I've managed to pick up a very cheap 2005 XJR. Gave it a thorough inspection today, and noticed that the battery is the original. Knowing how sensitive these cars are to battery condition, and having been stranded in my first X350 due to a bad battery, I'd rather change it as a preventative measure. The only issue is that I know from past experience that changing the battery will reset the radio, and it will therefore demand a code. I've searched through all the literature and I can't find the code, I've also called Jaguar and they've searched on their system and said the only way they can do it is if I take it in, they remove the radio unit and get the serial number, then search the code from there which will probably cost a bit of money.

As the radio unit is currently working perfectly and not demanding a code, does anyone know if there's any way to find the code through the software or some other method? It'd save me a bit of time and money.

Thanks!

 

Here in Canada the dealer, knowing the VIN, can print out an information file called "Dealer Direct Warranty"; this file gives all information about the car as ordered from the factory: details about equipment, trim items and colours, key numbers and, yes, the radio code. In addition is lists the updates which have been made to the car, and those which are still pending. As you can imagine, this file is invaluable to an owner. It really helps if you have a relationship at the service counter!

 

I am surprised Jaguar say they cant help, they should be able to supply it, it may cost you £25 but I would try to ask again.

 

Apparently it's not on their system and the only way they can do it is by removing the radio and checking the serial and then putting that into their database.

 

Ask another Jag (main) agent (should be plenty around London [I assume that's London UK]).

I asked my local Jag agent (took the registration document with me); took two minutes and no charge. In consequence I go there for my service bits (filters mostly) and not my slightly less local 'but-easier-to-get-to' Jag agent (who are dorks).

 

Hold down AMEM + PTY + FFW (fast forward) and poof! No radio code needed and everything works. At least it does on our STR. Never tried it on the x350 because it does not appear to need a radio code. Maybe it's a Canadian thing where they don't need them. I know this works on a UK nav head unit because the one in our STR is from the UK (hard to find them used with the heated front screen on this side of the pond!) and is coded as a UK unit still . I've got to get around to recoding it one of these days.

I've never worried about getting any codes. The odd thing with our SV8 is that the radio code is in the owners manual (on a special little card) but every time I have disconnected the battery, no code has been asked for!

 

We are lucky on this side of the pond. North American x3050's do not need a code.
A quick workaround, is hooking up a 12v supply to the battery cables prior to disconnecting the battery. Not much amperage is needed. Don't try one of those units that plug into the lighter as the lighter is only powered when the car is running.
Just be careful not to set the positive cable down on metal when hooked up to power supply, you get the idea.

 

This is what I do on mine and it's worked both times I've had the battery off.

 

Thanks everyone! As it happened I took the car in for a service this morning (a local specialist managed to fit me in at the last minute) and they found the code for me. But if I ever need to override it in the future, I'm glad I know that trick.