Stuck in Valet Mode
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Stuck in Valet Mode
Hi all, just got a new to me 2004 XJ8. My friend came over for a test drive and he ended up hitting the valet button. Now the trunk won't open and the glove box won't open. My owner's manual is in the glove box. I found one post that said to just use the key fob to unlock the car and that will reset it. However, I only got one key with the car and the remote part of the key doesn't work! The remote hansn't worked since the day I got it, before the valet issue. I'm still under factory warranty but I'd like to avoid the 1 hr. trip to the dealer if possible. I'll have to get there eventually for the remote, but I'd like to open my trunk ASAP. Thanks.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,961
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From: 33498
RE: Stuck in Valet Mode
What key do you have? If you have the key with the remote (flip style) you should be able to put it in the trunk and open it. The green key is the valet key that doesn't open trunk.
If you don't know where they key goes, look above license plate where plate lights are. To the right there is the key hold. Put in they key and turn. Trunk should open. I don't think it will relieve valet mode though. If your remote doesnt work, you will likely have to go to dealer. When they programme remote, side effect will be that it will deactivate valet mode.
Side note - while you are there, if they replace remote and programme it, that would be the time to buy another one. That way you wont have to pay for programming because they already programming. just as easy to do 2 as it is 1
If you don't know where they key goes, look above license plate where plate lights are. To the right there is the key hold. Put in they key and turn. Trunk should open. I don't think it will relieve valet mode though. If your remote doesnt work, you will likely have to go to dealer. When they programme remote, side effect will be that it will deactivate valet mode.
Side note - while you are there, if they replace remote and programme it, that would be the time to buy another one. That way you wont have to pay for programming because they already programming. just as easy to do 2 as it is 1
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 40
From: Pompino Beach , FL
RE: Stuck in Valet Mode
or you can stick the key in the door and lock it and unlock all the doors... that dissables the valet mode. and i believe holding down the remote on unlock or lock does too.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
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From: USA
oh man its been a while since this post.. anyways my xk8 wont deactivate valet mode lockin and unlockin with they black key, ha i dont even have a valet key lol and also no control.. hard reset off the ecu might fix this though..
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 43
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From: Los Angeles,CA
Interesting. My wife's recently purchased 07 VandenPlas had the car stuck in valet mode when she unlocked the car in the morning. I found this issue as well one morning.
As it was a select edition, we took it to Jag and they replaced both remotes. No problems so far.
As it was a select edition, we took it to Jag and they replaced both remotes. No problems so far.
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Durham, UK
Sorry to hear about your predicament.
You've posted in X350 forum but your profile is showing XK8. Which model and year is stuck in Valet?
When you get a minute, please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum and post some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.
Graham
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Phoenix
Papa Ron
I have a 2004 XJ. My key does not open the trunk. My remotes are gone and the valet is set. I have tried opening all doors with key but that doesnt work either. Anyone know how to disable the Valet system?
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Hazlet Township, NJ
Button in the glove box
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 48
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From: Peoria, IL
Glove box won't open either in valet mode. Same thing happened to with my 2004 XJ8. Unlocking the trunk with the key took it out of valet mode. I think it beeped also, but I had the other doors locked. Unlocking them stopped the beeping.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 328
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From: Ft Lauderdale
Looks like i'm having this issue also. I hit the valet button by mistake trying to open the trunk (boot) and now my glove box and trunk are locked. I can open the trunk with the key fob. Problem is, the lock and unlock buttons on the 1 fob I have stopped working last week. Panic and trunk buttons work just fine.
I've tried opening the door with that key, but that doesn't deactivate valet mode. Any other ideas?
I've tried opening the door with that key, but that doesn't deactivate valet mode. Any other ideas?
You tried leaning down, as heavily as you can, on the trunk lid while you tried the key in the lock ? It may (may) take the strain off the lock mechanism and make it easier to open.
Then again it may not, but what the hell ... it's worth a try.
Then again it may not, but what the hell ... it's worth a try.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2
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From: Cary NC
XJ8 stuck in valet mode
per the suggestions, moved key to the unlock mode in driver door, twice, then tried trunk....opened like a charm. Glove box, no problem. Thanks to those who posted, you saved us at least a couple hundred dollars !
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 211
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From: Citrus Heights, California
My locksmith made a blank key when cutting a new one. The blank Fits the lock but needs the transponder to work like a valet key. It will work if my real key is close enough.
Last edited by Rancheroguy; May 4, 2021 at 08:53 PM. Reason: Responded to wrong post first.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 22
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From: Memphis
my 04 vdp is stuck on valet mode tried the key but it wont even open the trunk my key fob wont work and i replaced the battery and still wont work it use too work and then it will go off then work again and now the key fob dont work and i cant get in my trunk or glove camparment any help??? also i have a few more questions how you know the air suspension compressor needs replacement and the 2nd question when i cold start the car the engine shakes and can smell gas inside after is warmed up the car dosent shake anymore but sometimes it has a little hesitation when accelerating any help on any of these inbox me please and thank you.
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Joined: May 2009
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From: home
Can you DIY the repairs?
If not take it to a shop and be ready to spend thousands of dollars.
As your car has multiple problems that shows a complete lack of repair and maintenance. That is pretty much what kills used Jaguar's.
Unless you really like the car and want to spend the money you will be ahead to get rid of the car now.
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If not take it to a shop and be ready to spend thousands of dollars.
As your car has multiple problems that shows a complete lack of repair and maintenance. That is pretty much what kills used Jaguar's.
Unless you really like the car and want to spend the money you will be ahead to get rid of the car now.
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 22
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From: Memphis
i kept up with maintanence since i got it i think it could be a ignition coil messing up because also my check engine ligth flashes but goes away.And even if i did wanna sell it i dont have any potential buyers but i dont mind spending the money too fix it up i had this jag for 3 years and it rarely gives me issues.Literally have taken it from tn to colorado and back and then to tx and back plenty times.But i do want suggestions on what parts i migth need or what it could be.