Gave my daughter the car for school and today she went to start it and no start and engine fail message. I told her to use other key and lock car then unlock car to reset and use other key. We do not have remote for car. It is a 1997 XK8 garage kept and well maintained. Should I get a remote fron dealer ? Any help would be greatly accepted. She is 3 hours away. She used new key and worked fine. I think I remember having this problem when I hit the valet switch one time? Thank you in advance. Johnnywrench.

 

The 97 key does not contain a chip, so the car doesn't need to recognize it. Is one of the keys a valet (green) key? If you get a remote from the dealer and have them program it the cost will be exorbitant. Better to buy a used remote on ebay or amazon and program your self with instructions that are available on the forum.

While discussing the 97, have you had the chain tensioners replaced with the metal updated ones?

 

Thank you for the reply, yes the tenioners have been replaced and no it is not a green valet key? As of now car is working and I think I will go get the car so it is close to home so I can play with it. She really likes the car but I can not have her 3 hours away and no start. I guess I have the car back. She will be better for with my Mustang.
Will let you know what I find when I get the car back home. Thanks again for the help.