So i just got an 03 STR, damn i love this car.!!
It was a real nice day today here in SoCal and since i had the day off, i decided to give my Jag a nice clay and wax. Went to the park, found some nice shade under a big tree and went to work. about 90 minutes later. I had my desired showroom finish. Pat myself in the back for doing such a great job, snapped a few pictures, then i hopped in to go home. put the key in the ignition, turn.. TIKK TIKK TIKK TIKK.!!!
I wasnt lisenting to music. the doors were never open for long periods of time. the key wasnt even in the ignition while i was waxing her. what the heck happened.?!? the worst part is that the battery is fully DRAINED, the trunk release wont even work. I called AAA and they said the only thing they could do for me was tow me to the nearest Jag dealer. Unfortunately, they were closed today so i have to go see what they can do for me in the morning.

Any ideas what the reason for my bettery drain could have been.?? also, Since i ONLY have the valet key to my car (reason why i could manualy open my trunk) what are my options for tommorow.?? how in the world are we gonna be able to access the battery?

any help greatly appreciated fellas..

 

What?? You only have the "valet" key? Without the normal key you are SOL. Well, better have AAA tow it to a dealer, like they suggested. When there, have them make up keys for your car....

 

Is there an emergency trunk release inside the trunk on an '03 STR? If so try this

Since you can get in the vehicle, fold down the rear seat arm rest, there is a small opening. Grab a flashlight and "rig" up a long hook and give a pull. The pull handle maybe located on the upper portion of the trunk.

 

Good thinking Rick, I have an 03 STR and there's a pull release in the car to gain access to the trunk. What happened to putting the key in the trunks lock and turning it to open the trunk? Did I read it correctly he was using the valet key? Now why would the battery drain? Dead cell(s)? Insufficient charge from laying unused for prolonged periods of time?

 

The car is a 2003. If it still has its factory battery, it could fail under even the most seemingly insignificant circumstances....

 

It's very ODD, almost suspicious, to have BOTH the main keys missing yet have the valet key. As the people who DO have a factory key can currently steal the car, an advantage of getting new keys programmed in is that the old keys will also be removed.

 

yikes, only valet key.....hope you have a aftermarket alarm on it atleast.....Buy yourself a optima battery......stock batterys are ****

 

It's late in the day, but you should contact the place where you purchsed it. Was it from a dealer or private party. It's possible that they forgot togive you the proper keys. If a dealer, you might try to get them to replace battery free of charge.
If I may ask, which dealer are you going to take it to? The one in Pasadena is quite good, the service dept. that is. The jury is out on the sales dept.

 

Thanks for all the replies fellas. I went to the dealer this morning. Galpin Jaguar. they made me a "master key" by using my valet key.??
about 30 minutes and $63 later(alot cheaper then expected) i had my key and was able to get my trunk open.. they gave me a jump and i was on my way..

however, a few replies here have me a bit worried. i did indeed buy the car from a private seller and he stated that the valet key was the only key he had. Now in no way shape or form did this man seem the least bit shady, in fact, he seemed real honest and overall just a nice guy. but these days you just cant tell.. could he really just come looking for my car with the OG keys, and take it.? i hope not.. but if so, what precautions should i take.??

 

I understood the valet key will not open the glove box. Right?
(I thought they also didn't open the trunk.)

Is your valet key like that?

And... is your new key able to open everything?
If so, they must have programmed it into the car. Doing that removes all other keys. Anyone with the old keys would be able to turn the locks (so, open doors etc) but the car would not start.