for some reason the key mechanism/latch assembly on the glovebox is all turning when I turn the black outer collar - hence it does not release the latch.....how can i get it open?? I tried shining a flashlight in the slit near the top where the wood meets the glovebox but the latch seems to be recessed down (I forget how its arranged)....any ideas and can anyone take a pic of theirs so I can see how it looks when opened? This may give me an idea of the tool I need to take to push the latch or something!!!

 

i figured someone on here would definately know!

 

I seem to remember this being a fairly common problem. Have you checked the Jag-lovers.org archives?

 

For what it's worth, I just had a quick look at mine, 1992 xjs.
The retainer is a plastic wedge with a square face about 1/2" by 1/2". the wedge is screwed in from behind upwards onto the dash/ glove compartment with the flat face to the front. The door lock tang fits behind the bottom edge.
I can't think of a way to defeat this without risk of damaging the wood. It may be possible to lever the door down enough to disengage the latch whilst devising some way of protecting the wood. Maybe try a tube round the lock and push down??
Sorry I can't be much more helpful.