I have two XJS Convertible 2+2's, one a 1996 and one a 1995. Both have a Valet switch under under the lid of the center arm rest. How does this switch work because I have been unable to figure it out, On my '95 V12 Convertible 2+2 the switch face has a dot on one side, and a dot that's not fully filled in on the other side, and it clicks from one side to the other and stays there, ie. simple on/off. But on the '96 4.0 Convertible 2+2 the switch face actually has the word "Valet >" on it and it's spring loaded so when you press the side that the > points to it goes down but then returns to the normal position as soon as you release it... ie. a momentary switch.

Can someone explain how each of these work because I have never found any documentation on them and then just adds to the confusion when one year model has one type of switch (on/off) and the other has a different kind (momentary and I don't know if it's on normal and your momentarily breaking the circuit, or if it's off normally and your momentarily completing the circuit).

 

Interesting... I have a '96 with no valet switch, but have popped out one of the blanks for it and am looking for one now. To program my keyless remote I have to wire on a momentary switch in place of the valet one in order to activate the programming mode as instructed by the video one member made for this procedure. Keep us updated if you find the info you need. Guessing I'll look for the one your '96 has since that may be what the computer is programmed to use vs. the on/off one although I'm sure they work the same with the difference possibly being that the momentary switch valet mode is reset upon using the remote or master key vs. leaving it on with the on/off type switch.

 

Radio Shack carried switches that fit in the blanks perfectly. I installed a switch that I use to disable the antenna when I'm listening to satellite radio, music stored on iPhone, CD, etc.

in other words, the antenna stays deactivated most of the time.

search my posts and I'll have posted that part number from Radio shack.

 

I ordered the valet switch from Jaguar and installed it into the left knockout and it plugged into the wiring harness. The switch is a two position switch with a solid white dot on one side and a hollow white dot on the other side. What my security system handbook information is, in the valet position it allows the XJS to operate with the remote as normal except the security system is not armed but the red light will still flash when the XJS is locked to appear as it is a functioning security system. The dealer programed features such as the headlight convenience option, Panic feature still operate while the alarm remains inactive until you reactivate the system by turning on the switch. The 96 is reactivated by turning the key to position II and back to off three times within 15 seconds of opening the door.

 

I ordered a valet switch with the two dots (on/off) type, I hope it will work on my '96 without issue. I'm feeling the computer is programmed to use the momentary flip switch...

 

Here's a picture of the type of switch I ended up finding and it plugged into the existing connector just fine and it functions because I was able to access the programming mode for my keyless entry remote.

 

I found that you can actually get them (the factory correct ones) cheap off of eBay. For both my '95 and my '96 I got an extra one that I put on the other side which I ran a wire from my power antenna through it so my antenna doesn't go up just because the radio is on when I'm playing a CD or songs off the USB drive (but a good and easy mod for factory radios as well). No need in having the antenna up when you don't need it, especially if your car is like mine and has a spoiler which could hit it if you raised the trunk when the car was idling and the radio was on.

 

That lighter is freekin great!

 

Hmmm... I don't have any switches in any of those locations in my '95. Did they start after a certain VIN? Mine is 199019