My 2001 xj8 trunk won't open You hear the electrical noise when you hit the dash control the key fob or put the black key into the trunk but the trunk won't release? Any advice is welcome.

 

probably just a stuck latch, if you get it open, you should clean and lubricate it. Now, to get into the trunk, have you tried giving the trunk a few good (but non-destructive) swats near the latching area...to perhaps wiggle it free? I would ask someone to hit the button while you gently bang on the trunk...try pushing the trunk down before the release button is triggered also. After a half dozen or so attempts, wait several minutes, just in case the solenoid gets a little warm when being overworked. Hate to lose that puppy!

 

I agree with H2Oboy, try releasing after tapping or pushing up and down on the trunk lid in all directions. I suspect you will get it to free itself and once you do lubricate the latch well. Does the trunk lid appear to be at the right height? or is it too low? If so be sure to adjust prior to closing!

Ryejag

 

The trick is to pull up on the trunk lid while pushing the latch button, it will release, just keep up the pressure when you hear the noise.

 

Any difference using the key to open the trunk ? Other thing I am thinking of is failure of one or both gas struts. These lift the lid when you release it, but if they have gone, this doesn't happen with the result you can't lift the lid. I had this happen with my car. £28 later I was back in business.

 

I appreciate your help. I'm a single woman who knows absolutely nothing about cars. This site is such a great help to me. I will try all of your recommendations.