Hi all, I have a 2004 XJ8 and, over time, both key fobs have stopped working. I had to take the car in this week for an engine light (thermostat, it turned out to be) and they quoted me $435 for ONE replacement key fob, having also charged me to "check" it. Really??

This seems like nasty planned obsolescence and dealer gouging. Why can't I replace the battery in my key fobs and just go about my business?

Does anyone have any advice on this? Thank you in advance.

Submitted by wpritchard2@tx… on Sat, 12/10/2011 - 17:26

Edited on 2011-12-10 17:27:37

1990-92 XJ6 cars:
1. Record radio security code (if so equipped).
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal/cable.
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal/cable; "beeping" should be heard.
4. Press each transmitter so a total of 5 confirmations are heard.
5. Test operation. Enter radio code (if needed). Set clock.

1993-94 XJ6 cars:
1. Turn ignition key ON.
2. Turn security switch OFF (located in center console).
3. Turn ignition key OFF.
4. Turn security switch ON.
5. Cycle security system switch ON/OFF rapidly 4 times (within 5 seconds).
6. Press each transmitter so a total of 5 confirmations are heard.

1995-96 XJ6 cars:
1. Open trunk lid.
2. Open driver's door.
3. Turn ignition switch "ON" but do not start engine.
4. Rock valet switch (located in center console) 5 times; a single chirp and flash of the headlamps indicate the Security Locking Control Module has entered the "learning" mode.
5. Press the alarm/lock (larger) button of the first transmitter. This transmitter will be linked to position 1 of the seat/steering/mirror memory. A tone will confirm that the transmitter code was accepted. Note that the button must be pushed within 15 seconds or the module will exit the "learning" mode.
6. Rock valet switch once. Two short chirps will indicate the system is ready to accept a second transmitter. Press the arm/lock (larger) button of the second transmitter. Two tones will confirm the transmitter code was accepted.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for up to a total of 5 transmitters. The second transmitter programmed will be linked to position 2; the third to position 3, and so forth. The number of confirmation chirps mentioned in step 6 will indicate the transmitter count (i.e. 3 chirps for third transmitter). Note that you must cycle through steps 5 and 6 five times regardless of the number of transmitters; if you have less than 5 transmitters just repeat using the last transmitter until 5 cycles have been finished.
8. Turn ignition off and close door and trunk. Test for proper operation of the seat/steering/mirror memories.
To reprogram after changing battery

1996-06 XK8/R cars:
1. Insert ignition key into the ignition switch barrel, but do not turn it..
2. Hold the turn signal switch stalk in the "flash to pass" postion and turn the ignition on with the key (while holding the turn signal switch in "flash to pass").
3. Then repeatedly flash the lights with the turn signal stalk until a confirmation chirp is heard (usually five or six flashes).
4. After hearing the chirp, depress the button on the remote transmitter being programmed. If the remote was accepted, there will be another confirmation chirp.
5. Turn off the ignition and test the remote.

Submitted by NC43-63375 on Sat, 12/10/2011 - 16:50

Thank you very much for your assistance and advice, everyone! I replaced the battery and we're going to try the programming steps that I did find elsewhere in the forum. Fingers crossed!

Cheers,
Kristin

Submitted by wpritchard2@tx… on Sat, 12/10/2011 - 14:39

this is the same key that I have in my 2004 XJ8

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Submitted by vineyardman68@… on Sat, 12/10/2011 - 12:55

Kristin,
Key fobs are a dime a dozen, compared to the price your dealer quoted and can be purchased on line from a number of places and easily reprogramed. The "KEY" is your most valuable little jewel, so don't let that get away or, be told you have to replace both (fob and key) at the same time.

I'm sure if you go back through the fourm pages you will find all you need to know about the subject. If not, someone on the forum will join in I'm sure and help you.

Regards

Garfield.