XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 ) 1997 - 2003

1997 xjr stuck in valet mode and restricted performance

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Old Feb 13, 2010 | 09:23 AM
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Default 1997 xjr stuck in valet mode and restricted performance

the car is stuck in valet mode, the trunk release and the black key dont work. does anyone know another way?
aqlso the restricted performance is on in amber, what does this mean?
also there is alot of water coming out of the overflow pipe down the near side front wing.
 
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Old Feb 13, 2010 | 10:05 AM
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First thought is that the battery is low on charge. The water issue is a confusion factor. Is the car running? With the engine off and lights on are they bright? Start the engine with the lights on. Did they dim significantly? You can connect a charger to the B+ connections on either side of the engine near the respective fuse panels since you cannot get in the trunk.

Let us know and we will guess some more.
 
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Old Feb 13, 2010 | 10:23 AM
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Default Valet Mode

I had this problem and believe it or not, it was because of a broken wire in the boot hinge - I believe it's the RH side. If the boot light doesn't come on it affects the valet mode somehow, but if you can't get into the boot you won't know. If you have a black key, that should open the boot. Mine is an X308, but maybe your's is too if you're in the UK. If your amber check engine light is on, then you should get the codes read and report back. Don't know about the water. Best of luck to you.
 
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Old Feb 13, 2010 | 03:35 PM
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The remote should also unlock it and get it out of valet mode.

Most of the time, the trunk key hole is just stuck and corroded from no use. Who ever uses the key hole? Spray some penetrating oil in the key hole and the black key should open it.

I had this problem on one of my XJRs also. I accidentally hit the valet button instead of the seat warmer and neither the remote or the master key worked. The key wouldn't turn or even go in all the way. I thought for sure it was a different lock. My Jag technician suggested I spray some penetrating oil in the key hole. Bingo, the key worked fine.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2010 | 03:40 AM
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thanks guys ill try these suggestions tomorrow.
ill report back and let you know how i get on.

cheers
 
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Old Feb 15, 2010 | 01:36 PM
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managed to sort it out, but now the 'gearbox fault' in amber has come on.
anyone know wat this means?

cheers
 
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Old Feb 15, 2010 | 04:44 PM
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Well, it means that the transmission control module thinks you have a transmission fault.

Without a CEL code you can only guess what of several things caused it. Such as low fluid level, got any signs of leaks? Faulty connections between the transmission and the TCM. Does it go away after the engine off and back on?

A CEL/MIL code would help a lot.
 
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