XJ8 battery dead and left keys in boot! How do I open

[fast cars]

I have left the keys in the boot during a change of the battery, now need to open the boot to get my keys out, tried giving the power point under the bonnet 12v, this powers the car but alarm is triggered so non of the buttons work like the remote opening switch on dash, any advice will be much appreciated

[HaylingJag]

spare key?

[fast cars]

nooo just the one key

[Shar2]

Is it like the old shape XK8/R where you have to smash the offside rear light cluster to get to the boot cable, which you can then use to open the boot?

[HaylingJag]

I believe you need to take the number plate off and drill a finger sized hole through to access the mechanism, replace plate to conceal newly formed orifice!!!

D

[SV8Predator]

HaylingJag said:

I believe you need to take the number plate off and drill a finger sized hole through to access the mechanism, replace plate to conceal newly formed orifice!!!

D

Big ol' area a number plate. Upload a diagram as to exactly where this hole has to be drilled?

Left hand side? Right hand side? Top? Bottom? Come on mate, give us a clue!

[fast cars]

drilling could be the way to go... where exactly though?

[HaylingJag]

Hello SV,

not 100% sure where it would be, i just remember reading this somewhere! i would hate to advise you wrongly.
Give John a call at Jagcare Portchester, he might be able to give you better advise,

D

[Hooli]

fast cars said:

I have left the keys in the boot during a change of the battery, now need to open the boot to get my keys out, tried giving the power point under the bonnet 12v, this powers the car but alarm is triggered so non of the buttons work like the remote opening switch on dash, any advice will be much appreciated

It's no help but






Good luck sorting it.

[chrisw75]

Take the V5 to Jaguar dealer
Give said dealer credit card and pin number - don't look at how much he's charging you!!
Come back in two weeks to collect new key

[TheD]

chrisw75 said:

Take the V5 to Jaguar dealer
Give said dealer credit card and pin number - don't look at how much he's charging you!!
Come back in two weeks to collect new key

Stratstone charged me £140 for a spare. I have since learned this is not needed due to Ebay

[Carsie]

SV8Predator said:

HaylingJag said:

I believe you need to take the number plate off and drill a finger sized hole through to access the mechanism, replace plate to conceal newly formed orifice!!!

D

Big ol' area a number plate. Upload a diagram as to exactly where this hole has to be drilled?

Left hand side? Right hand side? Top? Bottom? Come on mate, give us a clue!

Yep - HaylingJag is right Quite a common issue- sorry I haven't got time this afternoon to look it up for you but it's well documented across on XJ40.com.

Edited by Carsie on Sunday 9th December 19:28

[Thin White Duke]

Is there no way to access the boot from behind the rear seats?

[Big Rod]

Thin White Duke said:

Is there no way to access the boot from behind the rear seats?

Petrol tank's in the way.

[sogood]

From the attached pic, you can see the lock lever mechanism. There is a metal rod, about the size of a wire coat hanger attached to this, which runs off to the left. If you dont access the actual lever shown, pulling to the left on the rod, (with a long nosed pliers if you prefer a smaller opening,) will do the trick. Otherwise pressing down on the lever does likewise.

I purposely made the hole large and dressed it off with a rubber lip, just for ease of access. This is my donor/experimental car, so no worries!