As the title says I've now another problem! After my respray I've began refitting things. Got the boot lock connected up ok and the mechanism working. Then fitted the boot plinth with the boot open. After tightening it up I closed the boot.Now it wont release on the latch. I have removed the reverse light bar to try and allow the lever to go up a bit more but no joy. Any suggestions on how I can get into the boot. Completely stumped here so any help much appreciated

 

Surely someone's had this problem!!

 

The extreme solution to this on XJS has always been to remove the number plate and drill a small hole thus allowing access to the linkage rod to actuate the lock.

Worth considering if you get desperate.

Good luck

Paul

 

There is a few posts about the issue - nothing ever good though with Paul's idea only being successful.

I think Warren has a post about it

My lock also failed and I could not get it open, tried all sorts of things without success from the outside
Fortunately In my case- the fuel tank was still out - so I could get a socket with a very long extension through those 2" holes behind the back seat.

Realize that is no help at all in your case

Also good luck
Steve

 

Thanks for the replies lads. I had no idea this was such a common problem. I have now read a few reviews and it looks like I will be getting my drill out. These cars seem to want to fight you every inch of the way. No surrender!

 

Just to update on this. I managed to get away with drilling a 10mm hole and slipped a screwdriver in and it popped open more or less straight away. Part of the linkage was bent and I changed this and fitted the light bar and all seems well . I have tweaked the catch in the boot a couple of times and I think it may be slipping in the clamp. All in all I'm a lot happier with things now than I was yesterday!! Once again thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

 

brinny,

Glad you got it sorted! Tidy up the hole with a file then some paint, replace the number plate and no-one will know!

Cheers

Paul

 

When I make adjustments in the boot area now (last time I was not happy with the hinges) - I get in the boot and my misses shuts me in.

Pretty cozy in there (once you are in).

Cheers
Steve

 

I've found with my '89 that if I lock the passenger side power lock it locks the trunk and I can't unlock it using the key. Locking the doors with the driver's side doesn't do this. I don't know if this was designed this way or my system is just messed up. I've already drilled the hole behind the number plate so I can open the trunk in any event.

 

That clamp is a sod Brinny. The clamp screws/bolts are threaded into a very thin piece of steel and they easily strip the thread. If this has happened, which mine did, I seem to recall I rethreaded the hole with a larger diameter tap, or even, I forget, drilled out the hole and fitted a clinch nut into it. But you do want to fix it or it will bite you at the worst possible moment when you are trying to impress the love of your life with a weekend away and the suitcases are stuck in the boot!