Dead battery in my 1999 jag xj8. How to get in to trunk

I believe that this is to protect valuables left in the boot when parking the vehicle. I read here that there is access some where in/ near the glove box but I cannot remember exactly what it was . Surf the net under Jaguar valet problems and you may get the answer.

Use your ignition key to unlock the boot (trunk) by inserting it into a small keyhole under the chrome lift on trunk lid. It took me a while to figure it out when I first purchased my jag.

Owner's manual should show method of using key to open trunk in this situation. On some, you turn key as far as it will go, then manually operate latch and key will turn further and unlock trunk. No manual latch? Should be a way under hood to supply power from jumper cables.

Assuming the car battery is ok (if not, buy a male to male cigarette lighter at the auto store and connect to another car until charged enough to unlock the doors...but don't try to crank the ignition!). The trunks won't open if the battery went dead with the alarm set because arming the alarm physically locks the releases.

Sounds like the key code is switched off because you replaced the key fob battery. Try unlocking the car manual with the key in the door lock. Then switch the ignition on to reactive the keyless entry. If this does not work, you might also try pressing the fob unlock button with the key in the door lock until the dash led flashes.

If the locking mechanism fails or no power is available, it is possible to open the boot using a long thin screwdriver through the lower right licence plate mounting hole.

Follow the linkage rod from the lock mechanism itself going left, towards the centre, to where it joins the catch mechanism and push here. It can help to shine a light through the left side licence plate hole, and also to get a second screwdriver in here to take a little of the tension off the catch itself, though not too much or it will spring back into place.

The battery is either in your trunk or like the xj8 which is under the back seat, and yes you can jump start it when you locate the battery.
hope this helps
[email protected]

There's a key hole. I own the same CAR and use it. You have to look under the silver band, and near the two plate lights you will find the hole. Believe me

2000 jag trunk locked dead battery-use MASTER KEY ONLY to open trunk location is above rear lic plate looks like hex screw ---the valet key will not open trunk-you cannot go thru back seat thr release for them are in the trunk-hope this helps someone

Hey John,

This is very common, because your battery is dead your remote isnt going to work. So what you have to do is look by the license plate light bulbs, their is a key hole wear you can insert you key and open the trunk to charge/ or jump start your battery

the battery has gone dead you can not open the boot/trunk with the electrical system but you should be able to get to the battery by using the key in the lock on the outside of the the trunk its either in the xj badge or the number plate illumination holder. if you can open the engine compartment there is battery pos power points so you can jumpstart/power up the car