I recently noticed that my trunk latch fails to release sometimes. Usually the "pop" is muted, like it tried to release the latch but didn't have the power to release it. Usually after several tries, it will emit the loud "pop" you expect it to and the latch works.

Has anyone experienced this? Any idea if this is something that is an easy fix?

 

Does the truck lid striker look bent/deformed (striker is the U-shaped loop)?
When you close the trunk do you feel resistance like something is rubbing as you're pushing down on the lid?
The opener is driven by a motor, so you could apply voltage to the motor and see if you notice anything funny.

 

Nope, not bent at all. It closes fine... always has. I think the motor may be failing since the problem is random.

Any idea how much a replacement motor is and if there's a DIY? I really don't want to have to go through the stealership for repair.

 

No DIY... but here are a couple pages from the service manual on how to remove the assembly and then how to inspect the opener:

 

I had that same problem, I installed a Viper 5901 alarm with remote start recently and my aux switch for my trunk would "pop" (sound) but not fully release the trunk. I've look all over the forums, and yes the button to release the trunk on the glove box was "on". Other than replacing the whole assembly there was no solution... But, I sprayed some WD 40 and now its fully releasing the trunk o.O... I'm guessing the latch was not fully releasing because it was not fully lubricated to "unlatch" the trunk. lol whatever it works now, hopefully this helps others.