Key fob for my 2009. I can lock and unlock the doors from the outside with about 80% efficiency when hitting the buttons. But when I put the key inside the car, the start button blinks red like it's supposed to but then it says smart key not found and I have to insert it into the key port. Is there a sensor that could be going bad? Maybe a module? I don't have any codes when I scan the Key immobilizer? Any direction would be appreciated.

I've already replaced the key fob batteries in both

 

Its pretty well documented that the springy battery contacts in the key fob are too weak to do the job after so many years. Some get another few months by bending the tabs to increase the contact force, but that only weakens them further. I had the same symptoms. Instead of bending the tabs, I seem to have had a couple years of luck by making a little shim and placing it under the battery to increase the contact force. I don't remember how thick but it wasn't much, just a little disk cut from from some plastic product packaging as I recall, no more than a few thousandths inch I'm sure. You can always add another shim if not thick enough the first time.

 

I just tried that with both key fobs. I don't see the contacts being bent to the point of not making contact, I made two shims, still getting the same issue. I tried using the search form to see if there was any discussion on it. I couldn't find anything about it, it was mostly the key vehicle module

 

What brand of battery are you using? The cheapo batteries do not work well in my fobs.

 

I definitely agree with you sir. Buy the ones that are Made in USA, Japan, Switzerland or Indonesia. I have a 2018 XF 25T, the original Key Fob coin battery is a Panasonic made in Japan. Recently a month ago Key Fob went dead and I replaced with a Maxell (Japan) CR2032.

 

Does the “Smart Key Not Found” message disappear when the fob is inserted into the key port?

 

Right now I'm using the Energizer.

 

Yes. When I insert it into the keyport I am able to start the car and I have no error message.

 

That new Energizer failed. Why a brand new battery will not work on your Key Fob but it definitely worked on mine and others?

 

So I'm following up, I've tried all the little fixes. I was told by a Jaguar technician that if the key only works inside of the key port then there's probably a sensor inside the instrument cluster that reads it that's not working. It's probably going to be a $2,500 fix. It looks like I'm just going to use the key port until the car no longer runs.

 

I had the same problem when my only key ended up in pieces back in April.
I ended up “making” two new keys as outlined in the following thread.
Where in Ohio are you?

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-212644/page2/

 

I'm in Van wert Ohio. So did the key fob replacement work for you?

 

For the most part …Yes.
I now have the original that only works when docked and the two “new” fobs that don’t work when docked but do everything else just fine.
Here’s the end result…….

I programmed the knock-off fob with the OBDSTAR H100 today.
Works fine, just like the one I programmed last week. I used last week's original re-programmed Jaguar fob to copy from.
After programming, the device confirmed there were now 3 programmed smart keys. I placed the two of three fobs in a metal box and checked each one individually.
All fobs worked as they should, other than the following....
(1)--Original damaged Jaguar fob still only works when docked in the starter control unit under steering wheel. Buttons still don't work.
(2)--It seems and sounds like both fobs I programmed are not locking into SCU when I push them in.

I guess I can check (2) by removing the fob battery and see if the car starts when fob is supposedly docked. If it doesn't start, then I'll know the fob isn't docked.
This might also be related to the issue I read someone post about where any key programmed by the OBDSTAR H100 will stop working if the fob battery goes dead, even if the fob is docked in the SCU.
May not be a bad idea to keep a spare CR2032 battery in car, just in case.
Luckily I still have one original cut key blade, so any decent locksmith should be able to cut two more spare key blades.

I can’t guarantee what I did will work on your car, but I don’t see why not. If you want to make the drive to Port Huron, MI. with a programmable fob, I will gladly help to try and make it work with your car.
Or you can order the OBDSTAR100 device and try it yourself…it’s pretty straightforward.
You can see the procedure in the following videos……..

You Tube

You Tube

 

>I now have the original that only works when docked

What is meant by "docked"? Docked with what? My key fob is always in my pocket.
Thanks
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Current Hers: '13 Lexus ES350
Current Mine: '15 Jaguar XF (X250) Portfolio AWD
Jaguar - making mechanics out of customers since 1935

 

If the fob battery fails you can still start the car by inserting the physical fob into a dock slot in the steering column. It can induce a signal from the electronic key without needing battery power in the fob.

On newer models there is a patch of the steering column that you just hold the fob next to

Look in user manual and it will show how it works for your model. Good to know as it's a valuable way to avoid getting stuck!