Hi Gang. Has anyone successfully replaced the ignition key cylinder on an 2004 XJR? I have been hunting for a place that can get me a replacement key for about a year, with no luck. I am looking at the option of upgrading the cylinder to a more conventional type. Thanks in advance.

 

Cannot have been looking very seriously? There's been enough advertising and forum traffic on the subject it is a surprise it didn't hunt you down in your sleep and blow in your ear.


Best do serious research as to "upgrading" before you even make a plan, lest you become serf to flatbedding to a dealer to get it all put back to rights, OEM, at their prices, as the cheaper resolution of a problem you do not really want to have.

"Mechanical" key, remote transmitter, and RFID tag are semi-independent critters, have more than one function, (adjusting memory seat and mirrors to suit each driver, restricting carpark "valet" access, but not-only) and are not friendly to what the upstream system considers tampering or attempted theft.

Not the most effective anti-theft system as ever was, but it TRIES hard enough it can ruin your whole week without breaking a sweat.

Dealer can generate a key off the VIN - and proof of clear title, as ***-coverage - also reprogram the rest of any needfuls. The "basics" can be programmed by the vehicle itself, no third-party help required.

DIY-dedicated as I am, new key or faulty cylinder replacement is ONE class of work I'd gladly go to a dealer to get done. Even though some locksmiths can do all or 'most' of it, too - some of it even by mail or courier, "from a distance", the downsides for a seldom-needed service are not worth their risks.

 

Well, thanks for your "imformative" reply. Over the past year I have contacted nearly all of dealers in Canada and those that actually respond say that they don't have the Tibbe keycutter. One dealer actually referred me to Ford dealers. Others aren't willing to touch it, they just refer me to dealers in the UK...I don't get responses from either US or UK dealers....like I said I have been trying for about a year to get one key thus the query in this forum. Thanks.

 

Grallan, here is the definitive document describing the Key fob and it's functionality. I'm attaching it to this; hopefully it will help.

 

Thanks...I appreciate the positive response! In addition, if ANYONE has been successful in retreiving a new key that works, I would appreciate the contact information. Thanks again....

 

If you have 2 working keys already configured to the car, you can add a key with the 'key-on, key off, insert 2nd key on/off, insert key to add, key on/off.

 

just find someone who can cut a tibbe key blank there’s a couple of guys on ebay or @Sone on here.

4d60 folding key off amazon works great. use sdd or a launch to program

 

Jon, I just went through similar with my '04 XJ8. There is a key shop close to me that can cut Tibbe keys and it took the tech who cut my key almost an hour to duplicate a key hand filing the key to get a good fit. See the thread "Hello Mr. Chips" for the full run down if interested. Glad you got yours figured out.

 

My '08 VDP only came with a single key, as did my '05. Many used cars have only one key and the whole idea mystifies me. When I got a second key for my '05, the dealer cut it on site and did all the programming, so it was fairly quick, but pretty expensive. By 2021, when I needed a second key for my new-to-me '08, the Indianapolis dealer no longer cut the keys, so had to send away for a pre-cut key. That process, with the associated proof of ownership by email, since the dealer is 70 miles away, required weeks of downtime, parts guy on vacation, etc. When the key arrived at the dealer, I had to drive the car there and spend about 4 hours cooling my heels while they programmed the chip in the key and pair the key and new remote to the car. Total cost $900 by the time it was finished.
They were very adamant, from the beginning, that they would not program or pair any key or remote not purchased through their parts department. At least I was forewarned, but it still pissed me off.

When my lovely wife lost my expensive new key at a friends home last month, I was petrified that my remaining key would be lost/strayed/stolen and I would need to repeat the whole process, at 2025 prices, times two, plus the expense of the 140 mile flatbed ride. I shudder to think of it. Luckily our friend discovered my second key in her sock drawer......don't ask. Crisis Averted!

 

Great write-up! I think the amount you pay for a replacement car key is inversely proportional to the amount of time you're able to spend price shopping. The dealerships promote all sorts of long-term ill will by exploiting key seekers in their most desperate moments. I would walk to the ends of the earth to deny the dealership any such punitive key-copy charges based on principle. What irks me is that they have parts in inventory sitting unsold for older vehicles yet won't budge on price--or inflate the price. It's almost as if they'd rather deny you access to a part than sell it for a reasonable price. With respect to key-replacement parts and services, I understand that they know they have you over a barrel, so they can sit back and watch you squirm until you pay their exploitative parts price, but it's just bad business. If they were to just take a different approach and charge a reasonable fee—perhaps $150—for a new key with programming, that would go a long way toward building brand dealership loyalty. I witnessed the locksmith program my ID13 transponder chip for my 2000 Jaguar XJR in less than 4 minutes, so charging anything more than $50 (especially for a customer in need who travelled from afar) is just greedy and mean. This is "business 101" stuff, and why companies like Amazon have done so well in fostering customer loyalty.

I know you said not to ask, but I think I speak for those inquiring minds out there who want to know: How did the second key end up in your friend's sock drawer?? 🤣

 

minimum 1hr charge to even look at the car. doesn’t matter if it takes me 4 minutes you’re paying up

 

One might hazard a guess that it had to be left behind because of the strict weight limits that apply when traveling by dirigible?