I recently purchased a 2012 XJ with 33K miles. OMG, I am loving this vehicle. I do have a couple questions. If someone can point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated. 1. What tool is needed to turn features such as InControl ON? 2. Is there a way to manually program additional key fobs? The dealership here in Dallas wants $900. The car only came with one fob. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Rells Jag

 

Hello and welcome. These are great automobiles, and I hope you get to enjoy yours for a long time.
1. InControl suite was not available on the 2012 MY
2. Only JLR dealers or specialist automotive locksmiths can program key fobs.
I urge you to take your new ride to either a local authorized dealer, or an independent shop that has experience with these cars. Maybe someone on this or another sub-forum can provide a reference. It's too late for a pre-purchase inspection, but you should have a realistic evaluation of what you've bought.
In the meantime, pay close attention to the engine coolant level. Other weaknesses in the early models include wierd electrical issues caused by a depleted battery. (Early cars have a huge drain even while asleep. I can't go a week without driving or trickle charging), timing chain or guide wear (catastrophic damage can occur if neglected), sticky interior buttons (check for threads in this forum), creaking sunroof (expensive fix).
None of these are deal-breakers, IF you know about them beforehand.

 

InControl not available on the 2012 MY? What' you talkin bout Willis??? LOL... Thanks for the heads up. You are spot on about having a "realistic evaluation" done. I have already purchased a water pump after reading some posts. I also read about something that sits in front of the water pump being a problem. With all of the electronics, I am not surprised that a low battery can cause some issues. That timing chain or guide wear concerns me!!!! I have seen videos on YouTube that shows people programming key fobs using a variety of Key Programmers. The higher end Diagnostic CODE readers that I found have key programming capabilities. The car came with one fob and the dealership wants $900!!!
These aren't deal breakers but can be a pain. Well that timing chain may qualify... That ROAR when I push that button gives me an adrenaline. I look forward to learning from this group. I appreciate you..

 

InControl not available on the 2012 MY? What' you talkin bout Willis??? LOL... Thanks for the heads up. You are spot on about having a "realistic evaluation" done. I have already purchased a water pump after reading some posts. I also read about something that sits in front of the water pump being a problem. With all of the electronics, I am not surprised that a low battery can cause some issues. That timing chain or guide wear concerns me!!!! I have seen videos on YouTube that shows people programming key fobs using a variety of Key Programmers. The higher end Diagnostic CODE readers that I found have key programming capabilities. The car came with one fob and the dealership wants $900!!!
These aren't deal breakers but can be a pain. Well that timing chain may qualify... That ROAR when I push that button gives me an adrenaline. I look forward to learning from this group. I appreciate you..

 

Another reason to visit a JLR dealer is their ability to retrieve a service history on any vehicle receiving service at any JLR dealer. (This should be SOP for those of you considering purchasing a used Jaguar) I bribed my local service manager with a lunch; all you need is a VIN. This is only page 1.

 

Oh, I see.. What I did see on this vehicle was the CARFAX... It seems to have been used for Corporate Livery Service. Nothing serious in terms of maintenance. This tells me to get ready! After reading your first bit of advice, I grabbed a phone and called an Authorized Jag repair shop. This dude talking about $1,200 for the water pump and $6,600 for timing chain. Looks like I will doing my own maintenance. Thanks...

 

Hello and Welcome!!

I can´t undersign above. I have MY2010 model and it sits weeks without any problem with battery drain. Do you lock the car or leave it unlocked on your garage? XJ goes on sleep mode only when locked and keyfob moved away from range. (5-10m / 15-30ft)

 

Hello Vasara... Thanks.. I thought I would purchase a NEW battery to start. That way I am sure of its history.

 

Be sure and get two keys at what ever the cost is! We have seen many,many people buy used XJ's with one key and then disaster strikes!
Don't delay! Yes it's harder than most cars and I have not had luck with aftermarket solutions. Yes I use aftermarket FOBS/Keys but then it takes SDD to get them working on the car.

Yes water pump for sure and other plastic cooling hoses. Baltobernie gave a good list to follow.
I also think your wise to DIY the repairs as you found out owning a used expensive luxury car gets no cheaper as the car ages!

Also note that there is NO key for the trunk! So be VERY cautious of closing the trunk when working on the battery!! The worst one was a couple of guys were taking the battery out to charge it on the bench. They did not know and one of them slammed the trunk lid closed. Now if you do shut the trunk you can jump 12 VDC in the engine compartment to pop the trunk and go on your way. BUT with the battery completely disconnected no way onto the trunk except by breaking into it somehow. This usually gets into removing the rear seat and trying to fish for the emergency cable pull release inside the trunk. Not fun.
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yep. See Exhibit A

 

Both keys that I ordered showed up and have been programmed. I got them for $120ea and programmed 2 for $120 here in Dallas. I put BRAND NEW CR2032 Energizers in all 3!!!! At $7000 I would ask them to cut the floor out so I could revert to the FLINTSTONES type engine. My next task is the water pump and serpentine belt.

 

Hey not a bad price at all!
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You can also program your own keys... I made 3 back in November... bought some new cheap fobs off ebay & used a device called OBDSTAR H-100 only took 10 mins