even duct taped to the body.

 

Exactly how it was. Didn't make sense to me either. You have remove the lens first. So that's the way it is from the factory I guess . I thought it was added after the fact but looking the ends, it definitely looked OEM

 

Sliding a thin tool in the space between the bumper and light will hook the release wire to open the decklid, should the electric latch stop functioning.

 

As much as I'd like to think it's that easy, why don't you try it and see what you hook (without scratching the paint too). Let us know how it works.

 

HaHa...Agreed. I cannot imagine that tiny wire costs that much, that they could not run it somewhere you could actually reach it in an emergency.

The space between the tail lamp and the bumper cover is paper thin on mine...I could not imagine getting anything in there without marring the hell out of the cover??

I am sure there is an "official" process somewhere and it would be interesting to know....The hunt is on

DC