I bought this car only a couple of months ago, and only received the one black key (no fob). My daughter visited me and borrowed the car, and at some point she pressed the "valet" button. Now, I can't get into the Boot. The black key turns in the hidden access hole, but nothing happens. When I press the Boot release, it beeps at me, but no joy. I am wondering if there is some way to reset the computer without getting at the battery, perhaps disconnecting something under the Bonnet? I have watched numerous uTube videos, with no positive outcome.

2000 XK8 Roadster

 

Use of the remote fob (missing) or Black key should return the valet to normal. Use the Black key in driver door to lock and unlock. This is suggested in my google search. Think it worked for me. Dropped the Knee Bolster and disconnected the wires to Valet and no longer concerned. E-Bay usually has a XK8 Fob. for reasonable price. Good Luck. Suggest an extra key as JIC.

 

If you order a FOB on ebay, make sure you get the correct one. Might need a serial #.

 

Thanks for the response. This didn't work for me (I just tried it). One thing I didn't mention is that when I press the boot release, there is a "tone" emanating from behind the dashboard.

 

Ouch! I've attached the wiring to the trunk release solenoid. My gut says the security and locking module is in the trunk, if not here's a way in:
12volts to the orange red wire = open!

After seeing this maybe you should run an electrically covered wire into the cabin area after you've soldered the other end to the solenoid mate.

Fingers crossed for you.

John

 

The 'beep' is warning that the car is in valet mode.

Beware that fobs for pre-2001 cars (part # LJA2610AA) are silly money. Heritage price is GBP 366.42 plus taxes - even if they were in stock.

The second-hand sellers obviously know this.

 

You are not turning the key in the lock FAR ENOUGH.
The lock gets seized from lack of use.

You need to keep working the lock with the key and lubrication.

Simply opening the boot with the key might NOT disable Valet Mode.
The boot lights must come on. (or the INSTPK display indicating BOOT OPEN)

If the boot lid microswitch is faulty, the VALET MODE will stay active.
This is the only way to disable VALET MODE. (or replace the BCM or SLCM? I forget which one)

 

I just went through this process myself - bumped the valet button with my knee. I have one good key, but locking/unlocking/starting with it did not disable it.
The fobs i had were not programmed, and the programming process is inactive while in valet mode. Key turned a full 90 deg. in the boot lock, but did not unlock. Once I got into the boot, I found the manual actuating cable was too long to trip the lock - no idea how that happened, but a replacement fixed that.

I eventually got in by removing the rear bumper enough to gain access to the grommet on the right hand side where the marker light cable exits the boot. With the grommet out you will have easy access to the solenoid cable - just reach in with a long screwdriver or hook too and give it a pull. The whole process took about 20 minutes. Once it opened, it exited valet mode, and let me program the fobs.

 

I had this problem - will not come out of valet mode - on my XJ8, so it may not apply, but the problem was the wires going to the boot lights had flexed and broken near the hinge. If you get the boot open check the lights. I unwrapped the wires at the hinge and found and fixed the broken one. Believe it or not. Valet mode is something I would never use. Or a valet, for that matter.

 

Thank all of you for your suggestions and information. I played with it again last night, trying everything suggested, and went to bed frustrated. This morning, just for giggles, I stuck the key in the "hidden" hole, turned it, and the damn thing opened right up as if nothing was wrong. The dash button now works, too. I had sprayed some WD40 in there a couple of days ago, and maybe things got loosened up.

Whatever. Anyway, now I can get on with the more important things in life, like driving the thing!!!

Cheers!!!!

 

Use the key in the lock every few months to prevent this problem.

 

^^^^^^^ this !!!!

when I first purchased my XKR it was obvious that the key had rarely if ever been used to open the trunk / boot. The dang lock was practically frozen, After some spray lube and a lot of back and forth action with the key, the lock finally sprang open and has been fine ever since.

likewise, I’m in the habit of using the key in the door lock several times a week just to keep it exercised.

Its good practice to keep all the electrical features in use several times a month at least, lest they go on permanent vacation.

Z

 

Powdered graphite is the best key lock lube. Place a small dab on the tip of your key, insert into lock, and twist. Repeat the process once or twice more. Be sure to wipe your key tip clean afterwards. I try to remember to do this procedure a couple of times per year on all of our vehicles (including their ignition cylinders)....