Has anyone been able to replace the battery without paying around $250 to have the key re-programmed? The battery itself is $9 supposedly, but when I opened up the key, I saw no battery!

 

if the battery is missing from the Fob all you have to do is replace the battery, you do not have to have the key reprogrammed to the door module unless the module was replaced ...but the fob should work just fine once you put a battery in it...If you ever see config D on the cliuster this means the door module has failed and will need to be replace...and if you thinking it a leclectrical issue u can check fuse 28 on the driver side kick panel which is 10amp.Let me know the outcome

 

Have you read your Driver's Handbook ? There are clear, and illustrated instructions on battery replacement, and re-programming is NOT necessary. Key thing is you have to remove the printed circuit board to get at the battery. This is secured by a small screw.

1. Separate the two parts of the key (electronic part and key part) using a screwdriver to leverage the two apart. (there is a moulded slot for this on the back of the unit)

2. Split the electronic part into its two halves.

3. Remove printed circuit board (PCB)

4. Remove old battery and replace with new, with + side downwards in the housing.

5. Refit PCB, then refit two halves together

6. Slide electronics half back onto the key half

7. Key ready for use !

 

Thanks Fraser. No, being an idiot, I did not read the Owner's Manual, but thanks to your post it looks like I won't need to. I did split the key in two, but somehow didn't see the screw which secures the PCB. I will get right on this tomorrow and pick up a new batt. at the Jag house. By the way, the presently functioning key requires a deep push and hold in order to actuate. Is this FOB slowly failing?

 

In my view it is always best to do the cheap thing first, so yes, it might be failing, but then again, it might be just the battery. New key remotes are very expensive, about £150 here in the UK.

 

Thank you again Fraser. I managed to locate a battery that I had purchased several months ago, but had forgotten about. After nearly stabbing myself in the hand several times, I managed to open up the FOB, then, amazingly didn't kill myself when I finally opened up the keypad side of the remote. This process was tedious and dangerous. A small screw was then removed allowing the printed circuit board to be dislodged, providing access to the Maxell CR2032 batt. I popped in the new battery, then cautiously reassembled the FOB. I tried to start the Big Cat to no avail, and of course the keypad test was a no go. I then followed the process for programming the key (turn signal pull, key to position I, etc.), and although it did start the car and manually lock and unlock using the keyhole, the keypad push-buttons still do not work. What should I do next ? (I'm trying to avoid reading the Owner's Manual). ha ha

 

Sounds like its new key time, so you need to get your wallet out. Make sure its well loaded !!

 

I think I'll surf eBay and Craig's List and report back. Thanks and wish me luck!

 

Hi

Before you rush ahead buying a new key transmitter, have you checked things work with the other key ? Don't forget there is a receiver in the car, and I just get suspicious that none of the buttons on the fob work, it seems too much like coincidence.

 

Thanks Fraser. Yes, the other key ("key 1") has been fully operational. Key 2 however, has been an electronic dud since I bought the vehicle in November 2010. As a follow-up to my earlier post, I cruised eBay, and found a variety of options: a.) uncut "new" keys for $$$ b.) used keys for $$ and c.) the keypad "half" of the key, for around $25 US. I will probably buy option "c" and hopefully be all squared away for a while. Thanks for taking an interest in my situation. How do you pronounce "Crewe"?

 

Thanks for the thanks !
Crewe - as in "crew of a ship"

When I bought my XJ6 last year I only got one key with it, but having misplaced a key for a previous car away from home, I know just how upsetting this is, so I bought another one. I then found out from the main agents that there were two other older keys known to the system ! The new and my existing keys were reprogrammed so the "missing" two cannot work to the car, this being standard practice apparently. If a missing/lost key turns up it can be reprogrammed to work again with the car.

 

I wish one of you guys took a picture of where you disloged the PCB to get to the battery... I've got a 2004 xj8 w/2 remotes... wife's works fine, mine needs a new battery... I can get the 2 halfs seperated but can NOT see where anything comes apart on the Bat/pcb side. It looks likes it's all molded together and I can't find where I have to pry to get 2 battery/PCB side to seperate... using a screwdriver seems dangerous... HELP...