So I had one of my keys fall in that infamous spot between the driver's seat and the central console. That's normally not an issue, but when the seat was moved from memory setting 1 to 2 several times, it crushed the key.

So I needed a new key, and since it wasn't an emergency because I still had one good key fob and 2 cut keys, I looked at options and a lot of forum posts.

I ended up taking a chance and buying a replacement key from ikeyless.com for $165. They claim they are new keys that can be programmed, but I couldn't be 100% sure they were.

Then I had to find a mechanic with the computer to program the key because I was thinking there's a good change the dealer is going to want to make this ikeyless key not work since they didn't sell it.

Fortunately, there was one mechanic in Houston that had the right stuff, but he did point out that there is a chance it would not work, especially getting the docking feature to work.

That was news to me that it's really a 2 part programming, and in the end, I told him if the docking doesn't work, it's not the end of the world because you can get new batteries just about anywhere.

After he updated his computer software (added an hour to the wait), he gave me the good news that the key programmed fine, including the docking feature, and for $125, instead of the dealer $150, I was on my way.

Now I didn't need the key cut since I still had the old one, but sub $300 total is still a significant savings over the dealer prices.

And as a side benefit to the Jag community of my key destruction misfortune, that's what motivated me to find the key covers that prevent the key from sliding out of my pocket again:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...covers-146054/

 

I bought two of the seat-console spacers that prevent anything from going between the seat and console. Helps hold up the seat belt buckle up too.

 

Sorry for your loss, but a definite win for the community.

 

I recently bought an XF and only had one set of keys. Like you, I decided to take a chance and bought one from ebay:
07 13 Jaguar Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob for Push to Start I8 | eBay

Took it to the dealer and they did it for $125. Worked for me!

 

If the key was used on a different vehicle and it was not correctly "removed" from IPC with a use of SDD it will loss all of the docking functions. It still can be used as a remote fob and the car will start in keyless mode. But, to programm such a key you'll need to have at least one original or a new fob and you'll need to trick a SDD a little to make things work.

 

Who did you use just in case I ever have to go through this process?