I am familiar with the programming process on the X308/XJ8. I cant get this one to work at all, car will not go into program mode.
I have replaced the batteries on the fob, and all the locks work on the car. The sunroof does not work. Could that be an issue?
If not, is there a fuse, or a module that I need to look in to?
many thanks in advance...!

 

I remember years ago at the dealer I had a few cars that would not configure the keyfob transmitters with the 'headlamp-flash' method so I used WDS/IDS to CLEAR ALL KEYFOB TRANSMIITTERS from the SLCM.

Not often but I did come across it every now and then.

 

I am not familiar with this method, how is it done? Do I need a special or specific tool? Thank you!!

 

Dealer tools: WDS / IDS. Plenty of threads - use google for more.

 

Quick question...does the fob need to be functional for the car to go into “program mode”? The reason I ask is that when I replaced the batteries, I put them back the same way they came out..positives facing each other. Is that correct? Doesn’t seem they should be that way, and I have checked everything (connection wise) and still can’t get the car to go into program mode.

 

 

Thank you, I am familiar with the actual programming process. I was asking if the fob had to be in working order to get the car in programming mode...Trying to find out why the car will not go into mode. I’ve ordered a replacement security locking module, I’m thinking that may bar my issue, even though everything else the SLM controls seems to be working.

 

That is not correct, negative of one should face positive of the other. With positive to positive, there will be zero power to the fob.

 

I didn’t think that was right! I corrected it, but still can’t get the car to go into program mode. The connection looks good t the SLM...and the little antenna on the rear windshield looks in tact as well. Even though all functions seem to be working, with the exception of the program mode, I ordered a replacement SLM today, hoping that is the issue. Thank you for the response!
if you have ny other suggestions, any are welcomed and much appreciated. I also have done hard reset as well. Ugh.

 

My year 2000 model did not chirp ever when entered to the program mode and so on. I too thought that flashing method doesn't work. Only the red light at gear selector was the giveaway.

 

It is really ironic you post this response! Yesterday, I was so frustrated with the situation, I sat in my other car, a 2003 XJ8, and tried programming the ‘98 key fob to that car....to test the fob itself. My ‘98 was parked behind me, and while attempting this programming to the ‘03, the alarm started going off on the ‘98! It freaked me about, so obviously I ran back to the ‘98 and put the key in the ignition to stop the alarm. As I was exiting the car I guess I was playing with the buttons on the fob and I heard the trunk “release” on the ‘98. WHAT???
Well, I tried the other buttons and only the headlight / panic button and trunk release button worked...but they WORKED!! . After taking the fob apart and cleaning the button contacts, it’s all working now! Totally “dumb luck”. I mean REALLY??
Sorry for the long story, but it is to your post that I refer...sometimes they don’t “chirp” and you don’t even know you’ve programmed the fob.

Many thanks for your post, hopefully it will solve someone else’s issue too.

 

Didn't you look at the red light on the selector lever illumination module?
It flashes in tandem with the 'chirp'. If the 'chirp' fails, the light will still flash.

bob

 

Sometimes cleaning pads on the pcb is not enough. I had to glue new conductive rubber pads to the buttons itself. This fixed my already broken fob when I bought the car. Those rubber pads just loses their condutivity in time.