I have a 2004 XJ8 with the trunk-lid stuck shut. The locking mechanism's mounting screw and lock washer worked their way loose. I was having to push very firmly to get the trunk lid to stay shut. In doing so, the locking mechanism was pushed a tad-bit lower than usual, because of the loose screw...

I've tried a pry-bar wrapped in a towel to lift the lid (ever so carefully) then pushed the unlock button... it clicks, but the trunk does not open...

I've tried the dashboard trunk lid button but no luck there...

I called the Jag service manager and she said they would most likely have to drill a hole behind the license plate and do their magic... costly magic!

Anybody know about that or have other methods/ideas?

 

Have you tried putting the key in the trunk lock (under the overhang) and trying to open it that way?

 

We've been using the FOB only... My wife had the Black & Green keys, but I can't locate them... I'll keep checking for the keys; they could be in the safe...?

I found my old 2000 S-Type's key, but I doubt that will fit...

 

Hang on a minute ! The ignition key works the trunk lock, at least it does on mine, so use that.

 

God bless you Fraser !!! I just went to the car, unlocked it, put the FOB's key in the socket, turned it to the right with a little pressure, pushed the trunk button and VIOLA!

The trunk opened... Wow, I'm am blessed !!! Now I can put my wife's wheel chair in the trunk... It's been stuck shut for 2-3 months! Thanks so much Fraser!

 

Well, Murphy's Law strikes again ! So the FOB's key opens the boot fine... I tried closing the lid again but it didn't close easily and I didn't want to push hard... so I loosened the latch and lifted it about 1/16-1/8" and tightened again... Now, it closed easily, but still won't open. When I engage the 'open' button, the lid goes up about 1/4" and will not go further, even while lifting on the lid before I hit the button... It just stays locked. This is a pain, but at least I can use the key to open the lid with the FOB's key.

What else can I do?

 

Hi Kyd
One or both of the gas struts that lift the trunk lid may be on the way out or failed. These things do eventually fail by the compressed gas gradually leaking out.
The system relies on these struts lifting the lid slightly when the button is pressed, or when you use the key in the trunk lock housing.

You might need a bit of lube too.

 

Thanks Fraser... I did do a heavy dose of WD-40... I didn't know about the pneumatics involved with the locking system... I do hear some 'automatic' action when I push on the buttons (inside an out buttons). I'm not familiar how that works. When I use the key, it opens VERY easily, the spring mechanism pops the trunk up, but not all the way open. Our Jag was involved in a rear end in 2010... but had been working fine for the last 4 years. Perhaps the gas shocks are not pushing enough pressure as you suggested... I'll ask the dealer about the struts... since they had control of the 2010 repairs. Thanks again, Kyd

 

I had that same issue on my old 04 XJ8. The lock mechanism worked, but the gas struts would not lift it fully enough to actually disengage the lock. So I would have to press the button and lift at precise moments to actually open the trunk. I never got round to replacing the struts because the car was later totalled, so I can't tell you if that was really the issue, but I'm pretty sure it was.

 

I like to think out loud... Later on this evening or in the morning I'll try to try open the lid with the engine running... that way the shocks s/b at their best pressure... I've tried lifting and pushing the button many many time to no avail. Maybe my timing is bad... white guys can't dance! ;=)

Y'all have a fun and safe 4th of July (if you're in the states!)

 

My '04 XJR sometimes doesn't unlock with the fob - it clicks and rises a little, but not enough to disengage the latch. I just push the button again, and it closes and reopens.

 

I don't think the struts are dependent on the engine running. They're self-sealed units with no connection to any other system. I could be wrong.

 

The trunk lid gas struts work by containing compressed gas that gives the spring force, and have no connection to the air suspension at all. If they fail due to loss of gas they can only be replaced, there is no repair facility offered anywhere, and anyway, this would likely cost as much as new ones.