HELP: X308 trunk will not open
#1
HELP: X308 trunk will not open
The battery is completely dead. Pushing on the trunk opening switch on the dash and the round opening button on the trunk lid has no response. Inserting key and turning it only moved less than 20 degrees and trunk does not release.
Any advice on how to open the trunk to replace the battery? TIA.
Any advice on how to open the trunk to replace the battery? TIA.
#2
The following users liked this post:
Pristine97XK8Convertible (04-14-2018)
#3
The following users liked this post:
Pristine97XK8Convertible (04-14-2018)
#4
If you have the option, use another battery to "jump" the Jag, hook cables to a ground and to the battery post on the firewall. It might give you enough juice to trip the trunk lock. Barring that, and if the lock doesn't work, you might have to go the drastic route. I'm not sure if you can actually get to the latch from one of the existing screw holes for the rear plate. There's a post showing the details somewhere, but you can carefully drill a hole just offset of center behind the plate, and easily reach the catch from there. Afterwards, put some paint around the hole to help prevent rust, and put a grommet back over it. Then you always have an emergency method to get back in. I had to do this myself, and keep the small screwdriver in my glove box just in case.
The following users liked this post:
Pristine97XK8Convertible (04-14-2018)
#5
#6
This from the S-Type forum section.
And with my amazing psychic abilities, I predict this reply:
"Thanks, I found it, but the key won't turn! What should I do?"
Two scenarios if the key won't turn. The lock is seized from disuse, or you have a valet key, which by design won't unlock the trunk.
Short of cutting a hole through the trunk lid, what can a poor guy do? Peruse this thread for a couple of ideas to recharge the battery without having to open the trunk:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ng-port-87362/
"Thanks, I found it, but the key won't turn! What should I do?"
Two scenarios if the key won't turn. The lock is seized from disuse, or you have a valet key, which by design won't unlock the trunk.
Short of cutting a hole through the trunk lid, what can a poor guy do? Peruse this thread for a couple of ideas to recharge the battery without having to open the trunk:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ng-port-87362/
#7
Hi jrb53:
Can you be more specific about the exact location of the rear plate? Better still, attaching a picture would be worth a thousand words. Thanks!
Can you be more specific about the exact location of the rear plate? Better still, attaching a picture would be worth a thousand words. Thanks!
Trending Topics
#8
Can you tell me exactly where is the battery post located on the firewall?
Better still, positing a picture would be worth a thousand words. Thanks!
Better still, positing a picture would be worth a thousand words. Thanks!
If you have the option, use another battery to "jump" the Jag, hook cables to a ground and to the battery post on the firewall. It might give you enough juice to trip the trunk lock. Barring that, and if the lock doesn't work, you might have to go the drastic route. I'm not sure if you can actually get to the latch from one of the existing screw holes for the rear plate. There's a post showing the details somewhere, but you can carefully drill a hole just offset of center behind the plate, and easily reach the catch from there. Afterwards, put some paint around the hole to help prevent rust, and put a grommet back over it. Then you always have an emergency method to get back in. I had to do this myself, and keep the small screwdriver in my glove box just in case.
#9
The positive has that rubber cap over it, the single wire that's mounted just beneath the cover. You can ground it wherever, but should only need to hook up for a moment or two while you press the button.
EDIT: I'm not sure offhand if the location is different between the XJR and XJ8, but here's a video on youtube from a 98 XJ8
Last edited by CharlzO; 04-14-2018 at 01:17 PM. Reason: bad link
The following 2 users liked this post by CharlzO:
Jagger98 (04-11-2023),
Pristine97XK8Convertible (04-14-2018)
#10
The following users liked this post:
Pristine97XK8Convertible (04-14-2018)
#11
Also, here's a link showing the drilling procedure in a last-ditch scenario.
X300 Emergency boot (trunk) access ~ Jaguar Vanden Plas "The cats meow"
It's for the X300 not the X308, but the procedure works just fine. As long as you're in the vicinity you should be good, just takes a minute of fiddling with your small screwdriver to find the release but once you do, it pops right open. It's what I had to do..
X300 Emergency boot (trunk) access ~ Jaguar Vanden Plas "The cats meow"
It's for the X300 not the X308, but the procedure works just fine. As long as you're in the vicinity you should be good, just takes a minute of fiddling with your small screwdriver to find the release but once you do, it pops right open. It's what I had to do..
The following users liked this post:
Pristine97XK8Convertible (04-14-2018)
#12
The following users liked this post:
Pristine97XK8Convertible (04-14-2018)
#13
Last edited by Lady Penelope; 04-15-2018 at 10:50 AM.
The following users liked this post:
Pristine97XK8Convertible (04-14-2018)
#14
As stated in previous post regarding stuck boot lid locks, I have very little sympathy for those when the locks seize from lack of use.
I use my key in ALL the keyholes on ALL my cars a few times every month just to make sure they work. It does not take much time!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT SURE SAVES TIME!!!!!!!!!!
bob
I use my key in ALL the keyholes on ALL my cars a few times every month just to make sure they work. It does not take much time!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT SURE SAVES TIME!!!!!!!!!!
bob
The following 2 users liked this post by motorcarman:
Lady Penelope (04-14-2018),
Pristine97XK8Convertible (04-14-2018)
#15
Just in case, you should turn the key clockwise. If you can turn the key ~20 degrees, it means the cylinder is not seized. After that initial easy turn, there is quite a bit of a resistance in further turn to unlock. Try pushing a bit harder but judge the force so you don't brake the key.
The following users liked this post:
Pristine97XK8Convertible (04-15-2018)
#16
Trunk opened
Thanks to everybody for offering various suggestions.
I tried the WD40 route and managed to open the trunk after 4 squirts in about 10 minutes, but then I was unable to return the key to the vertical position to remove the key. Took another 5 minutes of wiggling the key clockwise and counter-clockwise gently to finally able to take the key out.
If the above didn't work, I would attach a spare battery positive pole to one of 3 positive studs in the engine compartment to enable the trunk switches to operate.
Thanks again everybody!
I tried the WD40 route and managed to open the trunk after 4 squirts in about 10 minutes, but then I was unable to return the key to the vertical position to remove the key. Took another 5 minutes of wiggling the key clockwise and counter-clockwise gently to finally able to take the key out.
If the above didn't work, I would attach a spare battery positive pole to one of 3 positive studs in the engine compartment to enable the trunk switches to operate.
Thanks again everybody!
The following users liked this post:
Lady Penelope (04-15-2018)
#17
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tnt
XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 )
42
05-23-2022 07:30 PM
rsd911
XJ ( X351 )
9
04-09-2015 02:41 PM
CatoBT
XJ XJ6 / XJR6 ( X300 )
13
03-21-2011 04:15 AM
Mccalist
XJS ( X27 )
11
12-14-2009 09:05 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)