Boot entry when battery flat!

[V6Leaper]

Hi,

I cannot gain entry to the boot and the battery is flat!

Today, I tried to get in the car but the key fob and also the spare one failed to get me in.  Out came the handbook and I managed to open the front nearside door using the pull out key from the fob.  Then I tried the boot switch but it does not open.  Not a shimmer from any lamps inside although I did hear a faint blip blip when turning the key  to lock the door again.  This only did it a couple of times so I guess it could be in alarm state that has run the battery flat? 

Obviously, I can open all doors from the inside now that I am in but how do I get in the boot where the battery is? I tried the centre armrest in the rear.  I don't think there is access from there.

Cheers

Graham

Footnote; On reflexion - It is highly likely that the alarm was sounding at teatime last night.  We never checked the car as it sounded like from the rear of the house!  Only just considered this so will need to check in daylight for any suspicious marks or damage.  The main thing here though is I that the battery is just under a year old and was in good condition until now!

 

[Guest]

Hi Graham,

I'm not familiar with the XF and this may therefore not be very helpful but, on the S Type a keyhole is hidden on the underside of the boot lid section containing the release push-button. If you have a key for your XF check that out first of all.

If you have push-button starter that relies on a proximity fob/key there may be two further options. First option is that some manufacturers 'hide' the key inside the proximity fob and this can be found by gently pulling the two ends apart. No great force should be needed and if you find positive resistance then theres no key hidden inside. The second option is that there is either a boot lid release button somewhere in the drivers side footwell and perhaps near a fuel cap release switch or alternatively you may find theres a pull cable type release mechanism behind one of the the back seats - probably drivers side.

Hope this helps but if not I'm sure that there are other XF owners / members who will point you in the right direction.

Cheers,

Steve 

[V6Leaper]

Thanks for the quick reply Steve.  I have google searched and did see similar to your reply albeit from our American friends (which should be correct as they are British cars)! I will have a look around the boot lid near the VIN plate. I can now imagine it might have either a plastic cover or maybe a rubber to hide the key hole.  Once in, I can start the investigations proper!  If that was my alarm sounding last night, I should be concerned a/ that I was to idle to even check my car (I though it was next doors kids again)! b/ just  how long would/could it have sounded for before running flat? c/Did my front neighbours hear it, I hope not?!!! d/Dig my battery guarantee/receipt out of the file!  

I will let you know in due course of course. 

Regards

Graham

 

[V6Leaper]

Well, in daylight I could immediately see the plastic cover which popped off easily with the key from the fob.  The key turned easily and the boot popped open hurray!

Now, the interesting bit.  I removed the battery and put it on charge in my workshop. I'm not convinced it is flat but I will give it a few hours!  Lets hope it starts ok later!

[Guest]

Hi Graham,

Glad to be of help. I had the same problem with my first S Type a number years ago when my battery failed but I got lucky when a colleague was able to point me to the hidden keyhole and also provide a jumper cable start so that I could get home.

May be worth your while checking the battery leads to ensure they are in good condition too. If the problem persists get your alternator checked out before you buy a new battery.

Cheers,

Steve

[V6Leaper]

Alternator hmmm the symptons might go along with that although, should I have had some sort of alarm telling me of such? I only say that because the XF is supposed to have all lights and bells. In laymans terms I want to be knowing if those bushes in the alternator are wearing down lol!  A far cry from my old ford Granada where I could see a red light warning me there was no charging! 

Anyhow, some good news - While my battery has been on charge today, I put the cars original (suspect) battery back on and it started!  I daren't go anywhere though. I am taking the new battery back to where I bought it to check if it has a fault.

Regards

Graham

[Guest]

Fair point; lord knows how many toys they've added to the later models like yours. In your opening note you mentioned you had checked the owners manual and, if Jaguar fitted  any kind of sensor for the alternator, there would be mention of it in that missive. Hopefully, it will be that you just had the bad luck to get a dud battery from your supplier and if so they should be happy to replace it.

Let us know how you get on.

Cheers,

Steve