I have electrical issues since going through the car wash. My moonroof opens and closes on its own and drivers side window does not work. I saw thread about resetting the programming by removing negative from battery and holding to positive post for about 15 seconds. My problem is it is stuck in valet mode and can't open with the key or fob. I have the black key and not the valet key. Are there any other options other than drilling a hole behind license plate?

 

I'm sorry to read about your trouble after the car wash.
Someone will be along shortly to direct you to the correct section where you can find help for all those problems.

Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

Welcome to the forum kkelley,

Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums.

Presumably you don't have a remote. The black key is a Master.; a Valet key is green. When the vehicle is in valet mode, you can open the luggage compartment with the black key but not the green one - that's the point of valet mode. Sounds like the luggage compartment lock is seized from lack of use.

Follow this link XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 ) - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the X308 forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.

Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

You can also visit the US Northeast Region forum by following this link US Northeast - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Welcome.

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

welcome to the forum

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums kkelley,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

Thanks for the reply - I do have the remote but it doesn't work - I changed batteries and tried programming but it does not work. The black key does not work either. I just dropped off at an independent European vehicle mechanic this morning. I tried a Jaguar dealership and they refuse to work on a car older than 10 years. Never heard of that type of policy before but maybe that is a common practice. Either way, disappointing to think they won't stand behind or work on an elite brand of vehicle for more than 10 years. Just my opinion though. I will post what the mechanic finds and how (hopefully!) he is able to get into the boot and resolve.

 

In fairness to Jaguar Dealers, their main business is selling new vehicles and maintaining them for first and second owners. Most don't have the in-house expertise to work on older models. The upside of this is the cost from your independent will only be a fraction of the dealer equivalent.

Missing keys and remotes are very high on the list of issues which bring new owners to this forum. It can seem a minor consideration in the overall assessment and purchase of a used Jaguar but it's often an unpleasant shock to find out how much it can cost to fix.

Programming the remote should get the luggage compartment to open on the button. Sometimes there's a harness break where it is attached to the lid hinge caused by repeated flexing over the years. In this case, the only way in is with the key or by drilling a small hole in the right place behind the registration plate to be able to reach and flip the latch operating rod.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Graham

 

Just got off the phone with the mechanic - drilling the hole behind the license plate allowed him to release the latch and get into the trunk. Disconnecting negative battery cable and applying it to the positive post cleared the valet mode issue. FOB/Remote and all electronics functioning fine after that.
Tomorrow will be spent finding the leak as it is definitely a water issue which caused the grief. The moon roof and drivers window had resolved itself by letting the car sit in the sun!