I gained access to the trunk. I ran the emergency release cable through the plate light hole so I can access it when I need to. The handle just feels unattached. it doesn't feel locked. which let to the suspicion of the central locking pump not working. but I realized that the doors open and close from the button on the console. so the CL Pump is doing something... anyway. tomorrow morning I'll dig into the trunk and see if there's signs of water. I've got a day job! lol