Hello, My 1999 XJ8 is having issues with the trunk/door unlock. First, the trunk open light is on the dash, and the unlock button inside the car wont work, and the FOB won't unlock it. I only have the valet key so I am unable to manual turn the key to unlock the trunk. On top of that, my dashboard door unlock button is not working, however the FOB unlocks the doors and the key works in the front door to unlock the doors. I've had issues with the alarm going off on the car randomly, so I typically sit in the back seat with the doors shut, key in ignition, click the interior button to lock the doors, then manually lift the lock in the back door and lock it when I shut it to avoid arming the car.

Does anyone have any solutions to get the dashboard trunk/door unlock buttons to work? I must add, I street park the car and has been in the cold. The battery is new (3 months old).

Dan

 

I'd start by looking at the microswitch or whatever triggers the boot open warning, sorry I'm not sure of how it works as never needed to touch it. But I do know my car won't lock from the fob or dash button if the boot is open, so makes sense to me that it's the source of your issues.

 

If the car is in VALET MODE, the boot lid release switch will not work. (that is the way it operates)

Keyfob or mechanical key lock will disable VALET MODE.(if the micro-switch and wiring are functional)

Not having a MASTER key is an invitation to trouble.
Having only ONE KEY is an invitation to trouble.

 

Yes, you really need two fully programed master keys to be safe.
Around here, only the Jaguar dealership can do it and they are
expensive, but really necessary.

 

Some independent places can do the keys here, I believe they are the same as Fords of a similar age.

Of course if you only physically have a valet key, then I'd assume you'd have to order a proper one from a dealer as I think they physically differ & that's why they can't open the boot, or I think the glovebox.

 

The key 'tip' is larger so the key will not go into the boot-lid and glove cubby locks deep enough.
You can 'grind' the tip to a smaller diameter.

 

Good point about the dash buttons not working if the boot is open. I noticed when I turned the car on the other day it have the boot lid open warning and I was able to click the boot open button on the dash and it did open the boot, then I had shut it. Next time I turned it on it had the boot open warning again and buttons won't work. Since I only have the valet key and the fob trunk button won't work, seems like I am going to have to fish the latch open through the license plate hole then check out the micro switch.

 

I bought the car from a sketchy used car dealer about 5 years ago and he only had the valet key. I purchased a fob on ebay and programmed it to the car and that has always worked to take the car out of valet mode. Although, I have trained myself to never touch that button since I got it out of the mode... I really should invest in some master keys.. Anyone in the NYC metro area know where it could be done at a decent price? Or how much you'd expect a jaguar dealer to charge?

 

Thanks, I'd never compared them to see the difference. It's nice to know how they did it.