I have been having an intermittent problem with XJ 2002 Sport where the Trunk/Boot won't open from key remote, Trunk/Boot button or dashboard switch - can only open it with the key. For last couple of weeks I have never been able to open it without the key. Any ideas where to start on this?

 

I just took the car to get gas (running on fumes) and found that the filler flap would not open (yikes!). I've had the car 5 years and I never knew it even had a fuel filler lock, it's never been locked before. Lo and behold, the drivers manual tells you how to manually release from inside the trunk. I presume this is connected to the fact that I can't open the trunk without the (black) key.

It does not seem to be stuck in Valet mode as far as I can tell. No indication of this on the dash and I can turn valet mode on and off with no difference.

I had a new battery put in a couple of months ago, so that should be OK, unless of course the battery is defective.

 

Changed the fuse in the luggage compartment, but no joy. Then 'fiddled' around with the trunk wiring for a while (nothing specific or repeatable) and suddenly it was working again. Bad wire or connection somewhere, I wonder how long it will last until it happens again!

 

I have the same problem and have been advised by other posters to sort the wires at the hinge, even replacing each of them in that area to solve the problem. I intend to do that when I have an afternoon.....

 

I also read the wiring can fray around the right hinge. In my case I don't think that was the problem. I suspect the my connection problem was closer to the fuse box. I would try that first. Good luck!

 

I had this a few years ago when I had a similar car, same sympton, and had to replace the electronic button and wire , a diy job if you are a bit handy, I seem to remember you have to remove the chrome bootlid trim by removing the clips or nuts on the inside of the boot lid, the trim then comes away which lets you replace the button,it is connected to the chrome trims inner face, then plug the plug back in for the wire and refit the chrome trim,
Over here in the UK the new switch button was about £30 or so but it did cure the problem for me, as you mentioned it started as an intermittent fault and then became permanent, good luck