Hello,
This is Martin in Menifee, CA. My car is a 2005 X Type Estate in BRG.
I have one set of keys but want to get a duplicate ignition key just in case.
Where to buy the right key and where to have key cut properly.??
I'm in Menifee, CA, near Temecula
Thanks
Martin

 

Hi Martin,
Take a look at this post from Peter just recently. Basically the key fob has 3 functions.
1) The physical blade of the key obviously turns the door locks and ignition
2) A transponder "pill" inside the key with some code number, read by the car wirelessly. That transponder code must be registered to the car's computer or the engine won't start
3) The lock, unlock, etc 4 button remote also read by the car wirelessly but completely unrelated to the wireless system that reads the transponder code.

The physical blade of our keys is called a "Tibbe" key. I would check with some local locksmiths and see if any have a Tibbe key cutter. If they do they are likely to be able to cut you a new key and clone the transponder. A locksmith is likely a fraction of the cost of getting a new key from a dealer.

 

Thanks dh for linking my thread already.

Yes, if you have 2 OE keys, it's an easy DIY exercise to copy the transponder onto the 3rd and 4th key, and I explained how in my thread, which dh linked above.

And it's also an easy DIY exercise to DIY copy the remotes. For that it is not even required to have the 2 OE keys. Note, that it may be necessary to also reprogram the remotes of the OE keys as well, when you program the new keys - all in one session. Just try to do the 1 or 2 new one(s) first only, and then check, if the old ones still do work - if not, do all 3 or 4 in one session. That "session" is described in the pdf link attached.

And reg. the blank tibbe key blades: Either find a local locksmith, who is NOT overly greedy (where I live, there is only a greedy one), or - do as I do:
I found a cheap, good and reliable locksmith in Melbourne, over 2000km away:
I just remove the blank blades from the flip keys and I don't even need to send him the OE blade - just the blanks, and a very good picture taken of the side of the OE tibbe key blade, because, you can actually "read" the code yourself. You'll find instructions, how to read the 4 digit code (for X-Type / the X308s have 8 digit tibbe keys) on the net.

I am fairly sure I found those complete tibbe keys back then on Aliexpr. - be careful there that they do not trick you. You might believe you are ordering a complete key, but then you get only an empty shell. just click all the options, that one seller has - if you do not click the options, they might display the complete key, but send you something totally different... - I just check on Aliexpr. - I entered the key words "Jaguar flip key" and without extensive search I found one for under AU$25. You may find a better price, if you search long enough. But as I mentioned before: Be careful about what exactly you are ordering there. I found a listing, which looks like the complete key, but it said "no chip", which is the same as "empty shell". Also, some let you select between 315MHz (for the US) and 433MHz (pretty much the rest of the world). If you select it when buying, they press a few buttons for you on that remote before posting. Otherwise you can press those buttons yourself - all those keys should be suitable for both frequencies, you just have to select YOUR frequency.

 

There is a person on the forums who can cut the keys: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/market/227433

As mentioned, you need the blade and the transponder chip in the key head. This is different from the remote that locks and unlocks the doors. Probably the best bet is to buy a used, genuine key and change the blade to one cut to fit your car. Then you need both sets of keys programmed with SDD, or at a dealer. See my thread here: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ng-sdd-293593/

 

As mentioned before: FOR THE X-TYPE, if you have TWO OE keys, you do not need SDD.

I described in detail above how to easily DIY program the transponder AND the remote...

It's a different story for the S-Type, and for the 1998 X308. The X308s from about 2003 are however easy again.

 

Thank you!!

 

The least stressful method of getting a key is from a dealer - all you need provide them is your VIN number. Once they get the key ordered they will programme the chip to your car. That's what I did with my X type - it was an easy process.

 

Hello Clackavosicus

Would you mind sharing the price charged by the Jaguar dealer for your key duplicates?

Thank You,

Martin

 

The actual key cutting and programming was pre-paid by the previous owner - he paid for it before I took delivery of the car - also I don't know how much he paid, but I remember him saying "It wasn't cheap". I only had to organise programming after delivery of the car - I don't know how much the previous owner paid for that. Sorry I can't be more accurate than this. Anyway - I suggest you call your local Jag dealer and ask for a quote - I am sure they will let you know quickly what the cost would be. I'd like you to consider - with a dealer the cost is not the only factor to consider - there is also convenience and quality of the job. I have never had any issues with my duplicate key - the quality of workmanship was very good.