1996 XJS 4.0 keys seem to only work when they feel like it. I paid $55 last week to get it unlocked. I had left a new key(I got this from Jag dealer 2 weeks ago) in the ignition and locked it with the old key. Locksmith in Richmond tested both keys and said there no chips in either. I drove it home and had my love lock me inside. Outside key worked fine then. The trunk key refused to unlock yesterday with no key in the ignition and the doors unlocked.
Is this a common problem with these cars? I will just have to leave all unlocked unless I can get this problem sorted out. I don't have a remote for it and the Dealer said he didn't believe they were still available for this car. Probably would be very expensive. I prefer to lock it manually anyway. Not too fond of fobs. Thanks for any help.
Bobby

 

Not quite sure what your problem is? When you say "keys don't work", does that mean they don't turn in the cylinder or no response from electrical components?

 

@RagJag

I read and re-read your post a few times but I can't quite work out what's not working in your situation ?

After looking at the circuit diagrams, I'm also pretty sure there is no chip or immobilizer in even the 96 last of the line keys, and I'm also not aware of a scenario where the doors won't allow you to unlock them if there is a key in the ignition. In fact the door locking circuit is not connected to anything to do with the ignition circuit

When you say the key won't work do you mean it won't turn in the lock, or it turns but doesn't open any doors ? or it turns and only unlocks the driver door ? (or whatever door it's in)

If you manually lock and unlock the car from the inside by pushing the locking lever on the door forwards and backwards, what happens? does the other door and the trunk lock and unlock ?

There is also a further complication where you can "set" the trunk NOT to open when the doors are unlocked. This is accomplished by putting the key in the trunk and turning it a certain way then closing the trunk. (I can't quite remember now)

FWIW, I had weird issues with my key locks and I fitted a remote system. Your 96 car has the huge advantage of being prewired for a security system, so there is a big multiplug in the trunk, underneath where the aerial is that you can connect a simple aftermarket remote locking system to very easily......

Post back some more details on whats working and not working and we can go from there

@ Greg Edge

We were typing at the same time. Great minds and all that :-)

 

Greg and Sarc, Very glad to know the locks and ignition aren't connected. The keys will not turn in the lock. Drivers door is counter clockwise to unlock. Odd thing is this is an intermittent problem. The little paddle lock handles both work fine so the electrics are okay.
I may get an aftermarket remote if you think that will work. What kind and where?
Also thank you for the help.
RagJag

 

Is it more prevalent with the old key rather than the new one? Could be a worn key if it is.

It could just be accumulation of grot in the barrel. Spray lots of brake cleaner or another solvent, then some ptfe spray.

 

Remove the lock cylinders and take to a locksmith with your keys. They will fix them. Could be worn tumblers.

 

I have this fitted to 3 cars..... no problems and pretty cheap

 

Sarc, I just ordered the entry set and thanks.
Bobby

 

Great. I'm sure you already have the circuit diagrams.....

http://www.captainjaguarscathouse.co...ec%20Guide.pdf

Fig 28 is the security system.

The bulldog system can drive lots of different door lock types.... the XJS has "Type B (-) negative" door locks, so you follow that diagram in the instructions. You can also connect the interior lights to the bulldog so when you unlock the car, the interior lights come one for a short time, which is quite handy. Again, it's easy because there is a wire for this already in the vacant security plug.

Let us know how you get on

 

Will do when it comes in and I have it installed.
Bobby

 

Hello!!

I would personally try to get the original security system working. The remotes are all over e-bay and can be programmed quite easily if you follow a few steps. I have the same car you do (its even BRG!!) and I have programmed three OEM remotes. It can be a bit tricky at first but definately do-able. I try to avoid using after-market products on these cars except for electric fans and the like.

Good luck!!

 

@Spike

I didn't ask that but I assumed Bobby didn't have a factory security system as he mentioned he had seen the (empty?) connector in the trunk.... ?

 

Hi Sarc!!

Unless there has been some serious re-wiring, the 95/96's will not start without the security ECU connected in place.

 

Bobby --> Do you have the security brain in the trunk or not ?

 

Don't know. The left window has the Jag Security system decal. The keys do not have chips in them though. I will look for the 'brain' if you tell me where it is.
Bobby

 

Rag, none of the 95/96 cars had chips and all of them had security systems/keyless entry.

The security ecu will be just bellow your power antenna motor on the trunk. You can remote that panel and see

 

Sarc & Spikepaga, There is a box in the trunk, Part #DPP 1050/06
There is a fuse box with about 12 fuses, all in good condition. There is alarge white plug also with what I take to be a jumper plugged into it with a red/blue wire The wire has a number tag with #26. Hope that is clear.
Bobby

 

Dpp 1050 is the security module. You should be able to program a OEM remote to your car.

 

Thanks.
Bobby

 

Sarc, my hat is of to you. I have my remote system and it is quite a chore to install. The instructions are not at all clear and in very fine print. I may not even attempt it. Bulldog has installation available, however I imagine that would be costly. I think I may buy an OEM remote and program that as a first choice. I see thay are not prohibitively expensive.
Bobby