Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2013 faulty boot opening switch repair option.

[Devil Blades]

The boot opening switch on my 2013 XF Sportbrake failed and trying to find a new switch was a big problem. Jaguar
wanted £290 for the whole chrome strip with switch and number plate lights installed!. If you have a Saloon type you
can get just the switch it is smaller and has a socket to plug into the wiring loom the Sportbrake has a larger switch
and is hard wired into the loom. So my solution was to remove switch drillout the microswitch as that is all it is in
a large case. Then fit new switch from RS Components 616-0366 £1.94 + Postage.To get the Switch out remove handles
from inside the boot split the top off with a Trim removal tool or mine just came off by prizing apart with finger
nails. Remove the four 10mm bolts and the back part of the handles will then come away from the tailgate inside cover.
The tailgate cover can then be removed by pulling off with hands or prizing apart with Trim removing tool, warning it
drops away suddenly and needs to be supported by another person so you can unplug the three cables (interior lights
and internal boot closing switch).Next remove the Black Plastic Unit from the inside center off the tailgate this is
held on by three number 30 Torx screws (It hides an 8mm bolt underneath!) you then need to remove the two 8mm nuts
from either end of the chrome strip then a further four 8mm bolts. The Chrome strip can then be prized up with Trim
removing tool at either end as it is held on by pop studs.The switch can then be unclipped from the chrome strip and
the wires cut to free the unit. Next carefully drill out the old micro switch I used a 3mm drill bit and only drilled
down as far as the height of the sticky up bit of plastic that holds the switch as underneath at one end is a rubber
post that pushes the switch when pressed. Just be careful you don't damage the plastic that holds the switch. I also
used a sharp scapel to tidy up the inside of the hole before test fitting the new micro switch. Solder two new wires
to the microswitch at the end with the switch plunger on. I then put a spot of super glue either side of the micro
switch then pushed it down into the hold and held in such a position that I could hear the switch click when the
rubber side of the boot switch was pressed, then once dry and it still can be heard clicking fill in around the wires
with silicon sealant to keep moisture out (new switch is waterproof).See picture of micro switch in place with wires
sticking out as it shows that the plunger on switch to the right to match up with the rubber plunger underneath. Once
sealant is dry put back into chrome strip and solder the exisitng wires that you cut back to the switch tape or
heatshrink the joints. Then put it all back together. Hope this helps someone else. Any comments or questions please
ask. 

[Edward Shaw]

I have removed the chrome strip but cannot "The switch can then be unclipped from the chrome strip and the wires cut free from the unit".

I did not give a contact so if anyone can help my email is eddieshaw@sky.com

[Old Peter]

Hi Edward,

An expert mechanic could help.

I am no expert in these more modern Jaguars.

Regards,

Peter.

[Frankee79]

Thanks for sharing guys, I have just done it on mine. 

I have dismounted the switch, by remouving the left reg light. Just push the plastic tongue on the side of the handle by inside and it should start to move. 

It's save you to remouve the boot cover.