Installing Keyless Entry on a 1980–1985 Jaguar XJ6 Series III

  • Gary
  • XJ6

By Mike Pastori – Rewritten for DIY Owners

This installation procedure applies to 1980–1985 Jaguar XJ6 Series III models. The 1986–1987 Series III cars are actually easier to convert (more on that below).

Below is an overview based on an installation performed on a 1984 XJ6 Series III.

🔧 Understanding the Factory Lock System (1980–1985)

On 1980–1985 Series III cars, the driver’s door does NOT have an electric lock actuator.

Instead:

  • The driver’s door lock is operated mechanically by the key (outside) or the lock lever (inside).

  • When you move the lock, a rod pushes the latch mechanism.

  • That mechanical movement triggers an electrical signal that locks the other three doors and the trunk.

Because there is no electric actuator in the driver’s door, installing keyless entry requires adding an electric door lock motor (actuator) to that door.

🧰 Parts Used

  • Valiant Keyless Entry System – Model 2RTA

    (Common aftermarket system)

  • Electric Door Lock Actuator (DL-6228 style universal actuator)

    Often sold as a universal “door lock motor”

  • Miscellaneous supplies:

    • Wire connectors

    • Electrical tape or loom

    • Ground eyelets

    • Nylon zip ties

🛠 Tools Required

  • Electric drill

  • Phillips screwdriver (#2)

  • Flat screwdriver

  • Wire stripper/crimping tool

  • Basic hand tools

🚪 Step 1: Install the Driver’s Door Actuator

  1. Remove the driver’s door panel.

  2. Study the lock mechanism carefully. Watch how the lock rod moves when locking/unlocking manually.

  3. Locate the access opening in the door’s metal frame near the latch area—this is where the actuator will mount.

Test the Actuator First

Before installing, briefly connect the actuator leads to a 12V battery. You’ll see it operates with a push–pull motion.

Mounting the Actuator

  • Use the included metal mounting strap.

  • Mount the actuator horizontally, with the plunger aligned toward the existing lock rod.

  • The actuator includes its own rod. Attach it to the factory lock rod using the included clamp with set screws.

  • Adjust the attachment point until the lock movement is smooth and fully travels in both directions.

Take your time here—proper alignment is critical.

🔌 Step 2: Running the Wiring

Run two wires from inside the cabin (driver’s left footwell area) into the driver’s door:

  • Ideally, route them through the factory rubber door conduit.

  • If that proves too difficult, you can carefully route them along the lower weather stripping and under the threshold plate.

⚠️ Important:

  • Protect exposed wires with proper wrap or loom.

  • Leave enough slack between the door and body for movement.

  • Secure wiring with zip ties to prevent chafing.

Connect the two wires to the actuator leads (polarity determines lock/unlock direction).

📦 Step 3: Install the Keyless Control Module

Remove the left-hand console kick panel (to the right of the accelerator pedal, near the air vent).

This area works well for mounting the keyless entry control module. You can also mount it elsewhere under the dash if preferred.

  • Secure the module.

  • Route wiring up over the steering column area as needed.

  • Connect power, ground, and lock trigger wires per the system diagram.

⚠️ Important:

For 1980–1985 models, make sure you use the correct wiring diagram for your year range. These cars are wired differently than 1986–1987 models.

✅ Special Note for 1986–1987 Series III Owners

If you have a 1986–1987 Series III, you’re in luck:

  • The driver’s door already has an electric actuator.

  • In most cases, you will NOT need to install an additional motor.

  • Wiring integration is much simpler.

Always confirm actuator presence before purchasing parts.

⏱ Time Estimate

Plan for approximately 4 hours for a careful first-time installation.

💡 Final Thoughts

Adding keyless entry to a 1980–1985 Series III greatly improves convenience while keeping the car visually original. The key challenge is installing the driver’s door actuator correctly—once that’s done, the rest is straightforward wiring.

Take your time, protect your wiring, and test thoroughly before reinstalling interior panels.

The result is a classic Jaguar with modern convenience—and excellent remote range.