How Do You Get Into A Locked 87 XJ6 Trunk?

[Michael J.]

Have been exploring the 87 XJ6 that I bought earlier this week, sorting out problems, etc.

Trunk (boot) would not lock. Only have ignition key. Somewhere in the car's history the driver's door lock and ignition were keyed the same. No other keys were available. I plan to pull the locks and bring them to a locksmith to be rekeyed.

Noticed that power lock solenoid linkage for the trunk was not connected.

Connected it. Trunk locked, but will not unlock.

Suggestions on how to get into the trunk, Please!

 

[John S Farrington]

Michael, Take it to a locksmith who handles the 87 XJ6 key blank and have him pick the lock. It isnt hard. If you dont have access to such a locksmith, then you will have to saw a hole where the rear license plate mounts and gain access to the strut rod that actuates the latch. You can then make a patch or repair of the accesss hole. I would not recommend trying to pry the trunk lid open.

 

[jessebogan]

A lot of times you can get in with a really thin screwdriver through the lower tag bolt holes. Some cars have two oblong plugs where the two lower bolts would go. Remove them, and work the screwdriver or a stiff piece of wire until you trip the latch. I think that all of the keys should be the same for trunk, doors, and gas locks. Try taking the glovebox lock to a locksmith, and have him make a keythat fits the lock.If you are lucky, it will open the trunk too. Check the owners manual if you have it. You do not want the key cut on a valet key blank, as that should only work the doors. Good luck.

 

[Exotexs]

that is correct, assuming you can remove the license plate, you can see the latch rod through the holes. you'll need thin and long needlenose pliers, the ones with a 45 degree angle, to grab the latch rod by pulling it up, that will do it.

 

[maynard]

The hasp of the boot latch is held in place by a plate secured by two bolts. Oftentimes a couple of quick upward jerks on the lid will allow the hasp to come free. With the lid open, it is easy to remove the lock and take it to a locksmith.

 

[Michael J.]

Brought the car to a locksmith as suggested, who was able to pick the trunk lock. Got the door locks and glovebox properly keyed, based on the codes on the locks which I had taken out to be worked on as requested by the locksmith.

Could not get the trunk lock removed, however. Set screw for the handle to open the trunk rusted solid and will have to be drilled out. Unlike the locks for the doors, that lock is part of the latch assembly and is about 3" long. It looks as if the outer chrome piece can be removed in order to gain access to the tumbler, but the locksmith was concerned about damaging the piece in trying to remove it.

You have to remove the chrome reverse light assembly held in by four studs in order to get access to the handle setscrew. The handle has to be removed in order to withdraw the latch mechanism from the inside of the trunk.

I'm going to try to find another trunk lock mechanism that I can salvage and try to get rekeyed.

Door locks were very worn and replacements, although listed in SNG Barrett and Welsh enterprize catalogues have been discontinued by both.

Trunk latch mechanism is not available new anymore either aftermarket, unless anybody knows of a source. It was not listed in either catalogue.

I plan to get a new solenoid and use the power locks to lock and unlock the trunk if I can't find another lock mechanism that can be disassembled and rekeyed.

Whatever key was set up for the trunk, it does not match the code on the lock mechanism.

One other thing that the locksmith found, when trying to get the correct key for the locks, was that he had to add "JC" in front of the code in order to find the correct information for the locks.

 

[Exotexs]

I'm going to let you in on a secret: Series 3 XJ cars came with a spare key from the factory, mounted under the front left fender/wing. get a bright light and look under there. you might see a black plastic box attached to the fender anchor near the headlamp bucket. Can't promise you it will be there, most have been removed by previous owners or whoever found them, but it's worth a check. Good luck.

On the set screw for the rear latch, spray Rust Buster for a few days and let it penetrate, the tiny set screw is stainless steel, that should release it. Look in a junkyard for replacements of mechanical parts. Rock Auto
(www.rockauto.com) has many lock solenoids for Jaguar. "JC" should stand for Jaguar Cars Ltd. And by the way, that locksmith seems to be a good one.

 

[John S Farrington]

Michael, I aplaud you wanting to restore or "bring back" a series 3. They are real Jaguars. I havew 3 salvage series 3s that are not moving many parts. I am willing to let you have what you need at bargain prices to aid and abet your noble project. Tell me what you need and I will probably have it. Jack

 

[Michael J.]

Thanks!

I will email you a list.

Mike

 

[John S Farrington]

Michael, What I dont have is leather that is decent. I do have plenty of good chrome trim and some good wood. etc: I have electro mechanical everything and have a good engine with a recently rebuilt head. Plenty of body parts. Let me know. Jack