Jaguar Valet system secrets of XK8 XKR episode 27

[@gertdevries7192]

Hi John, nice work. Love to see your green jag in such a good condition. On this video I would like to ad 2 secrets you missed on the Valet system. One would be that the clove compartment can not be openend with the valet key and second (important) a driver with the valet key does NOT have the full power of the V8! Speed is limited. At least in my 1999 (USA) version.

[@tiger351w]

Wow got a new car to me and of course got locked out in valet mode. Thanks for the video

[@Satnamreg]

Great video!

[@samsen3965]

Loved this clip. Thanks for uploading and sharing great content.

[@Theoderich]

Thanks John. Love the new car by the way. The sport trim looks so nice.

[@Redeye196513]

Great vid John. Gotta say the seat leathers on your new cat look fab! Totally wrinkle free!!

[@ToTheGarage]

Thanks Jules. They are not perfect but for a 23 year old car they are pretty close.

[@flyurway]

Yep, I just found this out! Did some work under the dash today, at some point had pushed that button. Didn't realize anything was afoul, even after driving the car, until after I parked it and went for something in the trunk. Sure enough, the trunk button on the dash or the lid didn't work. Never thought to even try the remote but I guess it wouldn't have worked anyway. After opening the trunk with the key everything seems normal now seeing as I'd already previously driven it with the black key (I don't have a green key anyway). BTW, why I was under the dash; I ran across a different kind of fix for the jerky steering wheel tilt. Every single time I get in I have to cycle the down button as many as 10 times to get it down. It's my biggest beef with the car and I know mine isn't the only one ... so here you go! I know about the fixes with taking the motor apart, etc, but I like this one better, in the wire harness to the tilt motor remove the blue/white wire! Some people just cut it but I unplugged it from the connector and put tape around it (it's always got 1.9V to it so don't let it short). Now it goes straight down in one shot!!

[@ToTheGarage]

I think more people have pressed the Valet button by accident than have pressed it to hand the car over to a valet🤣

[@flyurway]

@@ToTheGarage You know something? I'll bet anything you're right!! Whoever uses a valet? I've never personally heard of anyone that has. And of the .0002% that ever MAY have, how many of them ever bothered to use that button?

[@Exemplifiera]

Today I locked my two keys and my keyfob in the trunk inside a bag. To keep a short story short, it is quite easy to get inside the boot without a key. On the parcel shelf in the rear in the middle above the rear seats there is a flap you can remove the soft portion. Underneath is 4x 7mm bolts. When bolts are removed the metal sheet can be removed and then you can put your arm inside and reach for the key. This flap is to be opened to both give access to the fuel tank sender unit/fuel pump and the boot. I think you should try this out yourself and make a new episode. As it would be very sad if someone decided to cut open their boot with a grinder because it is regarded as a vault.

[@ToTheGarage]

Exemplifiera hi Thanks for the intel It would be great if you could make a video of that technique to share with us👍 I only own a convertible and there is no way past the tank and no hatch plus a vertical steel panel behind the tank. So not something I can share or advise on I will release a video shortly which to be honest I did not think I would ever create as it’s essentially how to break into the boot on either car. I’m still conflicted about it. But there are so many people who have failed remotes failed electric release buttons and then unfortunately they have not lubed and regularly tested the mechanical key release. These techniques are tricky to execute. If you can share any vids or stills it would be appreciated John

[@KarlH1980]

I just went out and tested the Valet system on my 2001 US XK8. It does *not* behave the same. - Pressing the Valet mode button causes a mid range sounding tone to be heard. The same tone is heard instead of the sound of the trunk opening when pressing the trunk release button on the dash. - The trunk release button on the fob _WILL_ open the trunk. - I don't have a valet key to test the function of that. - There was no chirping heard when I unlocked the car with the key that was anything other than the ordinary sound heard when doing so. - The valet system disconnects with simply turning the key to the "ON" position.

[@ToTheGarage]

Karl H The mid range tone should occur with a uk car too. That’s a fault that will be addressed next week on my car👍 Subtle differences in security system are common between different territory’s due to varying legislation and local preferences. As it’s purely programming rather than hardware, it’s very easy for manufacturers to accommodate these differences. The green keys have tended to get lost over time.,although there are some owners who Only have green and don’t realise that it’s not ‘normal’ Thanks for taking the time to provide such an interesting comment Karl👍

[@AndyK.1]

Later cars didn’t have chirping. Legislation to prevent noise pollution. You don’t give the valet the remote so it doesn’t matter if it opens the trunk.

[@mistermikeanson]

@@AndyK.1 Phew, that's reassuring, 'cos my 2005 XK8 doesn't chirp.

[@KarlH1980]

@@AndyK.1 Makes sense. I remember all of that chirping and squeaking from those days. What a nuisance I found it to be.

[@stephendavies6949]

Hi John. I like all your XK8 videos a great deal and find them very informative and useful, even though my car is a 4.2 2005 coupe. Apart from the specific issues relating to the hood, pretty much everything else reads across. i've always found the Valet system far too complex & time consuming to use. Nevertheless, being an XK8 fan, it was very interesting to watch you explain it, just like all the rest! My Valet key doesn't open the glovebox.

[@ToTheGarage]

Thanks for the kind words Stephen.👍 At some point I must do a 4.0 v 4.2 video on the ownership experience differences

[@711honved]

@@ToTheGarage : That would make for interesting viewing!

[@stephendavies6949]

To The Garage PS: My Big Cat is a 4.2 - S. I think the engine/gearbox is identical to other versions but it explains the added "extras" as Jaguar attempted to tempt buyers to purchase its stock of the last original shape cars ahead of the introduction of the all-aluminium bodies version fro 2006 onwards.

[@nickrose7592]

Good info John. And love the new Conv.

[@ToTheGarage]

Nick Rose Thank you very much 👍

[@patrikfogelstrom3484]

Great video as usual! Just to add; if I am not mistaken, you can not access the glove compartment with the green key.

[@ToTheGarage]

I will give that. try as soon as I get home Patrik. It was a missed opportunity if they did not do that!👍

[@bobasaro8902]

Hi John, I have learn a lot from your videos. i Just purchase a 1998 AK8 Jaguar Convertible with 95,000 miles. It came with two remotes and one is like new. I have two master keys and two valet keys. THIS CAR was GARAGED FOR 12 MONTHS. The Battery went dead. so the owner bought a new battery. The battery is a month old when I purchase the car. the charging system working at 14v. I know the owner who I purchase the car from He bought it new. The car was stuck in valet mote. The remotes did not work . I could only open the trunk with the master key. After I did a hard reboot by disconnecting the battery and bringing the positive and negative cables together for a moment my remotes work and the button on the dash opens the trunk. My problems is my master keys only turn the ignition on but will not start the car. My valet keys will only start the car. The master keys will open and lock the car. please advice

[@ToTheGarage]

Hi Bob. The Chip in the Master (black) keys is damaged or as is more likely not correct for your car. (Aftermarket key with correct blade but not right chip. Give one of the green keys (that currently start the car) to a good automotive locksmith and they will be able to read the electronic code on the chip and get you a new black blank with the right Chip type and then they can clone the code onto it, and simply cut the profile onto the blade. The Green keys are identical to the black keys except for the shape on the tip of the blade.

[@AndyK.1]

Interesting. I think they simplified it on later models. 1. Any press of the remote disables valet mode. 2. The remote will always be able to unlock the car.

[@ToTheGarage]

I agree its a bit excessive Andy. It may be another quirk of my car being in the first batch made.

[@harryscott1445]

Hi john, As a fellow sticks dweller, the very idea of handing my keys to a stranger is anathema ! A wee bit of archive footage of p j there?

[@markoandersons639]

Hi ,John , I have just bought an xk8 just like yours . I pressed the valet button not knowing what that button was for . Now I know after watching your clips . I only have a black & green key , no remote . Will I ever be able to open the boot from inside , thanks mark

[@charliegalea4942]

Great channel and great information cheers John

[@ToTheGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@billdykes3921]

Always good stuff John, thanks. We don`t have valet parking here in Japan but I do wonder what it says about the US when they have valet parking but find it prudent to have a special switch to stop the valets nicking stuff out of your boot :-) Have a jolly day!

[@ToTheGarage]

Good point!

[@MitchGrooms]

great job

[@ToTheGarage]

Mitch Grooms thank you very much Maybe you could do an x308 version of this video Mitch? Xj plus U.S. spec would be interesting. Also can you confirm a suggestion from another subscriber that the valet button also locks the glove box on XJ cars? Cheers pal👍

[@MitchGrooms]

@@ToTheGarage I wish I could John, but I can't. I do not have my green key and really messed up several months ago because I hit the Valet key and I had issues with the trunk and doors. I never knew how this worked,, amazing

[@daven6357]

Like the new vehicle John. Does my memory fail me or does the valet function also service the glovebox lock with similar logic to the trunk/boot lock? Feel sure my XJ8 of similar vintage had this feature!

[@ToTheGarage]

Hi Dave Thanks👍 Re glove box I dont think so but will be delighted to be wrong. Will check it out as soon as im home. I have never checked but would assume that the green key wont unlock it. So a very manual version of valet mode is available😁. XJ may have had an additional servo on the glove box lock.

[@AndyK.1]

To The Garage The green key should not unlock the glovebox. So you have a secure area.

[@kennethtalbott2233]

great info, gunno check mine today on my super eight.

[@ToTheGarage]

Good luck!

[@mikewindrim7871]

my 99 XK8 doesn't have a working fob. In the summer I rarely have my roof up so when I am in town (I live on a small island on the Pacific coast of Canada) I simply hit the valet button and reset it easily by unlocking the trunk with the ignition key. It has never failed to reset although if I neglect to unlock the trunk with the key and press the trunk button on the dash, I need to hustle to the back and unlock the trunk with the key or the alarm goes off.

[@ToTheGarage]

Good use of the valet key Mike. Yes the alarm system is quite fussy about unlocking the way you locked, ie key or Fob. Have you tried getting your fob going Mike. As long as the battery is good, pairing it to the car is easy and I have a video somewhere on the channel showing how to do it👍

[@TrevorHeathPhotography]

Hi John, sadly when I bought my car it only came with the valet key. I have read via the forums that this key can be modified to have the tip ground to mimic the standard key which then enables it to open the boot. I haven't tried that yet but I do plan to make 2 new fobs actually from scratch too, the fancy flip out type for which I found instructions here www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-x100-17/diy-flip-key-conversion-without-reprogramming-guide-pictures-93167/ the difference in my procedure will be that I have bought new transponders to fit the fobs rather than destroy my one and only valet key to pinch the transponder out of it. I bought all the bits including Fobs off ebay, spare blank keys from an Australian supplier - really cheap at $12 ea! or around 6 pound your money, and the correct type and frequency of transponders. I just need to assemble them all and have the programmed then mate to the car. Local key bloke reckons he has the expensive gear to program. It's been one of those jobs sitting waiting to be sorted but will be great once done. I will certainly need the tip procedure done first though or I will be copying a valet key lol. That forum note is here www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj-xj8-xjr-x308-27/can-i-shave-down-valet-key-into-regular-key-85170/ albeit my circumstance is slightly different to this thread.

[@ToTheGarage]

Fabulous info Trevor. thanks so much for sharing

[@normansung9795]

My valet key not able to open the driver’s door?!? I am the second owner and got the green key from a local Jaguar dealer. They said if I need to open the door than the door cylinder need to be changed?!?

[@carlorizzo5308]

My car is locked in the valet mode but I have the black key. I have to try it again I'm not getting that chirping sound. I can open my trunk no problem with the key and the secret lock but it seems to be stuck in valet mode. Is there a different way that system could be shut down. My key fob will not work at all and I guess this is why. I put a new battery in it thinking that was the problem but it's not it's showing valet mode on the dash

[@KarlH1980]

John. My XK8 has an extra knob by the dimmer switch that automatically moves the steering wheel up when the key is removed. Would you like for me to post a video & what it does of it so you can include it's function in one of your videos?

[@ToTheGarage]

yes please Karl. Both my jags were too old to have te motorised column so have not been able to show the tilt away function.👍

[@KarlH1980]

@@ToTheGarage I've tried twice today. I was limited on time & the light wasn't right. Perhaps tomorrow or over the weekend.

[@garymorris801]

John this one looks fab where did u get it from

[@ToTheGarage]

Hi Gary thanks very much👍 I bought it from the great guys down at Town and country cars in Cleethorpes

[@David-dt1km]

HI. My XK8 does not have a key hole in the XK* badge and thus I cannot open it at all ?

[@ToTheGarage]

Hi David. If it's a Steel bodied XK8 (X100 from 1996 to 2006) then it does have the keyhole. It probably has had a replacement badge and the hole does not align with the keyhole. If it is an aluminium XK (2006 onwards) then the secret keyhole was moved to behind the rear numberplate. You have to unscrew it to access it.

[@David-dt1km]

@@ToTheGarage HI, Thanks for that. My car is a 1997 model, I will have to look at the badge and not sure if it has been replaced?

[@leonardbeschizza6972]

Hi John I’ve a problem with my xk8 coupe passenger window, it’s out of line and does not go up and down correctly. Is there a video to fix this issue?

[@AndyK.1]

There was a rumour that valet mode limited engine performance. Maybe you could test that! 😂

[@moyadapne968]

My '99 XKR disgraced itself y/day. A hose, from block to front-mounted oil cooler, burst. 10 pints of new synthetic oil on the road. I'd advise checking your hose(s) condition. NZ.

[@ToTheGarage]

You will make me paranoid moyadapne. As the car is new to me I am not 100% sure of the care that it has received. So the weekend will now involve proving all the hoses and finding my mirror and torch out! 😁

[@moyadapne968]

@@ToTheGarage Good job. Hard to spot a potential problem, but worth a look. I was just starting out on a 30 mile jaunt, but it happened close to the start. Paul. NZ.

[@debbieharber6550]

I totally agree ,one of my water hoses went whilst waiting at traffic lights....really embarrassing....my hood was soon back up ...

[@bruceboucher2134]

Hi John, thought my REG would amuse you R8 PUS R =XKR 8 cylinders PUS big cat

[@ToTheGarage]

Fantastic Bruce. Indeed Purrr fect😁👍👍

[@PistolPete14]

Do you press the valet button after you turn the car off?

[@ToTheGarage]

Yes👍

[@MrTaz-jz7ym]

what if the black key wont work

[@Chucktay100]

This works

[@ToTheGarage]

Cheers

[@billdaws9817]

Thanks for the video - may I ask if the colour of your new vehicle is Mistral Blue?

[@ToTheGarage]

Bill Daws thank you👍 No it’s called ‘Aquamarine Mica’ and was only offered for about 18 months on the earliest cars.

[@billdaws9817]

@@ToTheGarage Thanks, My 2001 XKR Coupe is Mistral Blue and is very similar in colour.

[@mark89p]

8:30 for the system off bit

[@johnrand93]

Is that HGP color code? Aspen Green? A very rare color. I have an XJR in that color, which wasn't offered for sale.

[@ToTheGarage]

No mine is 'Aquamarine Mica' Only on the early cars I believe

[@johnrand93]

@@ToTheGarage beautiful color

[@billyblackmon4796]

car electrical not working. driver side door stopped functioning properly. i charged the battery. any ideas?

[@ToTheGarage]

Check the wiring for damage where it goes from the door into the A pillar

[@billyblackmon4796]

@@ToTheGarage very courteous of you to reply. when i jumped the battery it worked fine. something going on in the entire electrical system causing windows to roll down, the engine to rev. etc. took it to the only place in Amarillo (had it towed) wish you had a shop here. its now at pan handle euro tech. thanks again

[@billyblackmon4796]

@@ToTheGarage the battery had gone dead and when it was recharged everything was hay wire from windows to door latches. i had left the hood (bonnet) and put a bright light on engine to keep mice away. light now on garage floor pointing up and peppermint packets all around inside engine. mousetraps also underneath

[@wolfgangsalingre9439]

Valet key also will NOT work on the glove compartment!

[@garymorris801]

John sorry I have been away where is your other xk

[@ToTheGarage]

Hi Gary PJ had some corrosion issues that were too expensive for me to resolve to my satisfaction. So he has been sold to a jag restorer who will make him right again. I bought the new car at the right price in the condition I wanted and with only 50,000 miles.

[@robertbongiovanni5957]

Will green key ever open trunk?

[@ToTheGarage]

No. Or it at least it SHOULD Never open it

[@MarcosRodriguez-sd5dw]

Does valet mode disable convertible top?

[@ToTheGarage]

No

[@shaundoohan2395]

My key won't open the trunk in the secret hole. The button on the dash makes a sound like it is trying to release the trunk but it won't open, The FOB also makes a sound like it is trying to release the latch, but it doesn't. I have a 2005 XK8 Convertible, so I can't access the trunk from the back seat. You said it is tricky and difficult to access the trunk through the hole underneath. Can you provide more detail on that, as it appears to be my only option to get the trunk open.

[@ToTheGarage]

Have someone pull up on the boot lid while you press the boot release button, just incase the spring that lifts the boot open the first centimetre is broken. Is their any chance you have removed the trim panel which covers the boot latch area and disturbed the 'Red Button' on the lock? Pop the key back in the secret hole and gently tap the key further into the lock hole and see if that frees it off. Are you using a black key? As a green one won't work. If none of the above help. I have already filmed some advice on the methods of last resort. I estimate they will be published inside the next two weeks.

[@lesleyvail9369]

Watch the sound control - Poor on this clip

[@tonyanddanger]

Just going to add the very same public comment

[@elderquinones1203]

Español

[@iainleith4296]

Stop calling the boot the trunk !!

[@ToTheGarage]

Im Bi lingual😁

[@davesag3374]

This guy talks way too much. these videos would be more effective with less jawflap.

[@davidarcher3933]

It’s part of the charm. John have you covered the slow fuel gauge / fuel float and possible causes and remedies ?