got 2 new blanks today for the XJ8 but need to know where I can get them cut? Can FORD dealer do this? I've read that these keys have to be programmed to the car too??? Is this true? I only have one master key, no extras...anyway to cheat?

 

i wish there was an easy way to do that, but the transponder is what needs to be programmed by the dealer, im pretty sure you can program the buttons, but without the transponder that car isnt going to fire up

 

The keys (both black Master and green Valet) can be cut by a competent locksmith but have to be matched to the car on the dealer diagnostic system. A few specialist Jaguar Indy's also have this equipment.

Note the Master and Valet keys are cut differently but coded the same. The end of the Master is reduced in diameter compared with the Valet.



This is what enables the Valet luggage compartment lockout feature.

Before proceeding, make sure the blanks do have transponder chips embedded in the plastic head. (see red circled area)



Some good news is you can program another Remote/Fob yourself.

Graham

 

I needed new keys for my 98 VDP about a year ago. I called the Jag dealer and gave them my VIN and told them it was my car. They cut 2 new keys by the VIN code and charged me about $80 each delivered.

I'm a tech at an independent and I used the Autologic diagnostic platform to program the keys. Without programming, the keys would only unlock the door and trunk. (I had locked my only key in the trunk and the release was inop. ). The engine would not start with the new keys until they were programmed to the car.

Sounds like you're thinking ahead. I wish I had done that before I locked mine in the trunk.

Good luck.

 

Jaguar Replacement Car Keys

 

+1
Triple-C are pretty good folks. They had a problem reading the transponder in my key initially (unusual problem, I guess, but it starts the car OK) so they cut me a key and I had to get the key transponder programmed by a local locksmith.

Trying to get a locksmith to program the transponder was more painful than I thought it would be. The guy I eventually found that could do the programming actually said (in passing) that this key is a T5 transponder and it probably could have been programmed by more generic key programmers (such as my local Ace Hardware). When I would call around to try to find someone to program it, as soon as I said "Jaguar" they all said to bring it to the dealer. For 1998 (and I think '99 as well in the US), that isn't quite always necessary.

 

My friend can do it if you're willing to mail him the original key and the key transponder module. His name is Stan 773-771-8686. He is a locksmith.