Help! My keys are locked in my trunk. I was swapping my battery and it blew shut. My only hope other than going to the dealer for a new key cut by vin# is jumping the car through the cigar lighter port with a jump pack. My question is: Can this be done? Will the battery charge through the lighter enough to operate the trunk switch?

 

If you can get to the lighter you should be able to open the hood.

Open hood. Go to driver's side. Look down at shock tower. Move gaze forward a few inches. See black plastic fuse box. There is a covered (rubber cap) battery terminal right there.

Connect 12v to energize trunk open button. I use one of the shock bolts for ground connection. This 12v terminal is not for jump start - ever.
John

 

Are you saying I can attach the jump pack there to energize the trunk lock? If so...I'm indebted to you. If possible, can you post a picture of the place to attach the positive clamp from my jump pack? I'm new to this car and would appreciate it immensely. Also do I ground the negative side?

 

Connect where my CTEK cables are on the left side of the car.
Sorry about the blur, too much wine with dinner.

 

Hope you got it unlocked.
The ground should be on the shock tower bolt, you may have to remove a rubber cover.
The positive side is a few inches to the left of the tower between the tower and ABS control box, if you have not found it yet. It will energize 12 Volts on the battery, if it's connected and your push button by the steering left side should work.

 

The answer to this and many other regular questions can be found in the FAQ's at the top of the threads:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ts-data-29800/

Your question comes in that thread under Dead battery and can't open the boot to jump start?:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/a...rengine40c.jpg

Graham

 

There are some things I never do.
I don't tug on Superman's cape, I don't spit into the wind, I don't pull the mask of the Lone Ranger, and I don't mess around with Jim. And I don't put my keys in the trunk.
They have no use there and only bad things can happen like they can get locked in the trunk. I drop them on the ground (unless I'm near a storm drain, then I hold them tight but I avoid parking near storm drains whenever possible) because gravity always works (it's the law).
You can't drive away and forget your keys so dropping them on the ground is a much better option and, as previously stated, gravity always works.
Once my ex called me saying that she locked the keys in the trunk of her car (while we were married). I had a great time asking her why she put the keys in the trunk and each time she responded it did not answer the question (there is never a valid reason to put the keys in the trunk) so I asked her over and over until I had my fill of tormenting her, then I went to save her.
Did I mention that she divorced me? For completely unrelated reasons, of course. I think.

 

Also, if it’s a coupe with the premium sound system, pull the subwoofer, you’ll have full access to the trunk!

 

My new (3 month old) battery went dead so obviously I have an issue that need resolution, BUT, with a dead battery, gaining access to the trunk
is not possible as the trunk button, trunk key access and dash board ALL operate off the electrical system. Fortunately this forum, per Johnken gives information that is most helpful. I can't understand why Jaguar would engineer something this cumbersome. I'm new to this forum, a new owner, 2001 XK8 with 20K on the clock. Love the car (it's almost brand new) but suspect some of the horror stories about Jaguar ownership may come true.

I appreciate this forum and the solution p[rovided herein.

Best Regards,
Larry Nordby, Minneapolis, MN

 

The thinking is someone might want to steal a $70K car, so access to the trunk/boot is somewhat restricted (security/locking module is in the boot), but not completely restricted since you can energize the electrical system with access to the interior (pop the hood/bonnet, apply power across the terminal in the ECM box to anywhere on the body.)

On the other hand, we, as recipients of often less than $10K cars, want to throw away the locking lug nuts, ditch the radio code, get into the trunk more easily, disable the godforsaken valet feature....

Different mindset. (Why the bloody heck would Jeeves lock the key in the boot, why doesn't he fetch the other one? Who would throw the keys back in the boot with the golf clubs? The battery is in the boot? What battery?)

However, you can always use the key to get into the boot/trunk at the keyhole. The problem comes when the only key you have is in the boot/trunk.

General advice: either have two keys or be paranoid about losing the one/locking it in the boot/trunk. Rich people cars often have expensive keys...

Note added: And yes, some of the horror stories might come true. For you, perhaps, it might involve copious amounts of aging rubber. Driving around, however,might make you forget almost everything else...

 

If you have the key, there's a key hole in the right side rear. It's hard to see, hidden in the emblem/badge.

 

l am really not sure jaguar engineers are at fault here.

 

Thanks to those responding to my mid-life crisis (at age 79). Rereading my post leads me to believe that I sounded 1. entitled, 2. entitled and finally, snotty AND entitled. Thanks to those who read my rant and were kind in their reply, and to those who chose to let me get over it. To those offering help I'm very appreciative.

In an effort to save some face, I a. did not lock my keys in the trunk, b. I have two sets of keys, neither of which helped because I could not gain access to the trunk as my brand new battery was dead. Until I jumped to this form, I was unaware that power could be sourced from the engine compartment thereby providing a means of popping the trunk.

As mentioned, I'm new to the Jaguar world but very much enjoy my pristine 2001 XK8. I've decided to let the engineers at Jaguar continue their work without my assistance!

 

Impressive estimated lifespan. I'm sure "79 is the new something or other" like they keep telling me about 58...

So, an often unappreciated fact is that there is a key hole in the rear of the car, near/within the xk8 badge that several of us have alluded to. It is mechanical, not dependent on the battery. For example, a picture below.

Happy motoring.

Picture shamelessly lifted from another thread showing the keyhole.

 

Now you've got in there would be a good time to check out/free up the trunk lock mechanism. It's possible to open it with a key in the hole in the XK8 emblem as that doesn't rely on battery power. Seldom used so the mech. can stick.

Not sure which you will have as they changed over time, but it's either between the X & the K:



...or here:



edit: thanks crbass - you beat me to it

 

And as previously mentioned, periodically use your key to unlock and open the trunk lid. That helps to keep the lock mechanism functioning properly. A dab or two of graphite powder on the tip of your key before inserting it into the lock is also a good idea for all of the key insertion locations (ignition switch, drivers door, and trunk)....

 

The AAA guy was reluctant to put pos jumper on this black rubber covered post. I agree but it is the correct one. I had to sign a waiver

successfully jumped the trunk open

randy

 

Good. He is right, in a way. Definitely should not jump the starter from there.

 

Yes I should clarify did not attempt the jump Start the car just “backfeed” the lid mechanism. Popped open with lid button once voltage is applied

 

Understood, just thinking I'd help clarifying for the person who gets to the last message on the string using google 47 years from now.

Wonder if they will be using google 47 years from now? (I'd guess I will not be using google 47 years from now...)