Hey everyone,

If you by chance get stuck in "valet mode" (as I did today trying to program yet another defective key fob)....leading to the electric trunk lid release and trunk release button on dash not working in your X300, here's how to exit it to restore operation.

****Before you do this: Make sure you have your radio security code handy in case you need to reprogram it!

With all doors closed (and with headlamps & ignition fully off), disconnect the main battery ground lead at the battery for about 1 minute, and then reconnect.

That should do it, assuming your system was working ok before entering valet mode as mine was. It restored my electronic trunk releases just fine.

 

Good to see , it's worked for you , I am sure this will give insight at others as well

 

Sorry to disappoint, but unhooking the battery didn't clear you from Valet Mode. Getting your boot open so you COULD access the battery canceled Valet. The signal to cancel is the boot lamps coming on.

Cheers,

 

Incorrect;

I was able to open the trunk with the black key during the problem, but that did NOT get it out of Valet. Only when I disconnected the battery did the Valet mode reset so I could then open the trunk with the rear electric button or dash button.

 

Then the microswitch in the boot latch may have failed, or the wiring harness near the RH lid hinge may have breaks in it. Do the boot lamps in the lid come on??

 

I have a similar problem with mine. I can't get the trunk open with either dash or trunk lid button and the black key doesn't work either. I don't have a key fob to try to electronically open it. I can't get to the fuse, because the geniuses put it in the trunk instead of under the rear seat. I've tried using a coat hanger to catch and pull the catch mechanism through one of the license plate mounting holes, but haven't been able to catch anything useful. I just found a parts drawing that might help with that. Any ideas how I can get the trunk open to check components?

 

You will probably have better luck tripping the latch if you use a narrow screwdriver with a blade about 10 inches long. Go through the lower LH license hole and PUSH the latch lever to the right. The electric actuator actually pulls that lever from left to right to release the boot lid. I've always had much better luck pushing it to the right to release. Hooking it to pull it seems harder for me.

Good luck!

 

I only have 2 top holes for license plate in my trunk lid. I've seen posts that say to drill a 3/4" diameter hole in the middle of where the license plate should be and reach in with screw driver to slide that same actuator mechanism. I hate to drill a hole, but I may have to try it. I just came across a CAD drawing of the components (not an assembly drawing, unfortunately) of the latch mechanisms, so at least I know a little about what I'm fishing for. I'm going to try again without drilling and then maybe seek dealership help or local British car shop help. I hate to pay for something that should be simple though.

 

I just tried again and found that the two bottom holes had been taped over before the original paintjob. I punched through the tape and could barely see in to see the mechanism. I couldn't manage to catch anything that would release the lid, but I may still try drilling the hole, because the top of the mechanism is in the middle of the license plate area, so if I drill in the middle, I might be able to manually actuate the mechanism and get it opened. Wish me luck.

 

As it should be. What good is a security mechanism if it can be bypassed trivially?

The bottom license plate holes may exist but not easily visible. On some cars they are covered by very thin black tape that is almost invisible. If those holes have never been used it will not have been breached.

edit: seems you found the tape

 

I finally gave in after trying to find the lever through the holes and called a local British car restorer; On The Road Again, in Morgan Hill, CA. Their jag specialist, Dane, was able to pop it open and we found out the all 3 screws holding the catch mechanism were loose or out. Once they were replaced, it works fine. Whoever worked on it last forget to tighten them. I lubed up the dry, sticky mechanism with WD-40, too, and that helped.

 

Even though I do NOT have a remote - I followed followed the steps in here, up to the point where it makes a chirp.

So basically:
1995-1997 XJ6 cars:
1. Open trunk lid.
2. Open driver's door.
3. Turn ignition switch "ON" but do not start engine.
4. Rock valet switch (located in center console) 5 times; a single chirp and flash of the headlamps indicate the Security Locking Control Module has entered the "learning" mode.
[...skip...]
8. Turn ignition off and close door and trunk.


I did this procedure with a black key (i confirmed that this does not work with a normal key), and a few times. After that valet mode was off.

Note that I am still not sure what exactly reset the valet mode, as it seems to have started working on my last try... Good luck!

 

Oops - just saw your problem. My method would certainly not work for mechanical failure lol!