flat battery

[boopos]

I have a 97 XK8 with a flat battery which means I can't access either the drivers door or the boot.  The key fob will not work and using the key manually has no effect.  I can't get to the battery in the boot or open the car so I can unlatch the bonnet.  Help!

[Old Peter]

Hi Steve,

 

Will the key not work on the door locks at all?

 

I do believe that the XK8 has a key hole underneath the boot lid.  The S type certainly has.

 

Let me know if it has.

 

Regards

 

Peter.

[Old Peter]

Hu Steve, 

 

I have just found out that the key fits inside the 8 of the XK 8 symbol.

 

Peter.

[boopos]

Thanks Peter.  Yes there is a keyhole in the XK8 logo which I have used previously when I had a problem with the boot lid release mechanism.  Unfortunately the lock itself is released electronically so with no power it cannot be used manually.  Same with using the key in the drivers door (there isn't one fitted on the passengers side).  The key will turn but there is no result. 

[Old Peter]

That is a problem, Steve!

 

The only solution I can think of is a squirt of WD 40 into the door keyhole, as I think the door lock is mechanical.

 

You will then need one of those emergency chargers that fits into the power source unless you can get into the boot from inside the car.

 

Peter.

[Diddler]

Just going to say that myself Peter, about the charger that is.

Stan.

[srad34]

Not sure about the boot lock thing as I opened mine with the key when the battery was already disconnected ('00 XKR)?

 

I was told that was the point of having it as there is no other way into the boot if the battery is flat. Is there not a positive terminal in the bonnet for jump starting?

[boopos]

Thanks all for your input.  I am reliably informed that both the door and boot lock are mechanical so should work off the key. WD40 here we come tomorrow!  

[Margret]

Were you able to unlock your driver's door?

I am having the same problem.  I can get into the trunk - inserting the key into the key hole of the Jag logo.  But I cannot open the driver's door and, thus, can't step on the gas, to jump-start the battery.

Please advise/ Thanks.

 

[Old Peter]

Hi Margret,

This is a very old post.

I would suggest WD40 in the keyhole of the drivers door and keep on trying.

Regards,

Peter.

[Nige005]

Even if you can't open either door due to mechanical problem in the locks either charge or replace the battery and then you should be back to normal and be able to unlock the doors by using the key fob.Unless you have a new - ish " smart charger " I would recommend disconnecting the battery before connecting the charger.