Original and only Start /Ignition Key was thrown away by my jealous, psycho, ex-girlfriend. All attempts to program a new key have failed and I never had the original key fob.
remedies I have attempted

----------------------------Attempt #1-----------------------

Autolocksmith #1 (Lets call her .. "La Idiota") : She came to my location with two third party “Tibbe” key, she cut the keys in her van according to specifications, then tested the cut key by placing it in the door and locking the doors (also activating the alarm).

She then opened the driver's door, with the new key and the alarm went off, she could not start the car (because she had not yet programmed the key), and I believe the car went into some kind of “active alarm mode”

She then tried to follow the regular programming procedure for the keys she had cut and the car would not program the keys (I believe because the car was in active alarm mode).

----------------------------Attempt #2-----------------------

Dealerlocksmith (Lets call them .. "El Crooko") : I towed car to dealer to program a new key, I do not know what they did. But they claimed to have tried to program two new (I assume OEM) keys and failed.

They told me the car needed a new engine (WTH!) and that could fix the problem... but it was not guaranteed to work (the car was running fine until ex-gf tossed the key why would I need a new engine).

----------------------------Attempt #3-----------------------

Autolocksmith #2 (Lets call him .. “Hero”): I towed the car from the dealer to my trusted Jag mechanic, an old Englishman who is actually pretty awesome. He called a mobile auto-key guy who he knew.

This auto key-guy really tried (he had two third party Tibbe keys) he cut the keys, then he took the steering column apart and found the antenna that is responsible for programming replacement keys. This antenna did not seem to be doing its job. He swapped the antenna out for a different one from another car still no luck. He was stumped.

My current plan

Option A: Take title to dealer pay $425 for two non-programmed, but properly cut OEM keys, then call Autolocksmith #2 and have him attempt to program the key.
- or -
Option B: Have mechanic replace whatever module is responsible for programming key with one from another vehicle.

What I would like from the great minds of this forum are:
1. Suggestions on which of the two options to go forward on.
2. A list of the components involved in the key programming sequence, along with which one's are most likely to go bad.
3. Suggestions for Autolocksmith #2 that may help him successfully program the new OEM key.
4. If you have some better ideas than mine on how to proceed; please share.

Further, if there are any parts that need to be tested I will ask him to do it while he is there.

Lastly... Happy holidays =)

 

The problem is not with cutting the key - it's programming it. Programming remote fobs is a DIY procedure but key programming requires Jaguar dealer level diagnostic equipment.

It sounds like the locksmiths you have tried are confusing the two different procedures.

Graham

 

As Graham says, plus the other thing to note is the module in the car is programmed to accept/use the key.
(Unless someone was able to clone the original key, which unfortunately you don't have.)

 

The OP's car is identified as a '97.

I believe there have been posts to the effect that this MY does not use key transponders. True?

 

Yes, but only US cars, and even then there may be an exception. I understood US cars did not need a radio code for battery disconnect, but several members have found they do.

 

There are certainly differences between European and USA security system specifications other than just the operating frequency.

For USA specification, the Parts Catalogue shows a change to PDU programmable module at VIN 018108 and a change of key immobiliser system at VIN 031302.

Graham

 

I have a 97 xk8.

dealer sold me two cut keys for $70 total. I happened to have the valet key as a model, but the dealer said if I did not have that, they could create the key by VIN, with proof of title.

both of the keys work perfectly. they told me Model year 98 and forward would require a more expensive key and programming fee.