2008 XJ Key Won't Open Trunk?
#1
12-14-2019, 04:58 PM
2008 XJ Key Won't Open Trunk?
2008 XJ the trunk works fine from the button inside the car and works fine with the remote. Also opens using the button on the trunk. I can put the car into and take it out of Valet mode.
Key in the trunk lock turns and clicks but no motor action and the trunk will not open. Lubricated the latch with no change.
Maybe a bad trunk latch?
I did notice the trunk struts are weak and don't pull the trunk open and I think they are suppose to?
I can't tell if the trunk lights go out when I close the trunk? All the other cars I have worked on have a tilt switch and you can lower the trunk lid and watch the lights go out.
As far as I can see the light are on with the trunk almost all the way closed?
Is this normal?
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.
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Key in the trunk lock turns and clicks but no motor action and the trunk will not open. Lubricated the latch with no change.
Maybe a bad trunk latch?
I did notice the trunk struts are weak and don't pull the trunk open and I think they are suppose to?
I can't tell if the trunk lights go out when I close the trunk? All the other cars I have worked on have a tilt switch and you can lower the trunk lid and watch the lights go out.
As far as I can see the light are on with the trunk almost all the way closed?
Is this normal?
.
.
.
#2
12-15-2019, 12:00 AM
Senior Member
2008 XJ the trunk works fine from the button inside the car and works fine with the remote. Also opens using the button on the trunk. I can put the car into and take it out of Valet mode.
Key in the trunk lock turns and clicks but no motor action and the trunk will not open. Lubricated the latch with no change.
Maybe a bad trunk latch?
I did notice the trunk struts are weak and don't pull the trunk open and I think they are suppose to?
I can't tell if the trunk lights go out when I close the trunk? All the other cars I have worked on have a tilt switch and you can lower the trunk lid and watch the lights go out.
As far as I can see the light are on with the trunk almost all the way closed?
Is this normal?
.
.
.
Key in the trunk lock turns and clicks but no motor action and the trunk will not open. Lubricated the latch with no change.
Maybe a bad trunk latch?
I did notice the trunk struts are weak and don't pull the trunk open and I think they are suppose to?
I can't tell if the trunk lights go out when I close the trunk? All the other cars I have worked on have a tilt switch and you can lower the trunk lid and watch the lights go out.
As far as I can see the light are on with the trunk almost all the way closed?
Is this normal?
.
.
.
#5
12-15-2019, 04:49 PM
Veteran Member
As Meirion says it's a mecanical lock you're operating with the key in the boot/trunk lid, you're not mechanically operating the electrical part. This mechanical mechanism is in the lid and it disengages from the electrically operated part of the lock which is on the 'car side' of the lock (and which doesn't operate with the key in the trunk lock).
The mechanical lock can become very stiff with lack of use as it's hardly ever, if at all, used.
The trick is to lean down heavily on the boot/trunk lid as you turn the key; that reduces the pressure, and therefore the friction, between the lock surfaces.
And again, as Meirion indicates, there is a fair bit of free motion when you turn the key before you actually get to feel the resistance of the lock operating.
The mechanical lock can become very stiff with lack of use as it's hardly ever, if at all, used.
The trick is to lean down heavily on the boot/trunk lid as you turn the key; that reduces the pressure, and therefore the friction, between the lock surfaces.
And again, as Meirion indicates, there is a fair bit of free motion when you turn the key before you actually get to feel the resistance of the lock operating.
Last edited by Partick the Cat; 12-15-2019 at 05:02 PM.
#6
12-16-2019, 11:40 AM
Yes I was afraid to turn the key any harder and I guarantee you are correct about it never being used.
Will try your suggestions and the emergency release cable inside the trunk does open the trunk.
Probably does need the struts replaced too as it's suppose to be a "soft-close" trunk.
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Will try your suggestions and the emergency release cable inside the trunk does open the trunk.
Probably does need the struts replaced too as it's suppose to be a "soft-close" trunk.
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