First and foremost, I did tons of research on this topic and nothing has worked so far.

I saw this video which has been posted numerous times on here , but when I try removing the left air filter, it doesn't even budge. It seems to be connected to something else on the bottom as well, since after removing the 10mm screw on top as shown in the video, I can barely get it to move afterwards.

As the emergency trunk release handle is also electronically operated... that option is exhausted as well.

I have no idea what to do at this point.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

There are a number of screws holding the air filter top, 6 or 7 I think, they all need removing.
Or do you mean the bottom part?

Les.

 

....have you tried the access hole behind the back seat...from other posters that seems the mechanical way to open trunk...I know how frustrating this is, a real crazy design...JimB

 

....Just noticed you are Bergen County...Johnny here is expert not too far from you. I'm sure he will help you in or look up his posts on the rear seat door thing. I do believe it is mechanical but can be difficult...JimB

 

Good morning Lefizzet,
If for some reason to still cannot remove the air filter lower box, the NON electric emergency trunk release lever is located behind the right rear upper seat, you would pop the lower section of the seat out as it just snaps in place, so you would lift the front of the lower section up and out, next you will see the 1 torx bolt at the bottom holding the vertical portion of the rear seat in place, remove bolt and slide the seat down so it releases from the upper mounting apparatus, you will now see the black metal trunk release lever, it does require some strength to unlatch, and if you could have a second person gently push down on the truck lid and then lift as you operate the lever it would help.




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In the video, he only removes 1 10mm screw and the whole filter seems to pop out of place. The one on my car doesn't budge once I remove the 1 screw, it seems like it's screwed down somewhere else as well towards the front of the car (bottom if you're looking straight down at the air filter). Thanks.

Yes I reached the emergency release handle with a broomstick through the back seats. It makes a clicking noise when I press it down, but nothing happens so I assume it's electronically activated. Thanks.

Wow I never knew about this, I will try it out this weekend, thanks!