help! - for reasons unknown to me, my unlocked trunk will not open on my 1986 xj6 - of course, it was working just fine -is there any way to get access to the trunk from inside the car? - anyone out there run into this problem before? - again, thanks for your help

Submitted by lanierphoto@cox.net on Fri, 09/29/2006 - 14:15

There are two versions of the same method. If your car has a hole drilled in the lower center, behind the licence plate (like mind did) put a flat blade screwdriver under the sliver lock plate and pry upward. If there is no hole, and you do not want to drill one, insert a long screwdriver into the lower right license plate slot. Angle it down about 10 to 15 degrees, and pry upward. The latch should release with a very pleasing sound. See the photos attached. Please do not pass this on to non-Jag owners, or we might be missing the contents of our trunks.
Richard Lanier

Submitted by wljenkins@usa.net on Sat, 06/03/2006 - 20:21

Excellent point Mr. Brady. I had a similar problem with my 1992 XJ40, the lock mechanism would not unlock therefore I could not open the trunk. The only solution was to cut a hole is back of the license plate. I used a 2" hole saw and cut hole right in the middle of where the license plate goes. I was then able to open the trunk.

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Sat, 06/03/2006 - 16:13

both answers are correct for certain situations BUT usually the problem is the upper link has disconnected, if so pushing on the lower links is pointless, but try them first. You may end up having to cut a bigger hole under the licence plate! Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Submitted by wljenkins@usa.net on Fri, 06/02/2006 - 00:33

Edited on 2006-06-02 0:36:16

Actually Doug, it's much easier to use a long, flat head screw driver through the upper, RIGHT side license plate hole. Insert it at a 45 to 50 degree angle and push down on it. The linkage is a vertical rod that fastens to a horizontal lever. The vertical rod is near the center of the license plate but to the right of center of the trunk lid. You are trying to get the screwdriver under the horizontal lever which must be pushed up in order to open the trunk. I just tried it on my 1986 XJ6 and it was pretty easy to do. Of course in my case, I had the luxury of opening my trunk first in order to see the linkage. Let me know if this doesn't work for you and I may be able to snap a photo of the inside of the trunk lid so you can see what I'm talking about.

Submitted by dougdwyer@adel… on Thu, 06/01/2006 - 21:36

Its been a long time so excuse my vague description, but.....

If you remove the license plate and have some long needle noise pliers, the lock rod can just barely be reached and actuated thru one of the holes.

Hope this helps

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1987 XJ6 Ser III
1988 XJS V12 Coupe