I have a 2000 xk8. It is stuck in valet mode. I have tried disconnecting the power to both fuse blocks under the hood. I've tried locking and unlocking the doors with the key. I've tried reprogramming new key fobs. I can't get into the programming mode.
I popped the license plate bracket holes out and Shining a light in there I can't see anything mechanical to access. The key in the XK8 emblem has never opened this trunk. I really wish I had gotten that fixed :-) I have always had to use the key fob, the kitten head on the trunk, or the button on the dash. Now none of those are working. I am out of ideas and can't find any other good options on searches.
Any help?

 

Have you tried disconnecting the valet switch ? If it is sticking - you may not be able to get back to "normal" mode. It's just a "normally open" switch between the body processor module and ground.

 

I hope it is only a sticking Valet Switch because this is what you're up against:



The latch is normally tripped electrically by the Actuator (item 3) on the left of the diagram pulling on the bowden cable (item 2) which you can see is clipped to the inside of the luggage compartment.

A second cable (item 5) goes to the lock barrel (item 4) between the X and K on the lid for opening with the black headed key:



Graham

 

​​​​​​Spray WD40 through the emblem hole, leave overnight and then try the key again in the morning...

 

Not sure about the specifics, but the rear seat should come out pretty easily. Start with the bottom cushion (2 screws, I think). Then, once the backrest is off, see if there is enough of an opening to reach for the emergency release pull handle. Just a thought. I assume a coupe and a convertible will have variances, here.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

Is the key a valet key? If so, I understand some careful grinding of the tip should convert it to a normal key, which should be able to unlock the boot. There's a recent thread on replacement keys on this forum. Do a search with the term valet, then read the thread entitled 'key replacement pls help', and in particular the pictures in Norri's post.

 

I should have mentioned that it went into valet mode because of a stuck button that I removed. Thanks for the diagram.
​​​​​​. I see now what I was hoping to do through the holes for the license plate is never going to work.

 

Is it worth dismantling the switch, cleaning it up, and putting it back together again ?
I can't see how or why that might work - it's just a straightforward connection to ground, but I guess anything is good for a try before you get the angle-grinder and cutting discs out !!

 

I have tried cleaning up the switch and putting it back in. I don't have a valet key I just have to Black Keys. Not being able to get the remote programmed is really driving me crazy. Everything else on the car seems to be working that isn't related to this darn trunk

 

It's finally open. Got it open with the key in the "XK8." It always felt like the manual lock was disabled by the car, not because of a sticky lock. Well as I turned the key I also began pushing the back of the key up, then down, the kinda making a circle and suddenly I felt it "catch" when turning it. Now I'll keep trying to get her out of Valet mode.

 

Wesmc, good news on the keys . The black ones are not for the valet, they will open trunk and glove box.

Seems to me that you can just disconnect valet switch wire harness - can't think of any way valet could then be turned on

John

 

Good to hear you got it open without resorting to metal surgery. Worth applying some locksmiths graphite to the lock to keep it free.

Graham

 

Disconnecting the valet wiring may put it permanently in valet mode. (Could bypass if so, I guess.)

 

I know this is from the X300 forum, but it might be related. I had a problem with my X300 never coming out of valet mode -

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...99-xj8-112231/