Maybe the car isn't stuck in valet mode. Maybe the lock mechanism itself is just bad. That would explain all of the symptoms except the dead battery.

And before hacking the trunk apart, I think you'd be better off removing the rear seat and just cutting out the panel between the seat and the trunk. At least you can easily repair that by welding a plate in it's place and putting the seat back in to hide it.

 

^^ sam, can't cut into the boot behind the seats, the fuel tank resides there. Good for TV, but not in real life.

 

Let us know before you cut anything, the gas tank is behind the seat. All the locking devices are covered and viewing what is going on may not be an option. I would think applying downward pressure may help as you are turning the key, I am thinking something got caught in the latch and wants to come open but unable. I will look at mine and see what options I see to be available.

 

I looked at the latch in the trunk but did not have time to dissect it. Not sure the wife as happy about that idea. It looks like the latch can be accessed from outside but it may involve drilling a hole behind the bumper shroud. This would enable the use of a long screwdriver to flip the latch open. I ran out of time but will look at it again and provide photos if I can.

 

thanks for all the help guys and gals... pictures would be really helpful as this is getting to be quite stressful.

maybe the cable between the lock and the release mechanism is broken?
i'll keep trying...

 

I found this in my recent find of the XK8 Technical Guide. I hope it helps!

 

A locked trunk happens to me every time I use the valet function. My solution has been to: 1)step out of the car; 2) lock the car with the key fob (listen for chime); 3) unlock the car with the key fob (listen for chime); 4) lock and unlock again. VOILA, the trunk opens and the valet function is cancelled.

 

the fobs never worked...

i reached through the hole for the fuel pump in the deck lid with a stopcock key. pulled the black plastic trim off next to the autochanger. pulled back the carpet trim around the cd changer.

then if you look closely you can see the lock motor mechanism... prise the actuator to the left with a long screwdriver and bingo. boot opens. swapped battery. unplugged and replaced valet mode switch to save it ever happening again and re-assemble...

took about an hour and a half to get the trim off and push the actuator completely blind
and you will cut your arm to peices on the metal decklid!!!


no damage atall as plug/screws for the trim are plastic and push straight back in....
knew it could be done

no more valet mode!!! i love it!!



thank you for the picture gus... you are a legend!
couldnt have done it withought your help!

thanks!

 

Thanks for the kind words! I need to look at my car and figure out how you did it. Not sure how you got into the trunk from the hole for the fuel pump. Well all in all Kudos to you!!

 

I'd like to know, too. And what the heck is a stopcock key? It sounds like something my ex-wife used on me but threw away when she was out with friends.

 

unbolt the fuel pump cover... in the decklid...
there you have it...

a stopcock key is a long T shaped tool (deigned for turning off underground watermain taps) (foscets? i don't know what you call it?)

i'm very happy with the results! i think the mechanism between the lock barrel and the electric switchthat its connected to is broken... but works fine on the button beside the fuel cap

thanks for all your help guys!