Greetings,
I just bought a 1986 XJ6 and I cannot get into the trunk. Battery was dead when I got the car, I replaced it and the car runs good. The trunk key turns to the left in the lock a few degrees but the trunk does not open. Is there a solenoid in there to open the trunk or is it mechanical? Is there any other way to get it open without the key that is not destructive like a cable or switch in the cabin?

 

Try going in through the rear seat(?) I'll defer to more knowledgeable folks, but that'd be my first thought. The way the squab (back) of the seat is held in might prohibit that option, though.

 

Cannot remember exactly but I believe that if you remove the rear licence plate you can access the lock linkage through one of the holes. No point trying the rear seat route. Once the rear seat is removed, you will be faced with a full sheet of pressed steel. No way in.

 

no access through the rear firewall behind the rear seat, it's solid except for the sunrood motor hole.

the holes Bob is referring to are the upper and lower license plate holes on the right side, through which you can see the vertical linkage Rod after you remove the license plate.

you can use needlenose pliers to grab the rod and pull it up to open the trunk lid.

 

thanks! I will get a look at the holes and see if I can get it open that way.