Replaced key fob battery today due to "low battery smart key warning".
now fob will not work message "can't find smart key".
I can start the car through fob slot.
Yes battery has been checked as good contacts appear fine could it have "unpaired"?
Any assistance appreciated. 2012 XF

 

Simple thing, but is the Batt. in the fob correctly?

 

Yes positive side down and fitted properly. Refitted a few times.

 

As far as I know, the car cannot unlearn the key code without being programmed to delete it. As for the fob it sounds like it may be defective. Possibly check to see if the contacts are clean or if there is any film on the battery surface. The area where the battery makes contact inside the fob could have something or some corrosion on it. This is assuming that you installed the battery correctly. If all else fails, you can take it to a locksmith who has smart key capability. He can test the fob to see if it is transmitting properly.

 

Jag is at dealer since 8am. As of now they have checked the smart key and appears functional however the car is still not recognizing it..Evidently the issue is more complicated...Thank god for the warranty And a loaner. The car does start when fob is placed in ignition slot
I generally based on experience find their diagnostic abilities to be sub par.

 

Did your spare key work normally?

 

Good question but have no spare. Working with only 1.
chronology was low smart key battery warning. Replaced with new tested battery and then smart key not recognized warning remote not functional other that it starting car when placed in fob ignition slot.

 

I would highly reccommend buying one or even two spare keys and having them programmed while they are in the system so that you may avoid this next time. After the warranty is up, programming keys may get a bit expensive. You can even buy used keys on ebay which you can get cheap.

 

Dealer quoted me $650 for a new fob and programming can't use a used fob off of eBay it won't work if previously programed.

 

I think that somebody is telling you a story. You can program a previously programmed smart key to your car. A good locksmith with smart key programming capabilities will tell you the same thing. And you can program up to five key fobs. And you can delete just as easy as you can add keys.

 

I have a remote from same year but different XF... dealer said that the remote must be "divorced" from the other vehicle or is can't be programed.

 

I don't know the answer, but why can't they divorce them? Is the car or the key middle ages Catholic? Do we have to get the cardinal involved?

And if you don't get the humor, no worries. I saw a piece on Henry VIII recently so it's still fresh in my mind.

 

I agree and both get and appreciate the humor. With more specification the other remote is "divorced" only when still with the other vehicle and erased to be able to be reprogrammed. Ridiculous I know. Another way for Jaguar to extort $$$ from us.
I will however suggest they perform an exorcism on the remote.

 

You guys are too funny.....divorced huh?

I can't logically see how it would be hooked to a previous vehicle permanently until divorced since it is only a transmitter. Perhaps, the Jag dealer does not want any liability for having two vehicles potentially able to be started with the same key. But each key is pretty unique. So what would be the chances of two vehicles in the same area having the same key programmed to that particular remote?