Drained battery, cannot get to the battery to charge it

1998 JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS
130,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC
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SHELLY WHEELER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The battery is dead, the key does not work to open the trunk or the door and the hood is stuck. Is there any hope other than drilling the lock out to charge the battery?
Jul 16, 2018 at 2:40 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,200 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Well there is a way, you need to remove the rear license plate, then use a coat hanger to reach in through the holes in the lid and release the latch. It is a bit of a pain but it can be done.
Jul 17, 2018 at 2:32 AM
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SHELLY WHEELER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I know that on other models there are four holes underneath the license plate. On this model there is only one very small hole. I will try it with a coat hanger. Fingers crossed! Thanks for the help!
Jul 17, 2018 at 6:24 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,200 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Another item would be to access the starter battery terminal with a set of jumper cables and apply battery power to make the system work.
Jul 17, 2018 at 10:47 AM
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