Hi all,
A basic question regarding my 97 XK8
The car has three ignition keys.
Two are black and one is green (valet key I believe)
The two black keys work as you would expect.
The green key fits the doors and the ignition switch, turns the ignition on and rotates to the start position but does not activate the starter motor.
I believed the purpose of the valet key was to allow someone to drive the car (parking etc) but deny them access to the boot. Does the valet key have a problem?
I also believe the keys have a tiny transponder contained in the plastic. Maybe it has failed
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?


Actually, because of where we live, theft etc is the last problem our cars face (kangaroos, wombats and deer are our major worries) so the entire electronic security thing and auto door locking etc is just a nuisance to me, I wish there was a switch that could deactivate everything other than perhaps the normal key locks.
Kind regards
Al

 

You have the correct types of key:

2 x Black Master
1 x Green Valet

All three keys have a transponder chip in the head:



Not the easiest thing to photograph but it's under the small cover circled in red.

The Valet key does prevent access to the Luggage Compartment when the Valet switch is pressed.

The transponder chips must be programmed to the vehicle by the dealer. Remotes can be programmed as a DIY job.

It sounds as if your Valet key either has a missing or incorrectly programmed transponder chip.

Graham

 

The transponder chip in the key is known as a T25 chip and is available and can be programmed in most Australian Key cutting places. However the key can only be cut in workshops with a Tibbe cutting machine, and they are a bit harder to find. You should be able to get a T25 chip programmed ( copie from on eof your other keys ) and insert it into the head of your key, just make a hole and then fill it with Epoxy afterwards. Will be abourt AU$80.