I bought a new key for my car but it needs to be 'accepted' by the electronics in the car before it can be used for anything other than unlocking the vehicle.

Does anyone know a way of having the vehicle accept the key that does not involve a trip to the Jag dealer?

It is a brand new OE key.

Thanks.

 

I'm looking for the same information. I can find more keys and fobs than I can count. Directions on programming the fob are easily found, but the key is another issue. I came across a couple of sites in a Google search that indicated you could program a key with a method similar to programming the key fob. Everything I saw was vague, and one site indicated "you could end up deprogramming your keys so be sure to have a plan if that happened" so I'm looking for a bit more confirmation. The process seems relatively simple though. You would have to reprogram all keys if you do one. It involved putting the key in the ignition, turning it to the # 1 position, then turning the key on/off 4 times and voila, BUT I'D GET CONFIRMATION BEFORE TRYING IT. Where did you get your key cut? I picked up an 01 XJ8 last October and only got one key and remote.

 

I will soon be on the same quest. From prior experience with my Lincoln LS, the transponder needs to be programmed by a specialty piece of gear that none of us will have. However, sophisticated locksmiths who specialize in automotive do have this gear, and can even come to your home to program the key, normally $100-150. As bad as that is, it is a fraction of what the dealer will charge. If I get to it before a definitive solution is posted here, I will give you my experience.

 

The key has a transponder that needs to be linked to the car's security ring around the ignition lock - the linking is only done with IDS/WDS software, this means a trip to the dealer, or a good Jag independent that has the kit to do it. No shortcuts on this, had it done with a full lock and keyset a couple of months ago. It takes seconds.

 

I bought the key at the dealer. I just don't want to spend money there if I don't have to.

 

Theres really no way to program the keys without IDS, if you do decide to bring it into a dealer make sure you bring BOTH keys. One key cannot be programed at a time, because IDS erases ALL keys in the security modual and reprograms both of them at the same time.

 

Here is a suggested backup plan:

1. put money in pocket

2. drive to dealer early in the day

3. park in service lot

4. do your thing with the keys

5a. if it works drive away

5b. if it does not work, you are right where you need to be

note: for those models which have a backdoor programming mode, you need two working keys to add a third except for earlier models which allowed adding a second key with one working key. research your model carefully.

The 2+1 method would, at a guess, be to defeat parking attendants cloning keys because they rarely get more than 1 key with the car.