Hello ALL.

Back Story: My Jag was at the shop getting detailed. So I left them with the Valet key. The trunk (sorry, deck lid) was unlocked. But the Tech was not aware of the simple "trigger" on Jag trunk lids and tried to use the Valet key to open it to vacuum the trunk. Of course it would not open with the Valet key. I told him to skip the trunk. It was already clean. So, I get the Jag home and attempt to open the trunk with the regular key. No luck. The lock just seems to loosely spin back and forth. Tried unlocking the trunk by locking-unlocking from both side doors. Still nothing. I would refer to my Owner's Manual - but it's locked in the trunk. DARN.
I'm going by memory, but is there a small hole in the back of the trunk area that I can push a rod or something through to "trip" the trunk open ? I know there is a trunk release cable behind the rear seat. But would prefer not trying to pull the rear seat forward if possible. Any help much appreciated. Thanks.

 

Remove the rear license plate. Hopefully theres a hole there. You can stick a finger in there and you should be able to pull a bar to release the lock.

 

If you persevere with the lock, trying to hold the barrel in position whilst turning the key, you may be able to unlock it. Alternatively if the barrel is turning, you may find that you can gently pull the barrel out with the key and activate the latch with your finger through the hole. I had this problem some years ago.

Good luck

Paul

 

There will only be a hole if a previous owner drilled one.
You don't want to drill a hole behind the license plate unless you first get the coordinates.
ANyone with an XJS can measure it from inside the trunk.

 

Hello again. Thanks for your replies. There is no hole behind the license plate. I'm only the second owner since 2000. When inserting the key vertically, there is no resistance when turning left or right. It's like the key just floats loosely while turning in either direction. Seems like something broke while the detailer was trying to open it with the Valet key (?) Maybe trying too much force ?
Trying to remember from my handbook (currently locked in the trunk) if there is an emergency type cable release behind the rear seat ?
Both front doors lock and unlock fine. But you can't hear the trunk lock engage in any case.
Do you think a locksmith could remove the lock from the outside without messing up the paint ?

 

Hi, this is that the handbook says word for word;

Lock Operation
To unlock the luggage compartment when the doors are unlocked: Insert the key in the vertical position and turn through 90 degrees anti-clockwise. Return the key to the vertical position to remove.
The luggage compartment will remain locked and must be either locked electrically by operating a door lock or manually with the key.

Luggage Compartment Isolate
This facility should be used when access to the vehicle is to be permitted but access to the luggage compartment is not, such as when the vehicle is parked by an attendant.
To isolate: Insert the key in the vertical position and turn through 90 degrees clock-wise and remove. With the lock in this position the luggage compartment will not be unlocked electrically when the vehicle is unlocked.
To unlock: Insert the key in the horizontal position and turn through 180 degrees anti-clockwise, Return the key to the vertical position and remove. With the lock in this position the luggage compartment will again lock and unlock electrically in conjunction with the doors.

I had a similar issue with my new-to-me XJS 2 months ago where the barrel of the lock seemed to be spinning with the key so would not un-lock from the isolate position - I put plenty of Graphite Lock Lubricant on the key before inserting it and rotating it - I did this multiple times and eventually the lock started working as it should again.

I hope this helps.
Cas

 

There's no emergency release on an XJS.

As mentioned, when I had a similar problem, I managed to gently pull the whole barrel out with the key inserted. I then lubricated everything until it freed up and reinserted it and it has worked ever since.

Cheers

Paul

 

"where the barrel of the lock seemed to be spinning with the key so would not un-lock from the isolate position"

Thanks so much Cas. I'll get a stool and sit and work with it similar to what you and Paul are mentioning. Yes, the tumbler seems to be just loosely spinning and stuck in the locked position. I also have some electrical lubricate that may help. Like your experience, think I just have to play with it for a while. Thanks again.

 

BELATED UPDATE: I applied a good quality lock lubricant inside the key hole and left it for 3 days. Go back and try to unlock the trunk and success !!! Trunk open up as normal. I could feel the slight resistance again going left to right, lock to unlock. Somehow the guy trying to open it with the valet key got it stuck in the lock position. I'm guessing this lock is electro-mechanical. So maybe it's a good idea to add a little lock lubricant once a year as a maintenance item (?)
Anyway, thanks guys for your help. Much appreciated.

Rick

 

Rick,

Glad you got it sorted. The lock barrel is a purely mechanical Tibbes tumbler barrel. Lubrication is helpful but be very careful not to mix WD40-type silicon sprays with any grease compound that may already be in situ, as the combination can congeal and make things worse.

Cheers

Paul

 

Hi Paul
I used a lock lubricant called Liquidfix. Supposed to be good. But that's a good point you make re any existing old grease - if any. I'll check over the entire mechanism this weekend. Thanks again.

Rick