I would be interested to know if anyone has been successful
in programming their own key fob. I have noted with interest
the many different programming instructions on the forum.
I have a 98 XK8 and so far I have been unable to program
the fob. I even tried the instructions contained in Service
Technical Bulletin XT501-23 with no success. Is there a
way to test the Security Locking Control Module??
Thanks in advance.

 

Step 1:
Some of the frustration with these key fobs comes from them being 14 years old. They need to be taken apart and cleaned. Use some cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol to clean BOTH SIDES of the circuit board and the back sides of the little rubber buttons. It doesn't hurt to polish the battery contact area on the circuit board and metal fingers on the other case half. Don't get so enthusiastic as to grind off the copper cladding.

Step 2:
My key fobs take TWO 3 volt batteries (3+3=6 volts). I bought an extra and it came with one double thick 3 volt battery and guess what? I replaced it with two batteries number CR2016 and then it worked.

Step 3:
Programming the key fob on my '97 is different than any instruction I found. I stumbled on how it works during many frustrating attempts.

On my '97, serial number 16878 (your car may vary):

1. Hold hi beam flash on
2. Turn on key to position 1 (known as ACCESSORY to us yanks)
3. Release hi beam flash and cycle the flasher THREE TIMES.
4. This is when the red LED on my shifter console turns on
5. Push a button on your key fob and the red LED will blink. If it doesn't, push other buttons until you get the blink. It only takes one blink per key fob
6. Push a button on the second key fob and the red LED blinks
7. Push a button on third key fob for another red blink
8. Turn the ignition key off and the red LED blinks one last time
9. Done.

I've managed to program all three key fobs I have for my car. Thought this vintage was only supposed to handle two. Surprise.

When you cycle the hi beam flasher, keep your eye on the red LED on the console. When it lights up stop pulling the flasher.

Of course if the fob needs steps 1 and/or 2 then step 3 is not going to bring any red blinks of success. Some auto parts stores like Auto Zone have these handy "check your key fob battery" stations where you can verify that your key fob actually works before getting frustrated with Step 3.

And, once you get it working be warned. These vintage remote controls usually only work within spitting distance to the car.

Hope this helps.
Mike

 

Here's a couple of shots to see where these old key fobs need some attention.

1. All pieces laid out as they un-stacked. Make sure the battery contacts are clean.
2. Circuit board flipped over to show the button targets. Make sure the targets and the buttons on the rubber part are clean.

 

Thank you very very much Oregon Jag for the detailed
response. Will let you know later the results.