Hello all!

I've read quite a few posts in this forum as a "lurker" and I've been really impressed at all the great information being shared here. A very high signal/noise ratio I must say.

Well, I finally have a question about getting a replacement valet key for my '04 XJ8...

My dealer tells me that master keys are easy enough to get, but valet keys are "impossible" for him. I'm not sure how much to believe this.

So my question(s) is(are): Is there a 3rd party source for valet keys? What's so special about the valet key that my dealer says he can't get me another one (is there some technical reason he might be telling me the truth)?

 

thats weird every dealer shud be able to get them.. just sold 2 today.. just cut and program. simple to get.. does he owe you the valet key? from the sale?

 

Indeed. Nothing rare about valet keys.

 

>does he owe you the valet key? from the sale?

No, not really. I accepted the car from him as it was and a month later thought it would be good to have the valet key. So when I asked about it, he said he couldn't get one for me. <shrug> So that's why I thought I'd ask.

I'm not against buying one...just wondering if I have to buy from the dealer if any other alternatives exist?

 

On your car it is a chipped key. You have to get it from dealer. Valet keys are about $80.00
If you have the two other keys, you don't need it programmed there, you can do it yourself in about 15 seconds.
If the dealer does not have them, tell them to get one from another dealer. He is BSing you. I wouldnt go there anyway if he is feeding you that line of horse manueur.

 

maybe he thinks you want him to pay for it.. just call the parts department and order one.

 

Indeed....lol. Dealer without valet keys.....whoever heard of such a thing.

 

Thanks for all the info you guys...
I know a valet key is a small thing, but when you don't know how things work, it can be mighty difficult to determine who to believe!

 

I know. I would find another dealer as I couldn't trust a place that lies that way.