I was reading the owner manual about Valet mode and decided to try it out. Initially after pushing the valet mode switch it would state "Valet Mode" on the odometer.


Valet mode is not still lit, but trunk no longer opens with trunk release switch on dash or the button on the boot trim. I can only open the boot with the key.


Owner manual does not say how to turn off Valet mode.


So, how do you turn it off?

 

Unlocking the driver door with either the key or the remote should disable valet mode.

 

The boot lights HAVE to come on (boot open recognized) to cancel VALET MODE.

bob gauff

 

Motorman;


Are you saying open the trunk with the key will cancel?


I have opened the trunk several times now with the key but I can no longer open the trunk with the switch on the dash or the growler button on the trunk trim.

 

Test Point;


I drive the car daily and use the remote to open the doors and lock them.


Odd that the problem started with pushing the valet switch. I was not having any trouble prior to that.

 

It could be a co-incidental break in the harness to the luggage compartment lock.

This can break where it's clipped to the hinge due to the flexing over the years every time the lid is opened and closed.

Graham

 

My car was in valet mode when I got it, and would not come out. Long story short, it was the wires in the RH boot hinge. Do your trunk lights work ? License plate lights ?

 

No trunk lights and no license plate lights.


With the trunk fully open, solenoid works with the dash switch and or the growler button. At about 6 inches from full open, solenoid does not work.


How did you fix the problem, by replacing the harness or repairing each wire separately? If you repaired the wires, where were the breaks?

 

Unfortunately, this is a common problem. There is a bundle of wires that go up through the right boot/trunk hinge. You need to remove the plastic cover and then unwrap the wires. The wires break where they flex. Mine had already been "fixed" before but had a break again. Here is a post with a picture that might help -
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-lights-88876/

 

Did you get the car out of valet? Seems we are in the same boat

 

I am out of Valet Mode because I used the black key to open the trunk.


I don't have trunk lights or license plate lights and the growler button does not work. Next week I am going to check for broken wires. I will let you know what I find.

 

At some point, trunk lid wiring loom was tywrapped to the side of the trunk strut. This appears to have caused more repeated flexing of the harness until several wires broke. The wires run inside corrugated plastic loom that has a black cloth tape wrapped around it. Wires were broken just an 1/8" from the end of the loom.


Photo shows the broken wires after unwrapping and before the repair.

 

Wow! I have the identical problem with my 2001 XJ8 Vanden Plas. I have searched endlessly to fix this problem with no result trying all the different ways to reset the valet mode. I was stupid with curiosity and pushed the button to create my issue. Everything worked fine before that. I don't have a fob and only have 1 black key. I have license plate lights but no trunk lights. I will try to tackle the wire harness to look for the breaks this weekend. Hopefully this will end my nightmare. Thank you all for the helpful tips! I will report my result when I am done also in hopes that it will help another.

 

You likely have the same problem, but in case the wires are OK, check the small limit switch operating the trunk lights, located in the lock assembly.
The contacts inside get corroded and obstruct power (although you still might measure connectivity).
I managed to spray some contact cleaner inside the limit switch, but you will need to break the little orange cap to do so.
It worked for 3 months, then stopped again.
I finally replaced the switch, and it works ever since.

 

You might only have a boot lid latch switch or harness problem but................

You are living on BORROWED TIME!!!!!!!!!

I keep telling my customers to have more than ONE key but sometimes THEY JUST WON'T LISTEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

People say that the cost is too much for an extra key for cutting/programming until they are stranded in some remote area and whining about how the car is locked and 'I lost the key!!!' We have all heard the story of woe posted.

I keep a spare key hidden in the car body for times like these.

Keys are necessary, Keyfob transmitters are OPTIONAL.

bob

 

Thanks Ericjansen, its good to have options when all else fails. These cars are soooo much more complex than any other car I have worked on and although I have allot of wrenching experience I am at a learning curve with all these features of luxury............................................ .................................................. ..........

Thank you also Motorcarman. I thought I had to get a new fob to fix this issue. I m glad to hear that it is not required. As for a new key, I agree. Once you are stuck somewhere the cost of a couple of humdred dollars seems insignificant. As the saying goes, Be prpared for the worst and hope for the best!