Has anyone tried one of these key fobs listed on eBay for $28?

New Uncut Flip Transponder Chip Key Remote for Jag XJ8 Keyless Entry Fob KJ315 | eBay

It says it is complete with all the internals (and would need to be cut and programmed); I assume it is Chinese, but $28 is pretty cheap for a second key and fob if it works.

 

Ha! This one is on my radar too Phil. I have one FOB that I can program but the locks only work once then fails again, until I reprogram.

I'll let you lead the way. For $28, probably worth giving it a go.

 

It also has a little jaguar head on the key release button, so cute.

 

Yeah, they may not have Jaguars in China but the country is darn full of copycats.

 

So are you going to guinea pig it for us Phil

 

I am awaiting a reply from the largest local locksmith shop to see if they can cut Tibbe keys or supply a cut blank before I order. I'd lean toward one of the OEM fobs on eBay for a similar price if the local guys have blanks at a reasonable price. I hate to buy Chinese if there is a reasonable alternative.

 

I bought one on amazon for $50. I had the key cut at a dealer and declined the programming because I thought I could do it myself after watching some You Tube videos. I have found that this will not work for a 2006. It must be programmed by a dealer.

Incidently, the dealer told me that a new fob, key cut and programming was $478.00!!

 

Thanks for letting me know. What did the dealer charge for programming?

Has anyone else with a 2006 been unable to program a fob?

 

the add says not compatible with a 2005 VDP, but it is ok for a 2005 XJ8L, what gives? How accurate is the ebay compatibility selector?

 

Yes, for 2006 it says it is compatible with XJ8 and XJ8L but not XJR, VDP, or SV8. I think it is a matter of garbage in-garbage out; some Chinese gent didn't bother to list the other models. It makes me think of a Japanese weed trimmer I saw many years ago that said on the tag that "RPM is quick and Rotation is Tough". I could picture a little guy sitting down with a Japanese/English dictionary and writing out the description in "English".

Amazon says that several sets of lug nuts that forum folks have bought and successfully used are not compatible with Jaguars either, but that may be because the cross flats dimension is 13/16 or 21mm rather than 3/4 or 19mm. In any case you have to take the compatibility lists with a grain or even a shaker of salt.

Back to key fobs, I was still looking for input on whether the programming instructions in the key fob remote document for 2001 to 2008 in the 'how to' sticky would work for 2006 cars, but re-reading it, I am out of luck since I have only one fob/key for my car. It says:

"...Key Fob Programming of transponder to the cars ignition to be able to start the car. Must have the two original keys. If one is missing will have to reprogram all keys using Dealer WDS/SDD software."

And since I have yet to get any version of the software for my Mongoose JLR to work, I'll not be buying any new fob/key right now.

 

I ordered one from China for $28 and after the locksmith cut the key, it got stuck in the ignition. It took him an hour to get it out.

I learned my lesson.

 

I found a local locksmith with the equipment to cut TIBBE keys and he quoted me $110 to cut and program a simple transponder key and perhaps $160 for a key and a Ford remote if he has the remote. He said his policy is to not cut eBay Chinese keys because the metal is too hard and it "tears up" his equipment. Perhaps that's why your Chinese key got stuck in the ignition. I would guess he would have the same policy for the blanks sold on eBay too.

So now...I have to decide if I want to spend $110 for a spare transponder key or risk having just one fob/key that the wife might lose. Hmmmm. I always like to have a spare key in a drawer just-in-case, but my other cars don't require expensive keys - not even the 98 land Rover. It's the price of extra security, I suppose. Out here in the sticks we often just leave the keys in the cars..... but not this one.

Edit: Called the Ford dealer to get a price comparison and the parts man said Fords don't use TIBBE keys. I told him I thought some used the same keys, but he said no. Makes you wonder about the Ford flip/fob TIBBE keys for sale on eBay if Ford does not use them.