[x300] Stuck in valet mode. (X308)

X300
1

After my keys were stolen, I removed the battery and haven’t used
the car since. In the meantime, I found some old fobs so, decided
to see if they still worked. Reinstalled the battery and tried to
programme the remotes. I tried the headlight flasher method but,
the slcm wouldn’t enter learning mode so, I decided to try the
valet button method. Now, the car is stuck in valet mode. If I
press the valet button, I get a tone. If I press the boot/trunk
release button I get the same. Boot/trunk will not unlock with
key. Locked and unlocked the car with the black headed key, still
stuck in valet mode.

Reading through the archives, there was a similar case and the
poster traced the fault to broken wire at the boot/trunk lights.
When I reinstalled the battery today everything was working ok,
just as it was before I removed the battery a couple of weeks ago.
Another post in the archive said that valet mode could only be
cancelled if the car was locked/unlocked with the fob.
Unfortunately, my only working fob was taken, along with the keys,
during the burglary.

Any help would be much appreciated.–
Gary 4.0V8 http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1253292792
London, United Kingdom
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2

In reply to a message from gary breyer sent Thu 29 Aug 2013:

Gary,
My friend, as you can get into the boot and state you still have a
black key. Unhooking the battery does not reset the SCLM, nice of
Jag to do this, it also by default sets valet mode, it can only be
reset by MD
As if you needed any more problems ;-‘’(
Hope they found the stolen car by now
Saw on the telly that the big smoke has something like 25,000
cameras, surely they can be used for something more useful than
catching red light runners?

Darrell–
The original message included these comments:

After my keys were stolen, I removed the battery and haven’t used
valet button method. Now, the car is stuck in valet mode. If I
Any help would be much appreciated.

–
95x-300 02VDP http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1351505551
Delavan Wi., United States
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3

In reply to a message from gary breyer sent Thu 29 Aug 2013:

The boot lights need to be lit (car recognizes ‘boot-open’)
for the VALET MODE to be cancelled. I ALWAYS use my key to
open the boot at least every few weeks to ensure that the
lock stays free.

If the boot lid latch switch fails I doubt you will ever get
the VALET MODE canceled with what you have.

You should be able to cancel the VALET MODE if the boot
lights come on.

bob gauff–
Bob Gauff Owning and Repairing Jaguars Since the Early 70’s
Decatur, TX., United States
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4

In reply to a message from motorcarman sent Thu 29 Aug 2013:

I opened the boot with the key, in order to refit the battery.
When battery was reconnected, the boot lights came on. The boot
lock hasn’t seized, the key turns but, because it’s in valet mode,
the lid won’t open. I know the valet key won’t open the boot when
the car is in valet mode but, thought the black headed key would.

Bob, if I open the boot via the hole behind the licence plate and
disconnect the battery, will that cancel valet mode? Or, can
WDS/IDS do anything?–
The original message included these comments:

The boot lights need to be lit (car recognizes ‘boot-open’)
for the VALET MODE to be cancelled. I ALWAYS use my key to
open the boot at least every few weeks to ensure that the
lock stays free.
If the boot lid latch switch fails I doubt you will ever get
the VALET MODE canceled with what you have.
You should be able to cancel the VALET MODE if the boot
lights come on.
bob gauff

–
Gary 4.0V8 http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1253292792
London, United Kingdom
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5

In reply to a message from gary breyer sent Fri 30 Aug 2013:

Maybe a silly question, but is the indicator on the
dashboard lit as well or is that on a separate circuit, as
that’s the one reporting status? I think. The hole is worth
a try!–
The original message included these comments:

When battery was reconnected, the boot lights came on. The boot

–
Neil 1997 3.2S http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1242166704
MALDON, United Kingdom
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6

In reply to a message from Neil Maldon sent Fri 30 Aug 2013:

You best bet is to get hold of a working remote and program it.–
UK. XJR 2001 Pacific Blue
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7

In reply to a message from Andy K sent Fri 30 Aug 2013:

Thanks for all your suggestions. Here’s an update.

Got the boot open. Checked that all rods were connected to the
latch, checked latch micro switch, boot lights working, everything
is as it should be. Disconnected the battery and left it for 2
hours. Reconnected battery and, no longer getting the tone when I
press boot release button and valet button. Also, no longer
getting ‘VALET MODE’ in the message window when I press either of
those buttons. Thought that I’d cured the problem so, closed
boot. Boot release button didn’t operate but, boot opened with the
key. Closed boot and tried again with key but, wouldn’t open again
even though the key turned. It’s as if the car is no longer in
valet mode but, the boot is, somehow, still locked. Opened boot
again, via hole behind licence plate and, with boot lid open, the
key turns in the lock and I can feel the rod moving.

As far as a remote is concerned, if the car is still in valet mode,
would it be able to programme a new remote?–
The original message included these comments:

You best bet is to get hold of a working remote and program it.
UK. XJR 2001 Pacific Blue

–
Gary 4.0V8 http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1253292792
London, United Kingdom
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8

In reply to a message from gary breyer sent Fri 30 Aug 2013:

Gary,
I have an old remote that I saved back from my 2000 XJ8. I
don’t know whether it’s of any use to you in your
predicament but your welcome to it if it is.
As a sort of thank you for all the knowledge and support
that you dedicate to me and the forum, I will gladly stick
it in a little box and post it up to you.
You will have to let me know your postal details if it would
be something you could use.
Honestly, there’s no strings attached! ;-)>

Good luck

Dom–
The original message included these comments:

As far as a remote is concerned, if the car is still in valet mode,
would it be able to programme a new remote?

You best bet is to get hold of a working remote and program it.

–

XJ8 02 Sport …essex, United Kingdom
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9

In reply to a message from dja sent Fri 30 Aug 2013:

Today I had some time to reacquaint myself with the X308
VALET MODE. (I never use it)

I have both a 1999 XJ8L and a 2001 XJ8 and I can cancel the
mode with the remote fob OR the key in the boot lock with
the boot light coming ON to indicate the ‘boot open’.

I have no idea if the European security system is different
from North America but I suspect it is the same.

Maybe some boot hinge wiring issue is to blame.

I have a WDS computer so if you want to ship the car to
Texas USA I will use the Datalogger feature to watch all the
switches for operation and check for any DTCs that are
logged in any modules at no charge!!!

I wish that diagnostics could be done over the internet with
a computer and an OBDII connection. (maybe someday!!!)

bob gauff–
Bob Gauff Owning and Repairing Jaguars Since the Early 70’s
Decatur, TX., United States
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10

In reply to a message from motorcarman sent Fri 30 Aug 2013:

Thanks to both Bob and Dom for their kind and generous offers.

Bob, with dealer rates being what they are over here, it would
probably be less expensive for me to ship the car to you or, fly
you over:-)> Alternatively, there is an indie, within a mile of my
home, who has all the Jaguar diagnostic equipment the main dealers
have BUT, this man is a pig. I used him when I had my XJ40, about
10 years ago, and vowed never to return. My head says go to him
but, my principles tell me to stay away.

Dom, thanks very much. Your fob, being for a 2000 car, probably
won’t be compatible. I’m told I need either part# LJA2610BA or
LJA2610BB. What number is yours? And, if I did accept your
magnanimous offer, would it mean that I’d have to be kinder to
Essex people:-)?–
The original message included these comments:

Today I had some time to reacquaint myself with the X308
VALET MODE. (I never use it)
I have both a 1999 XJ8L and a 2001 XJ8 and I can cancel the
mode with the remote fob OR the key in the boot lock with
the boot light coming ON to indicate the ‘boot open’.
I have no idea if the European security system is different
from North America but I suspect it is the same.
Maybe some boot hinge wiring issue is to blame.
I have a WDS computer so if you want to ship the car to
Texas USA I will use the Datalogger feature to watch all the
switches for operation and check for any DTCs that are

–
Gary 4.0V8 http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1253292792
London, United Kingdom
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11

In reply to a message from gary breyer sent Sat 31 Aug 2013:

Gary,
Not sure if this works on UK cars
But on the US cars
Insert the black key in the drivers door
Lock the car, then unlock the car twice, once for doors twice for
everything else.
This turns off the valet mode.

Did they ever recover the stolen car?

Darrell–
95x-300 02VDP http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1351505551
Delavan Wi., United States
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12

In reply to a message from gary breyer sent Sat 31 Aug 2013:

Gary, try these:

http://tinyurl.com/pvondqq

http://tinyurl.com/oo6ee6g

There’s plenty more on offer, you may even be able to buy
yours back!–
The original message included these comments:

won’t be compatible. I’m told I need either part# LJA2610BA or
LJA2610BB. What number is yours? And, if I did accept your

–
Neil 1997 3.2S http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1242166704
MALDON, United Kingdom
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13

In reply to a message from gary breyer sent Sat 31 Aug 2013:

Gary,

You might need to ID the security module in your car before
getting a remote for it, looks like Jaguar used both the
315mhz and 433 mhz systems in the earlier X308 cars.

From the JDHT site:
315 mhz
To VIN F20644 LJA2610AA
To VIN F41862 LJE2610AB
433mhz
To VIN F20644 LJA2610BA
To VIN F21235 LJE2610BB
From VIN F21236 LJE2610BC

The security module should be in the boot, right rear –
but, it might need a Jaguar Diagnostics Unit just to even ID
the darn thing.

Be that as it may, and for what it’s worth: I’ve got a
LJA2610AA you’re welcome to if you can wait on the postal
service.

I do think there’s a better than even chance you’re going to
have to find someone with the Jaguar Diag unit to sort out
the car.

I can certainly empathize on both the dealers and indies
that are pigs. I had to purchase the SAAB equivalent of the
Jaguar Diag unit to service my SAABs. Like you, I’ve vowed
to NEVER re-visit the indie I’ve access to and at the shop
rates (along with a hefty dose of attitude) main dealers are
not much of an option either.

A good, fair indie is worth the travel time to visit.

Actually, my local Jaguar main dealer is now my local SAAB
main dealer. Can’t see how that would improve either the
cost or the attitude but hey, could not be worse!–
The original message included these comments:

Bob, with dealer rates being what they are over here, it would
probably be less expensive for me to ship the car to you or, fly
you over:-)> Alternatively, there is an indie, within a mile of my
home, who has all the Jaguar diagnostic equipment the main dealers
have BUT, this man is a pig. I used him when I had my XJ40, about
10 years ago, and vowed never to return. My head says go to him
but, my principles tell me to stay away.
Dom, thanks very much. Your fob, being for a 2000 car, probably
won’t be compatible. I’m told I need either part# LJA2610BA or
LJA2610BB. What number is yours? And, if I did accept your

–
02 VDP – Driveway’s got too many SAABs in it!
Tampa Fl, United States
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14

In reply to a message from gary breyer sent Sat 31 Aug 2013:

You can relax Gary. You won’t need to alter your derogatory
tone towards Essex and its gentlemanly residents.
The part number on the fob is LJE 2610 BB
Looks like you’re out of luck as far as a freebie goes, at
least from Essex that is.
Good luck
Dom.–
The original message included these comments:

Dom, thanks very much. Your fob, being for a 2000 car, probably
won’t be compatible. I’m told I need either part# LJA2610BA or
LJA2610BB. What number is yours? And, if I did accept your
magnanimous offer, would it mean that I’d have to be kinder to
Essex people:-)?

–

XJ8 02 Sport …essex, United Kingdom
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15

In reply to a message from dja sent Sat 31 Aug 2013:

The ONLY sure way to disable VALET MODE is use the keybob
transmitter OR open the boot and have the boot lights ON.

If the lights come ON and the SLCM (or body processor, I
forget which) does not SEE it (eg. broken wire in the hinge
area) then it will NOT come out of VALET MODE.

I can’t say that disconnecting the battery will or won’t help.

You CANNOT configure a remote keyfob transmitter to the car
with it in VALET MODE.

The first statement in the programming procedure from Jaguar
is ‘‘ENSURE THAT IT IS NOT IN VALET MODE’’.

bob gauff–
Bob Gauff Owning and Repairing Jaguars Since the Early 70’s
Decatur, TX., United States
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16

In reply to a message from motorcarman sent Sat 31 Aug 2013:

i think I will stick with my series 3 lol Den–
The original message included these comments:

The ONLY sure way to disable VALET MODE is use the keybob
transmitter OR open the boot and have the boot lights ON.
If the lights come ON and the SLCM (or body processor, I
forget which) does not SEE it (eg. broken wire in the hinge
area) then it will NOT come out of VALET MODE.
I can’t say that disconnecting the battery will or won’t help.
You CANNOT configure a remote keyfob transmitter to the car
with it in VALET MODE.

–
denchan 1990 daimler double six
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17

In reply to a message from motorcarman sent Sat 31 Aug 2013:

SUCCESS!!! Thanks everyone for your kind offers and advice.

I disconnected the battery and touched the leads together for a
second then, left it disconnected for the whole weekend. Before
reconnecting, I swapped the latch microswitch and the solenoid
behind the keyhole with spares that I had in my garage.
Reconnected the battery and everything was back to normal. Curious
as to which part was faulty, I refitted the originals and, all
functions worked as they should??? Took the car to an auto
electrician to check the hinge wiring, just in case there was an
intermittent fault there but, he found nothing wrong. So, either
leaving the battery disconnected worked or, there was some divine
intervention. Who knows? I’m just glad it’s back to normal:-)>–
The original message included these comments:

The first statement in the programming procedure from Jaguar
is ‘‘ENSURE THAT IT IS NOT IN VALET MODE’’.
bob gauff
Bob Gauff Owning and Repairing Jaguars Since the Early 70’s
Decatur, TX., United States

–
Gary 4.0V8 http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1253292792
London, United Kingdom
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18

In reply to a message from gary breyer sent Mon 2 Sep 2013:

Good news Gary the Gremlin was probably Iggy’s evil
altaego Uggy! Or maybe a corroded contact.–
The original message included these comments:

intervention. Who knows? I’m just glad it’s back to normal:-)>

–
Neil 1997 3.2S http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1242166704
MALDON, United Kingdom
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19

In reply to a message from gary breyer sent Mon 2 Sep 2013:

Gary,
Glad to hear all is well again
I’m sure the new owners will be pleased when they come to collect
the car ;-‘’)
Just kidding

Darrell–
The original message included these comments:

intervention. Who knows? I’m just glad it’s back to normal:-)>

–
95x-300 02VDP http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1351505551
Delavan Wi., United States
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20

In reply to a message from Darrell G sent Mon 2 Sep 2013:

don’t press the valet button again!

That procedure is for the X300.–
UK. XJR 2001 Pacific Blue
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