I was getting the warning on the dash that my smart key battery was low, so I followed the manual's instructions and replaced the battery. But the key no longer works unless I put it in the slot inside the arm rest. I even got another new battery and tried it again with the same results. Pushing the buttons does absolutely nothing.

Anyone have this experience? Do I have to take it in to the dealer to have the key reprogrammed? But if the programming is the problem, why then would the key work in the slot?

 

Mine did that. I took it back to dealer with both smart keys and they put new batteries in both of them and reprogramed them 3months ago. No problems since.

 

there a new bulletin to replace the lower smart key housing and it comes with new battery's. it all 07 and some 08 xk/r. they will check your vin number if it in rang. just bring both keys with you. all under warrenty

 

Thanks for the help.

 

Watch out for those not so SmartKeys. They are supposed to be impossible to lock in the car according to the brochure. I got out to put gas in the girl, and closed the door with the fob sitting next to the Engine Start button. I filled it up, went back, and my car had locked itself with my key inside. I was at a busy Honolulu gas station during lunch, stuck. The manager was furious cause nobody could use the lane and I was costing her money. An hour or so later, the tow truck arrives and takes me to the dealer who has to break in and retrieve the key. They did the reprogramming thing, apoligized, and sent me on my way. It happened again about a month later. Knight Rider just sort of decided to lock itself with the fob inside while I was putting something in the boot. From now on, I make a conscience effort to always have the fob in my pocket and never set it in the car for any reason.

Has this happened to anybody else?

 

I have had all of these problems and more... I think Microsoft must have written the software! My tire warning system regularly shows a fault in the system. The solution as with the computer at home is to switch it off wait 30 secs and then restart.

When I took my 07 XKR in for it's second service they upgraded the computer software and then couldn't start the car again! I had to threaten to sue the dealer to finally get my car back 3 months later... and it still didn't have the service done!

My experience over the last 3 years is that the car is great you just need to get the dealer to spend the time to get things fixed right.

 

I also found that you cannot leave the smart key in your car when you leave your car in the garage. My battery died at 2 yrs. Couldn't jump start the car and had to be towed to the dealer.