I just got my car yesterday, a 99 XJR, and though it came with two keys, only the green valet key will start the car. The black key still works on the door and trunk but simply won't start the car. It turns but no crank.

I notice in the owner's manual it says not to use the valet key for everyday driving. Is there a reason for this?

And would disconnecting the battery possibly allow my master key to work?

Also, the car came with no fobs at all.

 

Welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of Jaguar!

Fobs are available on eBay all the time with prices between $25 and $50. There may be more than one part number for your model year. Since you do not have one to verify the part number you will need to ask a dealer to pull your build sheet from the VINumber and verify the correct one. Don't take an eBay seller's statement that it will work with your car.

There should not be any performance difference in the green and black keys. The valet function is simply to prevent access to the glove box and trunk when the car is out of your possession along with a key. Perhaps the note on not using the green key for daily driving is because you would be unable to get to the spare tire should you need to.

Disconnecting the battery is not going to affect the dead key. I am afraid I must tell you that replacing that key is going to be a little expensive and can only be done by a dealer or a very high end locksmith.

 

Thank you very much for the help! I note that the black key seems quite dirty so perhaps cleaning it will help. Failing that I happen to have a friend who owns a locksmith business so we'll see!

 

If the key turns in the ignition my guess is that the chip in the key head is either missing or compromised.

 

That is a nice idea - valet key limiting performance. ;^)

 

Well, it's not an original idea. I think it's Mercedes that does this already. The valet key disables cylinders, limits RPM, etc. It's possibly just the AMG models..Or is it the Corvette?

 

If you get a DTC 1260 then the key is NOT configured to the KTM.

bob gauff