I joined the Jaguar Club last week, hoping to find an answer to my problem. I have a 1986 XJ6 with a trunk that would not unlock. I found a solution on this site and was able to unlock the trunk to replace the fuel filter. The club membership is worth $300.00. This is the amount a mechanic wanted to charge to open the trunk. To reair the lock would be $500.00. I still have to do that. Thanks to all who share their thoughts on this site.

Richard Lanier

Submitted by zurdo_1@univis… on Sat, 09/30/2006 - 17:21

I agree: the Series 3 XJ did come with at least 2 elongated rubber plugs at the bottom 2 holes, and none with that hole in the center. The rubber plugs were temporary until the car was sold and the plate was properly installed with 4 (Four/Cuatro) screws.

Opening the trunk ("boot") like this assumes that you can remove the 4 screws holding the license plate in place; (if you only use 2 screws, that allows the plate to rattle, since plates are always warped). I installed stainless steel "security" bolts with 11mm nuts and washers from behind, so if I ever loose the key, or are unable to open the trunk with the key, I'll be in trouble, but at least nobody can steal my plate and/or open my trunk, myself included.

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Sat, 09/30/2006 - 00:27

Well, if not the last then "another" thing. Some licence plates were fitted to all four holes, others didn't use those holes, in the States, most people used only two, they originally came fitted with elongated rubber plugs which not only sealed the holes but were buffers for the plate, I have a bunch of them in stock still. By the way, no car came with the round hole you point out, someone had drilled it previously! Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Submitted by ken_cantor@hot… on Fri, 09/29/2006 - 19:53

William,

That's actually the next to last thing. :) Courtesy of a true Jaguar afficianado, I have learned that the very last thing is to put four (or in this case five) strips of duct tape over each of the holes before putting the plate back on - this will not only help stop the plate from rubbing against the paint, it will prevent any water from entering and starting to rust the bottom edge of the boot (trunk) fascia.

Ken

Kenneth L. Cantor
1992 Series III V12 VDP (No. 24 of 100)
ex 1987 Series III V12 VDP

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Fri, 09/29/2006 - 14:16

Edited on 2006-09-29 14:19:05

Thank you Richard, Now the last thing is to reseal the hole. The simplest way is with a coach bolt (shallow dome head)or any other fastener that can only be undone from inside. Bill Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Submitted by lanierphoto@cox.net on Fri, 09/29/2006 - 14:02

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