Today, suddenly I cannot open the funk with the ignition key.
I can open the seat the usual manner but not the funk. Also I noticed the slight "resistance" when I push the ignition key
down and turn clockwise to open the seat....but not when I puch and turn counter-clockwise to open the funk.

Any other way of opening the funk? I suspect its the ignition switch that is faulty and needs replacement (under warranty).
Explained to the dealer but the service advisor said to take it in for diagnosis. That means I have to make 2 round trips to the dealership which is about 45-60 minutes each way depending on traffic.