Hi
Could use some guidance from the experts on this forum, please...!
I've got a 2003 XJR X350 and I've managed to run the battery down through lack of use. My problem is trying to get the boot open to get the battery out and then to charge it. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a manual boot release, I've tried the drivers (not valet) key in the lock and although it turns, it won't open.

I've read a few other posts on the forums which suggest you can connect a charger to a positive stud in the engine bay and get enough current running round to open the electric boot lock. Unfortunately I can't see a positive stud/cable in the engine bay at all and wondered if someone could perhaps point me to where it is, or suggest an alternative?

Looking at the manual it seems as though there's a MIDI fuse for the radiator fan circuit - could I attach the positive cable to this, and the negative to the chassis?

Thanks for any pointers.
Andy

 

Hi Andy,

I have a 2005 x350 VDP. It has a three prong plug at the lower right front grille. you can attach an extension cord and trickle charge from your home electric outlet/receptacle (what ever you call it in the UK).

 

Thanks FabCat

I had a look under the front grill and saw an odd-looking socket (at least that's what it looks like to me) - is this what you mean? Have attached a photo for clarity. My charger only has clip-on grips so not sure how to attach it...

Cheers,

 

no sure what that is. Looks like it is in the right spot, but when i pull back the cover on mine there is a three prong plug. Yours looks like a positive terminal. Check your Manual to be sure.

I won't be able to send you a photo until this evening (Ontario time).

 

Actually, after a bit of research, I think the thing in the photo is the exterior ambient air sensor, so not something to apply 12V across...!

 

When using my key in the boot/trunk lock there is noticeable resistance after some rotation but continuing to rotate the key does eventually open the boot/trunk. Try some wd40 in the lock barrel and give it another go.

Trunk lock.pdf

 

Yep, that's cracked it. It was turning about 80 degrees this afternoon, but with the WD40 it's popped to 90 and the boot's now open. Phew...!

Just for reference, would still be interested to know if there are accessible (i.e. not on the starter motor) positive studs in the engine bay?

Cheers,
A

 

As a worthwhile deterrent for us all, go to each door lock and spray a little WD40 in. I probably have only used my key in the lock twice in the last 2 years and that was to see if it worked.

 

Umm, The three prong plug in the lower right front grill to which you refer is for the block heater. It is part of the optional winter package which all Canadian destined XJ's include. In any event, that plug is not connected to the battery.


To the OP's original question, I believe you can find a positive post at the fuse block under the hood for supplying enough juice to pop the trunk - don't try to start the car this way. As you've learned, it is common for the trunk key tumbler to require a little persuasion from lack of use. WD40 and some wiggling around will usually get working again. And don't use the green valet key.

 

If someone could post a photo of the positive terminal on the fuse block it'd be much appreciated. I couldn't see anything around the fuse block that looked like a terminal, or within the box either (except the MIDI fuse...?)

Ta.

 

thanks rhankey,

I didn't come across that in the manual. I will look again. If i had been in the stuck trunk situation i probably would have wasted hours thinking I was charging the battery!

I would be a nifty solution if you could just use it to trickle charge.

 

Yep its the midi fuse, see attached from owners manual. I had read another forum member describing a jumper connection "Looking into the engine bay from the front, there's a fuse box on the left - lift the lid, at the back end of the fuse box you'll see an 80A fuse - hook up the positive to the left pin, negative goes to the engine block or other suitable ground."

Fuse boxes.pdf

 

hi hafren, would you have a link for the driver's handbook you just attached the two pages above?. seems easier to read on the laptop.

 

This is the 2004 drivers handbook - not sure where I got it from; probably in the sticky's at the top of this forum

2004 XJ X350 drivers handbook.pdf

 

Hey Andrew, this is what i was talking about. Luckily brighter minds intervened!

 

Are you sure this isn't cold weather package block heater?

 

yes Box that is the plug for the block heater. rhankey pointed that out to me earlier. I was just illustrating what i had mentioned earlier. I checked the driver's manual, not a word mentioning the block heater.

Cheers!