Hello! I have a 1971 XJ6. The chrome trunk release handle has sustained very slight sideways damage, just enough to prevent it from rotating and releasing the trunk lid. Can anyone tell me how I get in the trunk? One person said I have to take the back seat out but is there any way to remove the lock or otherwise release the trunk from the outside? Thanks. Tim

 

Try pushing down vigorously on the trunk edge while jigging the release handle.

Metal behind the seat is almost solid with just a few small perforation so I don't think route will work unless you are willing to cut an access panel and have really long arms.

The only way I know of is to drill a hole in the rear trunk panel behind the license plate. It needs to be about 1 inch off center closer to the USA passenger side and use a needle nose pliers to actuate the rod. You can use a grommet plug to cover the hole when done

I hope someone else chimes in with a no cut method.

 

Oooo....good answer! Thanks very much. I like the idea of drilling out the lid behind the plate better than crawling in from the inside anyway. Thanks very much! Tim

 

Before you start drilling, it's worth a doing a quick search through the forum. This has come up before (most things have ��) and I seem to recall there's a way to jiggle the linkage via the slots for the license plate bolts. Good luck.

Andrew.

 

I recall at least one of those "stuck boot lid" threads. In that case, some fabric from stuff in the boot got into the latch. A padded pry bar to add up force while pushing on the release popped it open.


A study of a similar car or a parts catalog to become familiar with the
mechanism would help.


Good Luck.


Carl
holding the latch op , plus s