Exterior trunk release button does not work but remote does

Do you know anything about automotive electronic's ? The trunk release is controlled by electronic control modules . Having the vehicle check for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble code's should be the first step in the diagnostic procedure . Then reading how it work's !
Factory service repair info.
Rear Compartment Lid Release System Components
• Body control module (BCM)
• Remote control door lock receiver
• Interior rear compartment lid release switch
• Exterior rear compartment lid release switch
• Rear compartment lid release actuator
• Trunk release relay

Rear Compartment Lid Release Operation
The interior rear compartment lid release switch receives a signal from the driver door switch assembly (DDSA). When the interior rear compartment lid release switch is activated, the signal circuit is pulled to ground. The DDSA interprets this and sends a GMLAN serial data message to the body control module (BCM) requesting the rear compartment lid be released. The BCM responds by applying battery voltage to the trunk release relay control circuit which energizes the TRUNK RELES relay. The trunk release relay is supplied with battery voltage at all times. With the relay coil energized, the relay switch contacts close allowing battery voltage to flow to the rear compartment lid release actuator causing the rear compartment lid to release. The rear compartment lid release actuator is permanently grounded at G402.

The trunk release relay is located in the rear fuse box located under the back seat.

Hi Jeff,
I was going to say, check fuse/ jump the load side of relay Good post.

Remove lining to trunk door and look at the linkage from the exterior release to the lock for damage or missing part

I would check the owners manual or with Cadillac - its possible the remotes lost part of the signal and need to be reset. It sounds like the receiver is not getting a signal from them by using that button.
Could be the receiver too.

Check to make sure the button on the trunk latch is turned from manual unlock...they made that feature so only the key will work to open the trunk that way if someone breaks in the front of your car they can't hit the trunk release and get into the trunk...may be the same thing for your remote. Hope that helps.

Open the trunk and check the wires near the right hinge. You'll probably have some cut wires that will need to get re-connected that go to your lights and trunk release.

see if there is power at the solenoid with the button pushed inside the car. if so change the lock solenoid. best of luck

either the motor for the release is bad or there is no power to the unit for some reason. that's the best I got.

inside the trunk near the latch is a switch that kills the trunk remote

10 year old remotes go bad often, especially due to moisture retention.