So, we lost the only key and fob to our 2003 x type. Took 4 tow companies to find one that could finally tow it in. No one had more than one set of dollies to tow it up on the truck. Finally one of them called the dealer and got someone to tell him how to override and get it in neutral without a key while the alarm was going off. He jimmied the door to get in. It got to the dealer and they made 2 keys but claim they can't program them because it is in security lock and they can't get past it. It will be a lot more than the one hour labor and diagnostic time now too. Sounds a little suspicious. Any advice would be helpful.

 

More info... the dealer cannot figure a way around it said that it may me the security module or worse. I told them it was fine until I lost the keys and did what they told me to do to be able to tow it to them. Any help or thoughts would be appreciated before they start logging diagnostic time etc to just replace keys!

 

Sorry to hear of your problems but for the rest of us it says never, never just have one key.

 

Hi rjcl004,

I sympathise too, the only thing you can do is get a key from ebay, take charge and I take it the car is at the garage, if so, take the new one in and try yourself to program it.

Just out of interest, I am sure you can use an S Type key as well?

Failing that, i really dont know and I feel the garage is being vague, ask to try their keys and the best of luck, I wish I could help... but as Tony said, never assume you can get by with just one, my ex knows that NOW! hang in there! Stu

 

You are being hosed, thoroughly.


Losing your key did not damage any black boxes in the car.


The dealer knows how the security system works and has all the latest info from the manufacturer. There is no diagnosis needed. Cut the key, mate it to the car's security system, charge an exorbitant price and done.


But in the end, what can you do? I wish I knew.

 

Jaguar is notorious for being incapable of servicing 4+ year old models. They might genuinely have no clue how to reprogram the key.

I would recommend calling up a local independent who may have the software necessary to reprogram the car. Based on my experience with what we thought was a failed ECU, it is my understanding that the car has to be reprogrammed as if it has a new ECU installed to get the new keys to work.

 

I didn't get any explanation but within an hour of them opening shop this morning, I got a call that it was ready and everything was good. The only problem was they tried to charge me $150 more than they originally said. Fortunately, I had a quote that I requested when I called them for the parts and that is where they tried to add the extra money for an extra hour of labor. Key point: ask for a quote for needed parts! I will let you know how it goes when I go to pick it up. Thanks for all of your help, support and advice. The members here are truely knowledgeable and helpful!!!

 

You survived a Jaguar owner's nightmare: towing it to the dealer. That's a story you can tell the grand kids!


Are you talking about what they claim to have done and how much they charged you?

 

I picked up my car yesterday, they did not adjust the cost until I showed them the quote. The quote saved me $150 which they tried to hide under cost of parts, not labor. So far everything seems good. Now I need to get the FOB portion for the keys from somewhere reasonable and I will be good as new. At least they washed the car and sprayed black magic or something on the tires.

They said the car needed a new oil pan gasket for $1600, the A/C compressor is leaking oil ($1650) and the top radiator hose needs replaced for $600. Hopefully I can find help on the forum for these issues and can help others with key issues.

 

Well done Rick,
You stood by your guns re the price!

You will be able to source the parts much cheaper, ebay and amazon etc!

AND, you should be able to source the advice here, no probs and you will save a forch!

No doubt your advice will be appreciated too and we hope you have regained your sense of humour, that is essential.

Plus a minor detail, if you edit your signature, you can add the spec engine size/model/deisel/petrol of your vehicle and the guys will know straight away if they can help!

Great News, you are on your way!!! ATB, Stu