OK, I have a 2011 XJ L SC 5.0 (new to me) and I need to access the passenger compartment fuse panel for the first time and I am quite confused. From what I gather it is behind the rear seats right in the middle, in the cubby for the closed position of the center armrest? I have seen several videos where it shows guys getting into it there, but it is like there is already a secret compartment type thing that comes out pretty easily. Mine does not have that. I am positive the outer soft cloth is stitched into the rest of the cloth that continues both ways behind the seats. There seems to be sort of an open hole on the top corners (both sides) of this compartment area, but when I try to pull, I definitely hear the start of some threads ripping, so I stopped.

I saw another post here, can't seem to find it now, where a guy said he had to use an exacto knife and actually cut the flap open on 3 sides to gain access. Is this right!?? Context leads me to believe that on the 2011 models, there was no built-in access door, but they added it in later models? I just want to be sure before I go cutting into my cars upholstery to access...the fuse box. I mean, I can appreciate it not being under the dash, but if this is what I have to do, it is super janky. Actually, it seems that perhaps the "official" way to access would be to remove the seat and cutting the access is a hack, more or less (and actually literally, I guess!).

Mike

 

I have 2010 model and i have access "flap" covering the fusebox behind of back centre arm support. The "flap" stays on place with "scretch".
Been read that there are some backrest models where access flap is missing. Then i recommend to remove backseat and backrest. Both easy done without tools.
Seat have four (or 6?) "clips" on bottom edge and backrest have two pull strips on botton edge, visible when seat is removed. Pull strips downwards to release the backrest.
For bonus there might be some lost coins under seat

 

Thanks for the tips. Are you the original owner or is it possible someone before you sort of "manually added" the access flap This is one of the dumbest engineering designs I have seen in a while. I love jags and everything else, but to hide the fuse box behind the seat like that seems kind of silly. I am not super worried about taking the seat out, my experience though usually indicates they are so much worse to get BACK in. Seats in general, not seats on this particular model.

 

Hi,
All x351:s i have seen here in EU area have had an "flap" covering the rear armrest fuse box. The "flap" have same exelent stiching than rest of upholstery, so i believe its original.
It might be an EU regulation? (user must be able to change fuse or bulb with standard tools and without special instructions)
Ahh.. Now the name of that Strech thing holding the flap came in my mind: Its Velcro.

 

See, that is what I have been seeing all over, but I am pretty positive this does not have that. @silvertonesx24 in the thread linked below (found after I posted this one) seems to indicate I am not crazy here

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...9/#post2781160

 

Been read as well that not all models have the flap.
I have two versions of owners handbook as pdf file and one of them state that you have to remove back seat for fusebox access, so you are not crazy. One is just saying that its behind rear armrest.

 

So the question is...do I go the route of carefully cutting it out and applying velcro to keep it in place so that any time I need to access it I won't have to take the seats out (i.e. if something happens while out on the road!). I think that is what I will ultimately end up doing for that fact alone.

 

Removing rear seat are very easy. Of course you need to lift them out from car, what is most challenging part. (tilt front seats forward to get some more space to past rear door. Best if you have a friend helping, but can do alone as well. Diffifulty level from 1-10 its 2.
Finding failed fuse is propably more challenging or cutting and adding velcro.
X351 Repair and Service manual have good instructions with pictures.