Good evening from the UK. My first post and I wish it were under better circumstances. I have searched literally everywhere to a solution to my issue yet have not found the answer. Maybe someone can help.

Basically I am stuck in Valet mode and cannot get out of it. To complicate matters, my alarm is on constantly. I have no fob, just one black and one green key. The black key has been working fine until now. Only thing being having to get the key in the ignition on opening the door to cancel the warning chime before the alarm goes off. If the alarm did go off, simply switching the ignition on shut it off.

I had a problem with the switchpack on the centre console and tried to fix it. Long story short...I pressed the Valet switch and am now stuck there. I also have an alarm issue. On opening a door, I get the standard warning chime. Now, the black key doesn't cancel it and the alarm will sound until I disconnect the battery. Black key in ignition or black key in the door will not shut the alarm off or cancel Valet mode. I cannot even start the car.

I've checked the wiring on the RH boot hinge. It has been repaired in the past but is fine. The boot micro switch is missing, which I thought was my problem. I know opening the boot with the black key (which I can do) is supposed to cancel Valet mode (signal taken from boot lights) so I bridged the pins on the micro switch connector to simulate it being there and telling the car the boot is open. The boot lamps light, but instead of switching Valet mode off it sets the alarm off straight away. Once again only being silenced once I've disconnected the battery.

I'm at a complete loss as are many other people who I've described the problem to. Any ideas? I have a lovely XJR sitting outside and I can't use it

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

You describe lots of things not right but the common point of all, that I see, is the Security and Locking Control Module. I don't know what to suggest other than replacing it. Perhaps this bump to the top will get some other comments.

. . . and welcome to the forum! Just sorry that it is under these circumstances.

 

Thank you testpoint

I have had some kind assistance today looking at the car. Someone who is much more familiar with Jaguar XJs than I am. He can't work it out either other than thinking it may be the SLCM too.

Interestingly we have noticed the part numbers for the SLCM fitted to my car and the one on my VCATS list are different. I should have LNC2600JE but someone has fitted a LNC2600JD. Shows someone has been there before.

I am sorely hoping that this is the problem because if it isn't I shall be totally lost.

 

Welcome Toby - the important thing about the modules and VCAT's are the very last 3 digits, if they're different there will be issues. For example LNC2600xx/003. Year specific modules usually carry the same code.

Have you contacted Jag breakers, like Mike at Black Country Jaguar? Black Country Jaguar I think he's breaking a '99. Also EuroJag EuroJag, The Premier Jaguar Parts Supplier. Ben at Excite Excite Autos | Jaguar Parts

They'll all ask for the year, prices may vary but Eurojag charge £40 odd I think. No affiliation to the above.

Maybe ask how much they'd charge for the micro switch and switchpack, a fault could lie with the switchpack, as it was originally unplugged. I've seen the lock/unlock button oxidized and that can cause problems.

 

Thanks Shaun.

I read somewhere that the last three digits referred to the country programming? I need a 001 but most breakers only give the basic part number.

I've looked at EuroJag and they have one, and there are a couple of Ebay. I will look at the other links you provided as I hadn't come across them yet.

The security modules themselves don't seem to have those last three digits on though, only the basic part number. This makes finding the correct on a bit tricky unless the breakers have noted the number from the VCATS.

I managed to obtain a working microswitch from somebody local and that is now installed and working. The switchpack seems fine too as when I tested it after plugging it in all the switches worked correctly. I'm thinking it was unplugged so that Valet mode couldn't be pressed accidentally? We'll see. I can get a switchpack from my local source if need be.

Thanks again

 

Can I tag into this discussion? 1998 XJ8. I pushed the "valet" switch, & now I cannot open the trunk without the key. I used to be able to just push the button on the trunk & it would open. I do not have a working fob (that's another discussion we're working on).

So how do I disable the valet mode? My trunk lights do not come on right away, & the trunk has to be open for awhile before they decide to come to light! I only received one black key when I bought the car last fall, & the fob that came with it didn't work. But I love the car, so will continue to work on these issues.

Thanks...Bob

 

You don't have a remote to cancel the armed security system, and it thinks it's been violated. Try this.

When the system is set off, get out and close the door. Let it shut itself off. Then quickly get in the car [setting it off again], insert the ignition key and quickly turn the ignition on and off three times. Turn the key to start and see if it will crank and start.

Then try the key in the door cylinder and see if you can't arm and disarm the system as normal.

Cheers,

 

Recieved a replacement SLCM today after ordering it just yesterday. Has the correct part number and was checked against the VCATS and came from a car with the correct last three digits too.

It has made absolutely no difference to the problem. I am now properly beaten. There is not one other thing I can think of.

The key works in the locks, when I lock the doors and hold the key there I get the chrip from the alarm system but thats all. I can unlock them again and enter the car and all I get is the warning chime followed by the alarm. I cannot cancel the alarm, I cannot start it.

 

Well its stumped me and seems to have stumped everyone else.

It's booked in for Tuesday for a local specialist to plug in the diagnostic. They said they can code keys if it is that so I hope its the proper diagnostic tool.

I just hope they don't turn around and say 'I don't know but that will be £60 please'

 

Please let us know what happens. These "stump the stars" problems are always of interest.

 

@ Boomer, problem is it's been butchered and messed around with for a working fix with limitations.

@ Toby - if the indy is plugging in the IDS system, it'll interrogate the modules and find the problem. The only system to code keys is indeed IDS, unless the Autologic software has this function. I was going to suggest finding a specialist with this gear, but the closest was Southampton. Let's hope you can drive it out of there.

 

Well they came out today to have a look. As soon as I saw an Autologic machine rather than IDS I just had a feeling it wasn't going to be solved. As an aside, I did note Autologic seems to be able to code keys.

He cannot work out what is wrong with it. Only thing they can do is have it recovered to the garage (more expense) and go from there. Doesn't look like it'll be an easy fix.

 

Any final suggestions before it is recovered to the workshop?

 

I would just double check those wires in the right boot hinge. I had the "stuck in valet mode problem" and that's what it was - and mine had also been "fixed" before. Make sure the boot lights come on and the license number plate lights work and all the rear lights. It may not help, but a large bill from the dealer will definitely hurt !

 

To wrap this up...

It was the key transponder module. Seems it must have suddenly went for some reason.

Much lighter wallet but at least its back. Now to all those other bits I want to get done...

 

Is the Key Transponder module something I can replace, or is it a dealer-only issue?

 

As I understand it, you can replace it yourself but you would then need to have the keys coded to it.

As mentioned, the Autologic diagnostic machine CAN code the keys. Not just IDS