I have a XK8 4.2S 2005 in the UK
Neither of the original key fobs would work unless they were within inches of the rear screen aerial.
I got a new fob today and programmed it to the car using the flasher stalk method.
Now, the new fob works, but the two old ones don't work.
I imagine I made a mistake using all 5 presses up on the new fob.
The question is ... how do I get the other two fobs working ... I imagine I need to cause the new fob to lose it's connection with the car. and then start again using 3, 1, 1 presses
Thank you very much
Ray

 

Jut re-do the entire procedure, this time be sure to include the old and new fobs in your sequence. There are basically 5 slots, and you have to fill ALL 5. Just like you said, you can do 3, 1, 1, or other combinations. There is no separate step to disconnect a prior fob.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

Thank you very much,
I thought I had already tried that and only the new fob worked afterwards ... but I will have another go.
I was expecting the new one had to go back to factory setting before I could start again with 3,1,1
Having said that I do realise the two old ones are not factory set as they were tuned to the car until this morning.
When I try again I wonder if I should do the first 3 presses on one of the old fobs then 1&1 on the other two?
Ray

 

My understanding is that you are telling the car to accept the fob. The fob "knows" nothing about the car. There should be a confirmation chirp after each press on the fob during programming. You might have to be close to the antenna/rear window again with the old fobs...

 

I understand, I was holding the fobs close to the gear selector light and noticed the light came on with each press of the new one but not the old.
Are you saying each successful fob press will cause the led to flash ... and if it didn't you could press again until you have seen 5 flashes spread over three fobs, in my case
I'll have another go shortly and let you know.
Thañk you again for your help
Ray

 

All three are working again now
The key to it was your point that there needs to be a responce from the led for each of the 5 presses.
With my two old fobs only working when inches away from the rear screen aerial I had several failed presses but made sure there were 5 flashes.
Thank you for your help
Ray

 

Glad you got it sorted!
Does the new fob work well, from several meters, and if so , where did you buy it?
I have 2 fobs like your old ones....

 

The new fob came from the Jaguar dealership ... Part Number LJE2610BC
It don't think it has the range of some modern cars but an improvement on my old ones.
So far I have only tried it inside my garage.
Ray

 

The older cars and the new cars really don't have a significant difference in range. The key to range is: 1 a strong battery in the FOB 2. a good clean antenna connection. Unplug the antenna and scrub the connectors and plug it back in. Also, a new FOB doesn't mean new fresh battery. No telling how long it has sat around waiting for you to buy.

 

Thank you for that avern, is there also any cleaning to be done at the other end of the cable in the battery compartment?
Ray

 

Welcome to the forum Ray,

Good to hear you've got all three remotes programmed.

To describe 'normal' performance, with my 2005 XK8 4.2-S Coupe the remotes would work up to twenty feet away from the vehicle.

Please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum and post some information about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.

Graham

 

Observation: your old fobs only work inches away from the rear screen, but the new fob works at a distance just fine. This suggests the antenna in the rear screen is working just fine. Have you tried to replace the batteries in the old fobs, or doing any of the cleaning procedures folks talk about? The circuit board has to be removed from the plastic shell and cleaned of any rubber residue with alcohol.

 

^^ Agreed. Cleaning the guts of my original 2005 S-Type key fob with alcohol and a couple of Q-Tips every two or three years usually improves its range of operation again. And a fresh fob battery is usually required every three years or so. Be sure to clean the battery contacts before you insert your new battery....

 

Thank you Graham, I don't think my new one will work at 20 feet but hopefully cleaning the various contacts will improve it.

fmertz ... thank you for the observation and your continued interest. I happen to have the keys to my neighbours Jaguar XF ... when I put my batteries in his fob I can operate his car from our house. With regard to the cleaning, my fobs all have mechanical switches so I'm not sure if the suggestions re cleaning are referring to a different type.

jon ... does your fob have mechanical switches or ones that rely on the impregnated rubber making an electrical contact?

Ray

 

Ray,

My S-Type fob has the tiny mechanical switches. They do tend to wear out over time....

 

Thank you Jon
Ray

 

My only (original) fob developed the same incurable short-range virus a couple of months ago. Purchased two new fobs from eBay and programmed them both in just a few moments. Range is now excellent (30+ ft). I did reprogram the old fob at the same time. No difference in range (short), but good for a backup if ever needed...

 

Is the aerial cable just plugged onto the screen ... does it simply pull off or is there something to undo?

Thank you
Ray

 

Ray...it just pulls of...it's a popper stud...like on some jackets.

But be careful if it's tight as you may stress the solder joints on the screen connector. It might be better to lever it off gently.

 

Thank you Andy,
I popped it off and cleaned it generally.
It must have been OK from that point of view because it didn't effect the range the fob.
I did notice it goes "over centre" as it clicks back on and wondered if it were loose in it's normal position ... but I ruled that out by holding it firm onto the stud and had someone test the fob at varying distances ... it made no difference.
Checked to see if it made any difference whether is was plugged on or not ... it did make a difference ... it doesn't work at all when un-plugged.
It is not clear to me where the two contacts are ... the "centre" and the "outer" you would normally expect from an aerial connection.
Is it possible there is a centre spike missing from mine ??? See pictures
Thank you
Ray



Ray