1997 Eldorado, trunk lid pulls down, closes automatically ,,but dash switch won't open it. release it

You can fold either side of the rear seatback down for more cargo space.
To lower the rear seatback, follow these steps:

Open the trunk and pull one or both of the small handles located in the center of the trunk.
Once the handle is pulled, the seatback can be pushed open through the trunk, or pulled open from the inside of the vehicle.

Sorry ,but you need the trunk open ! What's wrong with your's ? loose your key . trunk release inside the vehicle doesn't work .
Luggage Compartment
Your best bet , have a qualified repair shop check it out . May have DTC'S diagnostic trouble codes stored .
DTC B3267: Trunk Release Output Circuit Low
DTC B3268: Trunk Release Output Circuit High

The rear compartment release circuit consists of the following:
• The intergrated body control module (IBCM) fuse
• The rear compartment lid release relay
• The rear compartment lid lock release actuator
• The rear compartment lid release switch
• The cargo lamp/trunk ajar switch
The rear compartment release circuit operates as follows. Battery positive voltage is applied at all times to the rear compartment lid release relay. The rear compartment lid release relay is energized by either depressing the rear compartment lid release switch, or when the IBCM receives a rear compartment release signal from a key fob. The IBCM then provides a path to ground on the rear compartment lid release relay control circuit, energizing the rear compartment lid release relay. When the rear compartment lid release relay is energized, battery positive voltage is supplied to the rear compartment lid lock release actuator causing the actuator to energize releasing the rear compartment lid. The rear compartment may be released with the dash mounted rear compartment release switch. The ignition must be in the OFF or ACCESSORY positions for the rear compartment to be released with a keyless entry transmitter fob (RFA). The rear compartment may also be released by an OnStar commanded using RFA functionality.

The fuse box is located in the glove box. The fuses you're interested in are fuses #13 and 25.

There are 3 phases to fixing your car's trunk lid release problem.

Phase 1: First check the fuse - once you know that's OK, then proceed to phase 2 (below).
The fuse for the trunk lock is
the bcm (pwr) 15A fuse in the instrument panel fuse box (behind panel at drivers right foot)

Check that fuse, as it is the power supply for the button on the dash that sends power to the actuator in the trunk.

Phase 2: Get the trunk open (without taking it to the dealership).
If you have remote keyless entry to the trunk, you could try that - but with the actuator
dead/dying, it shouldn't work.

Here are a couple of ideas to try to enter trunk while (a) actuator isn't working, and (b) all
valet lockout features (designed to deny valets access to the trunk) are in the "Lock" position:

There is the lock cylinder, which you stated is not functioning - put the key in, and it doesn't
turn. Just to be sure, consider: lubricate key with Graphite lock-type lubricant, and retry.

The trunk has 2 valet safetys...the locking rear seats which require access to the trunk to unlock, and then there is a valet switch in the trunk that locks the button on the dash from working to keep valet parking attendants out of the trunk. That may be in the lock position.

You can try accessing the center area of the fold down rear seat and see if you can unhinge the rear seat from there. Maybe reach in with your hand, or an extension-type tool.

there may be a way to fold the hinge away from the seat back so it can be removed from the hinge and give you access to the safety latch in the trunk and open it that way (white handle in trunk).
The white-handled safety latch release is desiged to prevent accidentally trapping children, and
if you can pull it with your extending-type or grasping-type tool, the trunk will open whether or
not the actuator motor is working.

Phase 3: Replace the Problem part.

Your failed part may be either (1) Trunk Release Relay, or (2) Trunk Lock Release Switch

My Satrun ION manual doesn't cover either of these parts, and the online parts houses, e.g.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1431624,pgname,Electrical-Switch%2B%2526%252338%253B%2BRelay,a,search.yahoo.com%2BSearch%2Bfor%2B2004%2BSATURN
fail to provide instructions. One of those times a mechanic has to t=rely on his/her native
handiness and/or experience.
To identify which of these parts is bad, locae the Trunk Release Relay (call your dealer parts
dept. for helpful tips on finding it), then operate the dashboard trunk release button with your
ear close tothe relay - if it makes a noise, the problem is the Trunk Lock Release Switch in
the trunk lid, otherwise its the relay.

Hello: Open the glove box on passenger side of dash and check the valet switch., if it is on that will keep the trunk and fuel door from working. Shut the valet switch off

There is a actuator are on the deck lid latch,,, its small and plastic and the most common piece that breaks .this will keep it from latching and drawling down..
if its this the actuator will need replacing ..

you should replace the trunk pull down mechanisim

Go to dealer and purchase a lid pull down switch. Put it on. Fix car.

well that either indicates the contacts are worn or that the servo motor for the latch needs replacing

Try number 13. center of fuse block labeled deck lid. To fix the problem you will need a pull down switch. The always go bad from people slamming the trunk shut. See you gm dealer for this part.

sounds like the the trunk pull down assy is not raising. On the pull down is a black little piece of plastic ( part of the switch ), Flip up plastic to see if motor wll raise pull down, then the trunk can be closed normally. If it doesn't raise, further diagnosis will be required in the pull down motor area