Valet Mode - What the heck!!

XKWilma · June 17, 2022

Oh dear, I thought I was clever when I managed to get the stereo unlocked in my new pride and joy, a 1997 XK8. Now she's decided to put herself in "Valet Mode", so I can't open the boot to change the CDs. Now I've either got to listen to "The Best Air Guitar Classics in the History of the World (II)" FOR EVER, or find a way to get rid of "Valet Mode". Please help! 😭

Thanks,

Wilma

Nige005 · June 18, 2022

Interesting problem, didn’t even know that a “ Valet Mode “ existed but sounds like we should try and find out about it. I’ve found the following suggestions on the ‘net but I’ve no idea if they work, fortunately they are all very simple to try.

Using the remote fob seems a very simple option to cancel the Valet Mode, just unlocking with it does the trick. Other than that, you have to get the boot open so the boot lights come on. The boot lights are the signal for the system to cancel Valet Mode, the key in the door or just turning the boot lock won't do it. Also, if the switch in the boot latch has failed so the lights won't come on, the Valet mode won't cancel either.

Unlocking the driver's door with the black headed key should/might ? reset the Valet Mode. Easy enough to try anyway and at the least it may get you into the Boot so you can change the CD and release you from the purgatory of "The Best Air Guitar Classics in the History of the World (II)" !

Another idea I’ve found is that using the key to open the truck may also override/reset the Valet Mode. The key goes in a hole that is between the X and the K on the emblem on the rear of the car.

As I said I have no direct advice to offer so I’m just trying to help with things I’ve found as I’d be very interested to know the solution to this. There is quite a lot more stuff out there on this subject, if you find the cure please let me know.

XKWilma · June 19, 2022

Thanks so much for that reply Nigel! Unfortunately I don't have a remote key fob as this has been lost by one of the Growler's previous 10 owners. However, opening the boot via the sneakily concealed lock (ie I hadn't even noticed it was there) has done the trick !! Yay!! Now I can replace that horrible CD with my carefully chosen six. I bought TBAGHITHOTW (II) in a charity shop for £1, and I think it will now go back there. Either that or I'll hang it in the garden to scare off birds😂

Thanks again,

Wilma x

Nige005 · June 19, 2022

3 minutes ago, XKWilma said:

Thanks so much for that reply Nigel! Unfortunately I don't have a remote key fob as this has been lost by one of the Growler's previous 10 owners. However, opening the boot via the sneakily concealed lock (ie I hadn't even noticed it was there) has done the trick !! Yay!! Now I can replace that horrible CD with my carefully chosen six. I bought TBAGHITHOTW (II) in a charity shop for £1, and I think it will now go back there. Either that or I'll hang it in the garden to scare off birds😂

Thanks again,

Wilma x

At least if you hang it in the garden you will be making good use of the CD if, like me, you suffer from squadrons of flying rats !

Glad you are sorted out though, a good result. I did know about the Boot Lock, I use it at least once a year and squirt a bit of lubrication in there to try and keep it going. I bought the car from a friend and he had to replace this lock as he didn't know it was there for years and when he did realize it was there it was seized and rusted beyond repair, don't want that to happen again.

You can find Fobs on eBay and some specialist Jag suppliers, think they go for about £90, but of course they then have to be programmed. Doesn't sound too difficult but I don't really know. At one time you could buy just the Fob case without any of the electronics for less than £10 so you could put your own electronics in, great idea in if the buttons on your existing one have worn out. I've been looking for a spare for years now, they seem to have disappeared, but during my searches I found many complete Fobs available.

Anyway I digress. Glad that you are sorted out, now get out there and enjoy it, sod the fuel costs, vroom, vroom !

Cheers, Nige.