Appreciate all the help. I found the problem. There is a small black pod at the trunk actuator that is leaking the vacuum. The pump does indeed control the remote open as well as the soft close. In this case it only affects the opening side of it for some ridiculous reason. In any event, I temp. Sealed it and when I push the button I can see the rod push out. Now, just need to find a way to permanently seal it. The part is like $400, I'll try to seal it first and I'll let you all know how it goes. Learn something new everyday