Non Functional Boot Lock & Boot Access

8657 Views 17 Replies 9 Participants Last post by obwoodie, Jun 4, 2017

iluvjags

Discussion Starter · Jun 11, 2012

This morning when I arrived at work the boot release would not operate on my 2005 2.0D X-type, my laptop and jacket are locked inside.

Some months back the manual button release stopped working, but the remote key fob still opened the boot every time.... until today that is.

Now when I activate the key fob boot release all that happens is that the two number plate lights illuminate briefly (I hadn't noticed this before, so I don't know if if the number plate lights pulsing is a new phenominum). Local Jaguar service franchize reckon that the best way to gain access is to try to pull the near-side rear seat forward by force, in so doing will wreck the seat latch, which will need to be replaced. Once access is gained to the boot area from within the car, then try to manually release the lock mechanism somehow. Their price 2hrs labour, replacement seat latch and replacement boot release mechanism ~£300.

Can anyone point me to any photos on the forum (or send me photos of theirs) that show the detail of the rear seat catches? I have read in one of the other posts a suggestion that a bent coat-hanger might be used to try and hook, then pull the release catch.

If someone can send detailed pictures of their rear seat release catches, I might be able to figure out how to pull the seat forward causing as little damage as possible, or if it is possible to try to hook the release catch with a bent wire.

Thanks
RYAN

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

jagryan85

· #2 · Jun 11, 2012 (Edited)

Ryan, i cant help with the pulsing number plate lights on rear, but what i can suggest is put your key into the igniton and turn to position 2 so dash lights are on. Keep your drivers door open and hit the lock button in on your door - it should re unlock, then go and try your boot unlock button on the boot. Report back. Your jag mechanic sounds like he does not like your car or he is seriously pee'd off and wants to take frustration out on your car! No need to rip them out, they unbolt from underneath the bottom seat cushion and pull upwards off the locking tabs, if its a fixed seat, not sure about folding - believe they unlock from inside the boot! Which that is not good.. but if its fixed then your met with a face full steel!

Ryan

jimbo20

· #3 · Jun 11, 2012

iluvjags said:
Now when I activate the key fob boot release all that happens is that the two number plate lights illuminate briefly

This suggests to me that the earth connection to the boot lid is dodgy. I would try temporarily connecting a piece of electrical wire between a good earth point on the car bodywork (maybe a door catch) and an earth point on the bootlid (maybe the bright metal trim?) and then operating the keyfob.

I seem to remember reading that the earth wire is known to break where it passes between the bootlid and the bodywork somewhere near the hinge?

HTH
Jim

astromorg

· #4 · Jun 11, 2012 (Edited)

The number plate lights and the boot lock share an earth point. A poor connection there would pass the unlocking signal back through the lights to show up as you see. To bypass the non operative unlocking earth arrangement, try this routine:

Remove both number plate bulbs. Using a length of auto type wire, join the earth side bulb terminal (not the live connection) in one of the number plate lights to a good earth somewhere else on the car body. (This is not the same as Jimbo is suggesting - unfortunately, there is no dependable electrical connection between the earths of the lights and locks with the boot lid) While it's connected like that, operate the fob or the button and HOPE!

jimbo20

· #5 · Jun 11, 2012

astromorg said:
....(This is not the same as Jimbo is suggesting - unfortunately, there is no dependable electrical connection between the earths of the lights and locks with the boot lid) While it's connected like that, operate the fob or the button and HOPE!

That makes sense - and is certainly worth trying before paying a dealer to wreck the seat(!)
Jim

iluvjags

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 11, 2012

Thanks guys, I'll certainly give it a go, just as soon as it stops raining!

redfox666

· #7 · Jun 11, 2012

I had this problem, and the flashing number plate lights. My local indy drilled behind my number plate and was able to get in that way and replaced the solenoid I believe. He charged me £80.

iluvjags

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 12, 2012

redfox666 said:
I had this problem, and the flashing number plate lights. My local indy drilled behind my number plate and was able to get in that way and replaced the solenoid I believe. He charged me £80.

I had already figured that soething like this was going to be my solution of choice if the externally applied earthing through the number plate lights, described above, doesn't work.
I didn't really fancy damaging the rear seat(s) by wrenchinching it/them forward from inside the passenger bay (as suggested by my local Jag franchise). I assume the seat latches are quite strong, since they have to hold their integrity to prevent any heavy objects careering through the rear seat in the event of an accident.
The only thing I need to do now, is to find someone who is prepared to allow me to survey the boot lock mechanism on their car so that I can determine where to (judiciously) drill a hole, to insert something to actuate the release mechanism.

RYAN

astromorg

· #9 · Jun 12, 2012

Just been out and checked my drop down seat back catches and unfortunately, I really don't think you would be able to disconnect them from the seat without operating them normally. They're like a manual boot or bonnet catch - very strong and no useful 'play'!

On completion you might like to install the little mod I described here! But you have to get in to the boot first!!

http://www.jaguarforum.co.uk/f26/emergency-boot-access-37454.html?highlight=emergency+access

jagryan85

· #10 · Jun 12, 2012 (Edited)

i'm guessing my idea didn't work either? DONT refer to destruction until all other possible ways have be tried first.

Just a thought thats came to mind, if you have the folding seats, AND you DONT have premium sound, you may be able to get in thru the parcel shelf thru the speaker cut outs to release the seat catch. Worth a shout as its probably cheaper to replace the shelf than to replace the seats. Long arms may be required tho...

Beamender

· #11 · Jun 12, 2012

Now when I activate the key fob boot release all that happens is that the two number plate lights illuminate briefly (I hadn't noticed this before, so I don't know if if the number plate lights pulsing is a new phenominum). Local Jaguar service franchize reckon that the best way to gain access.........

Can you hear any noise from the locking mechanism when you use the key?

Have you considered trying to call or visiting another main dealer or indie for another opinion / other ideas?

I recently had my boot lid jam ( I had trapped a baseball cap in the latch ). In spite of all my efforts failing, an older guy from my main dealer soon had the boot open as he knew how to apply the right sort of extenal pressure.

Another approach - maybe sacrifice a rear lamp cluster to gain an alternative access. A replacement light unit from a recycler would then avoid drilling speclative holes.

Consider first a trial run /job on a boot lid and lock from a scrapped car ?

iluvjags

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jun 13, 2012

astromorg said:
Just been out and checked my drop down seat back catches and unfortunately, I really don't think you would be able to disconnect them from the seat without operating them normally. They're like a manual boot or bonnet catch - very strong and no useful 'play'!

On completion you might like to install the little mod I described here! But you have to get in to the boot first!!

http://www.jaguarforum.co.uk/f26/emergency-boot-access-37454.html?highlight=emergency+access

Hi Astromorg - I haven't tried forcing an external earth through the number plate lights yet, I've been so busy at work I don't get home until afyter dark, so was going to have a go at the weekend.

If this doesn't work I will be trying to drill a hole through the boot behind the number plate, fashion a stiff piece of wire to poke through, then actuate the latch mechanism. The key thing is to figure out the right place to drill a single hole, I don't want to end up drilling several holes and turning my boot into a Swiss cheese!

I need to find someone who is prepared to let me examine their boot lock (by removing it) to measure up the location of the mechanism so that I drill (a single) smallest hole required in just the right place.

I work at a bigg(ish) company and will be approaching one of the other employees who has an x type to see if they will let me examine their boot lock.

I'll let you know how I get on woith the forced earthing first.

Thanks
RYAN

iluvjags

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jun 13, 2012

jagryan85 said:
i'm guessing my idea didn't work either? DONT refer to destruction until all other possible ways have be tried first.

Just a thought thats came to mind, if you have the folding seats, AND you DONT have premium sound, you may be able to get in thru the parcel shelf thru the speaker cut outs to release the seat catch. Worth a shout as its probably cheaper to replace the shelf than to replace the seats. Long arms may be required tho...

Thanks jagryan85,
I have defererd work on this until the weekend due to arriving home too late and failing or no daylight.

The speakers in my car are in the rear doors, so no easy access through the rear parcel shelf. If all else fails then I'm likely to opt for drilling a hole in the boot, behind the number plate, to poke something through to actuate the mechanism. I'm exploring who/how to survey someone elses x type boot lock to ensure that the hole is drilled in the right place!

I'll keep you posted when I tackle the job, and as I did with the Turbo Actuator repair
http://www.jaguarforum.co.uk/f26/turbo-actuator-repair-44572.html
I hope to write up with pictures.

RYAN <<iluvjags>>

iluvjags

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jun 13, 2012

Beamender said:
Can you hear any noise from the locking mechanism when you use the key?

Have you considered trying to call or visiting another main dealer or indie for another opinion / other ideas?

I recently had my boot lid jam ( I had trapped a baseball cap in the latch ). In spite of all my efforts failing, an older guy from my main dealer soon had the boot open as he knew how to apply the right sort of extenal pressure.

Another approach - maybe sacrifice a rear lamp cluster to gain an alternative access. A replacement light unit from a recycler would then avoid drilling speclative holes.

Consider first a trial run /job on a boot lid and lock from a scrapped car ?

Thanks Beamender good advice.
I'm not racing into hasty decisions about how to tackle this problem. I will be seeking advice from an alternative indie before I "dive in".

RYAN

stu2020

· #15 · Oct 13, 2014

I have a similar problem where suddenly last night the boot refused to open with either the remote fob or the button on the boot. I also was aware of the number plate lamps briefly illuminating.
Annoyingly a jacket and mobile phone were in the boot.

Thanks to the advice here I removed the bulbs and connected the earth to the screw securing the number plate and pressing the release button to my joy the boot released and I had access

.

I have passed the time in my life that I want to start hunting down bad earth problems so it is booked in to a garage on Wednesday to get sorted but at least I can advise them that there is no need to start drilling holes or whatever to gain access,

Thanks for the great advice.

bertieboy9

· #16 · Oct 14, 2014

Old thread, Removed my comment.

stu2020

· #17 · Oct 15, 2014

Just to update on outcome of repair. The garage I use locally traced to a broken wire in the loom where it passes from the body to the book lid.

It cost one hour labour plus VAT to investigate and replace the offending section. In total £54.00.

obwoodie

· #18 · Jun 4, 2017

Broken ground wire on trunk button (boot)

Fantastic observation. thank you. Based on your thread, I noticed that my license plate lights (for you Brits: numbers lights) do not work either. Now I need to see if there is a fuse for them or if the wire is broken.

John
San Diego, CA USA

astromorg said:
The number plate lights and the boot lock share an earth point. A poor connection there would pass the unlocking signal back through the lights to show up as you see. To bypass the non operative unlocking earth arrangement, try this routine:

Remove both number plate bulbs. Using a length of auto type wire, join the earth side bulb terminal (not the live connection) in one of the number plate lights to a good earth somewhere else on the car body. (This is not the same as Jimbo is suggesting - unfortunately, there is no dependable electrical connection between the earths of the lights and locks with the boot lid) While it's connected like that, operate the fob or the button and HOPE!

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

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