There is a lady here in Sacramento that purchased a xk8 with only a valet key. Is it possible to program the remote with this key or does she need to get a programmed key made.

 

Think programing involves ignition switch on headlight switch sequence so I think it will work. Do you need the instructions ?

 

Programming the remote has nothing to do with the actual key. The instructions for programing fobs are easily googled.

 

I know the procedure but when she went through the process she didn't get the chirp from the security module. I'm thinking that she might need the regular programmed key to get the chirp after flashing headlights. I posting to see if this is the case. Thanks.

 

The only difference betwen a valet and non-valet key is a physical difference in the cut of the shaft, so it should still programme the fobs.

 

Thanks guys for the responses. I'll have her come by my shop to see if I can program it for her instead of trying it over the phone. My confusion is that if you put the car in valet mode doesn't that make it so the transmitter won't to open the trunk, or even the lock doors I don't know, so how is the transmitter reactivated. If it's just by pressing the valet button that makes the button worthless because the valet can push the button and have access to your trunk. I would think you would need a regular key to deactivate the valet mode to make the transmitter work again. I might be over thinking this if I am please correct me.

 

Forget the 'chirp', look at the red security LED on the gear selector. It will flash even if the security sounder horn is faulty.

bob

 

Valet question: my valet on mode is disabled by using remote. 1998 xk8 hope that helps.

Your question is logical, I guess you have to hand the valet only the green key and expect them to lock the car using the driver door keyhole, which will turn alarm on. As I recall the glove box will Only open with the black Keys key (just thinking out loud)

Fwiw I do know the trunk open switch is disabled with alarm armed.

 

I'm thinking out loud too and still maybe too much. But if the valet had a remote, cheaply purchased on ebay, he could program it with the valet key and then have access to your trunk. I know it's a long shot but could be a security flaw.

 

You CANNOT program a remote keyfob with the vehicle in VALET MODE and the way to disable would be to open the boot lid.

bob

 

So Bob if I understand the lady i'm trying to help her car might be in valet mode. So I won't be able to program the remote until she gets a regular programmed key to disable the valet mode.

 

If you need a key to open the boot, it's pretty straightforward to convert the valet key to a normal key - you just need to file a small amount off the shoulders at the end of the key.
Have a look at these threads:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ing-xk8-80490/

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...lar-key-85170/

 

Thanks for the info Bladerunner. So now if i'm a valet all I need is a file to get into your trunk. Doesn't that make the valet option worthless.I won't have to worry about this because I won't let anybody else drive or park my Jag.

 

Bob Roy, I love your thinking on this one. Reminds me of Vinny in one of my favorite comedies: My Cousin Vinny. "OK, but let me ask you this, what if . . .".

The picture of .a valet sitting there with a file made my laugh.

 

Hey Johnken, I don't think the movie should be My Cousin Vinny but a James Bond movie,preferably with Sean Connery. His having to retrieve some important documents from the boot of a Jaguar parked at a restaurant and all he had was the valet key and a file. After all these are British vehicles.

 

And I thought I was OCD, LOL


Wayne

 

The VALET MODE is canceled by activating the boot light. If the micro-switch or wiring is faulty, then the VALET MODE will not cancel.

You don't need a keyfob transmitter, just open the boot lid, but what kind of Jag owner only has a VALET KEY????? That does not seem like a bright idea to me.

Whenever a customer comes into my shop I usually ask if that is the only key they have? If the answer is Yes, I shake my head and remind them what kind of trouble they are asking for.

They usually call back in 6 months whining about how the key is lost and "OH what am I going to do now?" In my head I'm thinking "SUCKS TO BE YOU!!!!"

bob

 

She just bought the car and is taking care of things one at a time. She has a key fob and ask me about programming it. And I was posting to see if it was possible to program it with only the valet key. One of the xj8s I bought the guys girlfriend had lost the key. He had a blank key and I thought no problem i'll get the key cut and be on my way. This was before I knew about the programming of the key. I took it to the local Jaguar dealer had them cut the blank key and bought a spare. After about an hour the tech said they couldn't get the modules or something to work so he couldn't program the keys. This cost me over $300 dollars for a car I bought for $ 700. I decided that I wasn't going to keep throwing money at it to get it going. Now it's my donor car which it has paid for itself. Now if I look at a car if they don't have at least one regular key I walk away.

 

So, what do those $300.00 buy you, excatly?

 

The $ 300 was to cut the blank key I had, the purchase of a new key and having it cut, and the time for the tech to try to program the keys.