Hello all,

Last time I was here my XJ8 was having Air Suspension issues because of the worst winter in Chicago a few months ago.

Now I'm having the issue of having a worn out flip key that would cause me to wiggle it I the ignition to start my car. I've been doing that for a couple of months, anybody from auto servicemen to family members didn't know how to start my car but me (and my mom after showing her).

Now after having my car shipped back to Los Angeles due to me moving back out here, the problem as gotten worse.
It would takes anywhere from 1-15 minutes to crank my ignition.

Two days ago I went to the nearest Jaguar Dealership (Galpin Jaguar) and was quoted $343.31 just for parts for a new key ($137.28 for the key, $177.68 for the transmitter + Tax). Add another $154 for labor of programming. R.I.P.O.F.F.!

As of today, I was able to start it in hopes that I could take it to the nearest Jaguar specialist to just get another key, but I found out that they weren't open today driving by.

When I went to park my car, I made the mistake of turning the key into the OFF (or initial) position before closing my windows & sunroof. I spent over an hour trying to start my car again at least in hopes of closing my windows, to no avail.

A local shop called "Just Jaguar" quoted the same $137 for the key ignition input half, but only charge $55 for programming; cutting my cost down to $192.

Whenever I input the key and try to crank the ignition, touching the key when I pull it out causes metal residue to rub off on my fingers.

I wish I knew of someone around here with AAA Roadside Service, but I don't.

My question is, am I just looking at a key to be a fix or is it looking like something different?

 

If one key is causing this issue, do you not have another key fob or the valet key to try in the ignition? If other keys cause the same problem and are not easily start the car then you may have a key ignition switch issue.

Here is a link to the "how to" section that explaines all about the key fob. If you concluded that your tibby key itself is wore out and not the ignition switch than buying a key fob off ebay and programing it yourself (assuming you have your two origional key fobs) by reading the article in the link is a much cheeper route.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...now-faq-87749/

 

When I was sold the vehicle last year I was only given one key. So most of what you suggested is something that I think I'm incapable of diagnosing. I'm considering buying this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400390130735
and just going to the Just Jaguar place to have them cut and program the key(s) for a fraction of the dealership costs.
I'm not sure if this is a definite option. It says that they come with the uncut key blade and chip to program, so that should work.
I'll use the actual remote section from the one that I already have by the way.

Any opinions?

 

Do you have the little shoe repair "shops" who also cut keys in the shopping centres?

Here I think they are called Minit or somthing like that.

I know that they can cut Jag keys may also program.

Come to think of it-why can't you take the chip out of your key and put it in another key?

I know it's accessible since I have had my key to bits at one time.

 

QBlaze,

The upper key portion of the remote on Ebay does have a chip so it will work. You should also buy a used complete key fob on Ebay also as you should have two keys for your car. Plus when the dealer programs the keys, they are programed all at one time so programming two is typically same cost a programming one. In cutting the key, Jaguar of Lake Bluff for instance only charges $5 each key.

Keep in mind, you may have a a wore out ignition switch issue but hard to say. In all of our XJ8 cars, the key is quite loose even when fully inserted and car started, it still can be wiggled up and down a fair amount, it is just the nature of this Ford ignition switch.

 

It is to my understanding that the keys have to be cut from
the Jaguar Dealership because they have the correct information of the desired cut to fit the ignition switch/cylinder, right? I'm not sure if you can just go to a locksmith and ask them to produce a key when the only one you have is worn out completely.

 

Just so that you have a visual of my current situation, I've attached some pics.

 

Yes, your key is extremely worn out. If the Dealer can not read your key code by looking at the key they can look up your key code and cut your new key.

 

I was able to start my car today (twice), Thank GOD!
First place I went when I got it started was the Just Jaguar specialist. After telling him not to take out the key due to me being stranded for a couple of days, he removed it anyway and declared that I get two keys instead of one for him to be able to program it. He said that a regular master key (the version without a remote) for $108 as well as a replacement key fob including the remote for $137 directly from a Jaguar dealership, plus his $55 programming service charge, totaling $300 for me.
Now I decided to find more economical ways to go about resolving this.
Since I need two new keys to be cut, there's a complete uncut key fob including the key blade, chip and battery for sale on eBay (New Uncut Flip Transponder Chip Key Remote for Jag XJ8 Keyless Entry Fob | eBay) for $57 w/ shipping, as well as individual uncut key blades for sale for $9. I can replace my current key fob w/ the new key blade instead of buying a whole new key fob from Jaguar for $108+
The specialist at the Just Jaguar spot said that the Jaguar dealership will only cut the keys provided by them, well after traveling up to the dealership myself, they said otherwise. They said that as long as it's a Jaguar key and nothing aftermarket, they'll cut it. They said they don't charge for cutting as long as I provide all of the proof of ownership.

So there you have it, I can just purchase a key from eBay for $57 + a replacement key blade for $9 and have the Just Jaguar specialist program the keys for $55; bringing my total to $121.

Do anybody see any flaws in this plan? If so please inform me, thanks!

 

That plan should work. Keep in mind that some key fobs on EBay are from a foreign country so it may take a couple weeks to get it. I had a jaguar dealer cut two keys that were off eBay and they were ok with that.

 

Sounds good.
I just placed my order for both the Complete Key, as well as the Key Blade itself.
My question now is, do any of you know how to take apart the key to replace the key blade?
After removing the remote portion, it looks like the head portion containing the blade is snapped on, I'm just not sure of how to take the head portion apart.
Should I make another thread for this to catch the attention of someone that knows how?

Thanks.

 

If you open the flip key half way open you will see a very small metal dowel type metal pin, this pin can be pushed out with a small screwdriver or small punch with a little consistent firm pressure. The dowel when pushed through with the flip open half way will just miss the plastic casing of the key fob. Once the metal dowel is removed you can simply wiggle and pull on the metal shank to take it out.

Take a look at this thread, as the beginning picture shows how to use a small nail to push out the metal pin.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ictures-93167/

 

our car locksmith is available 24 hours a day to assist people unlocked from their any type of vehichle.In most cases, it is usually cheaper to pay to our locksmith service than others to assist you.

 

Looks like I should've just ordered two complete keys instead of being a little too cheap and just buying one key and a blade.
That's looks complex.
The $53 more bucks for another complete key would still make it under what the dealer would've charged just for one ($343.31)

 

FOR THOSE STUCK IN THIS PREDICAMENT:
I decided to look on eBay and found that they were selling the individual "Key Blade" uncut for ~$9. I ordered one the same time I ordered two other key fobs (just to be safe). I took that key blade along with the other fobs to the official Jaguar dealer (Galpin Jaguar), they cut them all for me for FREE. I didn't even need to buy the other two key fobs (so ignore anybody telling you that you do if your blade is just worn out like mine).

They even replaced the old worn key blade with the new one that they cut and I was back in business.
NO Reprogramming (since I just replaced the blade and nothing else).
NO Charge.
$9 for a key blade solved a problem that would've cost you $1,000+ buy fobs and programming at the dealer.