XJ X350 boot lock and reg-plate bulb trouble

SOME OF the typical problems with the XJ X350 and similar saloons concerns the electronic boot lock and registration plate lights.

Unfortunately, when the electronic boot lock fails it is often not diagnosed, resulting in the bootlid being slammed in an attempt to close it (being an electronic lock, the bootlid should only be closed gently). Heavy-handed attempts to shut the boot then result in the slam panel becoming distorted, along with the top of the bootlid from pushing down on it. Eventually the boot lock stops working, usually when the bootlid is closed. The more sensible solution is to replace the boot lock.