Starting process to salvage a 1984 XJ6 VDP. Basically a complete car, but the keys are lost. How can I get into the trunk? One of the latch handles (left) is broken off. Any ideas appreciated. All of the threads I've found about this problem were for later models.

 

hire a locksmith to unlock it?

 

So, you made a deal! Great. The fun has begun.


1. Jose's point is more than likely the most direct and likely to succeed.
Most have picks and the skill to use them.


2. Review the postings on this forum for making the lock operate in lock and unlock mode electrical. That is only a guide as a key is still needed.
But, you can see how mechanism looks and works. Drill a hole to "trip" the lock? And with a huge amount of fortune, one may exist.


3. Try a DIY pick. I saw a packet of lady's hair pins in drawer here. The females make other uses of them. It might be necessary to cut one to make two picks. The technique seems to be, one pick to depress the tumblers and the other to twist.


4. Drill the lock. Replace with good used from David Boger.


Too bad these cars do not have a remote from the driver seat. So handy..... A future project?


Carl

 

there is no difference between a 1984 and a 1987 XJ-6 or even the XJ-12 which continued to be made until 1992 but with the same Series 3 body & trim.

1988 is the year when the XJ-40 arrives in the USA and those are the "Series 4", also known as the "Digital XJ", (when compared to the "Analog XJ" made until 1987), and also known as the "Squared Bodied XJ-6".

So a 1984 can use most parts from a 1987 (and even up to the 1992 Series 3, 12 cylinder bodies), and a 1987 can use parts from a 1984. Minor changes from mid-1979 to 1987.

 

Thanks to all for the suggestions and information. No doubt I will become a good customer with the local locksmith and probably e-bay for parts. It looks like I also have to deal with broken latches, the ones under the trunk lid that I think release the mechanism manually.

CARL: If you see this, can you direct me to the the location of the diagrams, or information on where to drill the hole? I am new to the site and still learning to navigate it.

 

My knowledge of navigating this site is primitive. But, look up at the mast head. See the black band. The sixth from the left word "Search". That is where I would look. Jose and Doug posted there with pictures of how the lock and latch looks and works.


Carl

 

Sometimes if you remove the number plate, you'll find a grommet in a hole. Removing the grommet allows access to trip the lock with a screwdriver. I'm never sure if this was a Jaguar original, or one of the owners did it.

 

here's what:

remove the license plate.

there are 4 oblong holes.

look for a silver metal Vertical Rod that can be seen through the right two holes.

with very thin needlenose pliers, grab the rod tightly and pull it upwards.

after a few tries, you might get the trunk unlocked.

 

this worked for me on the second Try!

Rusty