The trunk button was never broken.
I fully convinced myself the rear hatch release had failed before discovering the technology known as “the key must be in the ignition.”
Why the rear hatch button seemed broken.
Was the trunk-release button broken?
No. The button and rear hatch release worked when I used the required operating condition.
What made the button work?
Putting the key in the ignition. Once I did that, pressing the button released the rear hatch correctly.
What part did I replace?
None. The original button and release system stayed in place.
Did I complete an electrical diagnosis?
No. I considered checking the fuse and wiring, but correct operation with the key stopped the diagnosis before any electrical testing or disassembly.
What if another trunk button does not work?
Confirm the vehicle's required key or ignition condition first. If it still fails, use the correct service information before testing the fuse, switch, wiring, or release unit.
A complete electrical diagnosis was almost attempted.
This repair log documents one of the most emotionally devastating discoveries of the project so far: I was woefully incorrect. The system was working exactly as it was supposed to. I just had not met the condition that allowed the button to operate.
What looked like a failure
Troubleshooting I almost did
The moment of realization.
Decide the button is broken.
I reached this conclusion almost immediately and with supreme confidence.
Blame the electrical system.
The button did nothing under the condition I was using, so I assumed a component or circuit had failed.
Look up how the system operates.
I found the missing instruction: put the key in the ignition before using the rear hatch release button.
Try it correctly.
With the key in the ignition, I pressed the button and the rear hatch released normally.
Cancel the electrical repair.
The successful test showed that no fuse check, wiring test, switch replacement, or release-unit repair was needed for this complaint.
The release system works
The rear hatch release system operated correctly when the key was in the ignition. The apparent failure came from my incomplete understanding of the system, not a confirmed electrical fault.
No repair required
The hatch opens from the dashboard button, every original part remains installed, and I now possess one additional piece of highly specific 1985 Chrysler knowledge.
What supports this page.
The button did not release the hatch under the initial condition. With the key in the ignition, the same button released it normally without parts replacement or wiring changes.
The manuals and diagrams page collects reference material for verifying factory controls and operating requirements before beginning repairs.
Los Angeles Public Library Chilton access is a service-information starting point if the release still fails after its operating conditions are confirmed.
The power door lock revival documents another factory convenience system, including the work that actually restored it.
The BWG repair archive records this as a no-parts-needed discovery within the larger wagon project.
The button works. My pride will recover.
No fuse was harmed, no wiring was disturbed, and no replacement part was ordered. The wagon knew what it was doing the whole time.