Once upon a time about 6 or 7 years ago there was a description of how to program a new key fob for the factory alarm system for a 1996 XJS - didn't have anything to do with valet switches or grounding wires or other such nonsense. It had to do with pressing the fob 5 times and waiting for lights to flash in sequence, etc... maybe walking around the car while spinning on one's axis, etc... but I could swear it was here.
I've searched and searched and cannot locate so if anyone knows where the link is or how to program a new fob for the 1996 XJS it would be appreciated.

 

There are two ways of doing it.

PDU and grounding the valet switch under the armrest.

There is no other way to do it.

 

The five beeps l believe is for the older alarms.

Disconnect the battery, have the radio code !!!!! reconnect and press the alarm fob button at each beep. If programming more than 1 fob press each once then one at each remaining beep.

Check here for instructions
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...t-s-b-s-27319/

 

That won't work for your 96, but you can try it.

 

Thank you Malc4d and Vee. Admittedly still a little confused as the service bulletin does not mention disconnecting battery and only addresses valet switch equipped models. I do not have a valet switch so it seems I'll have to ground (install a toggle switch) to get it into learning mode. Any particular type of toggle switch required?
Also, what does "PDU" stand for?

Also as an aside, the link to the service bulletins includes what may be a cure for an unrelated short squealing problem on start up recently diagnosed - timing chain tensioner. thank you for that too!

 

1. Short squealing at startup is your failing harmonic balancer. Look that up on this forum and you'll find two options for repair. (You'll have to take yours off, send it away in either case)

2. You don't need a switch. You just need to strip a little bit of insulation from two wires and tap them together after a certain order of turning car on and off.

Read the two links below.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ss-kind-37785/

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...996-xjs-37632/

 

Thanks again - just so I'm clear -
1 turn key on
2 ground the yellow white stripe w black
3 disconnect wires from each other and then turn key off
4 then tap 5-8 times until wacky noises appear
5 repeat 5 times as I only have 1 fob

or (item 3 sequence is different)

1 turn key on
2 ground the yellow white stripe w black
3 turn key off then disconnect wires
4 then tap 5-8 times until wacky noises appear
5 repeat 5 times as I only have 1 fob

the video with toggle switch (i don't think) mentioned ignition on or off.

 

I forgot which one is correct. You should be able to try both without wasting too much time.

You really should buy a spare FOB! If you activate the alarm, then break or lose the FOB, you're up a creek.

 

Agree on not taking too much time - just didn't want to start blowing fuses if avoidable.

 

I just bought a 1996 XJS that only has one key and no fob...after reading through this whole post I feel very discouraged. Is there an easier way? What would be the damage at a dealer vs figuring this out on my own to have 2 keys and 2 fobs

 

Best to call the dealer to see if they can even still do it! If they can, they’ll let you know how much they’ll charge you. I’ll be surprised if they can still do it.

You should set your sights on getting (at least) two FOBs before you get started. The dealer certainly won’t have any to give you. Next, there’s someone on the Classifieds Forum that can cut you a new Tibbe key (or keys). I’d reach out to him and get (at least) one more tibbe key cut while you’re waiting for the FOBs to arrive. Until you get FOBs you are dead in the water. Hopefully you will be able to program the FOBs yourself!

Dont know what a Tibbe key is? https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/g...mation-255778/

 

You can get a cheap fob from ebay that you can program to your original one.