I'm not a tech, just an shade tree mechanic, so my answer is a guess. I suspect that the proprietary Jaguar SDD software that is now available to everyone (it's not free) is identical to what the techs at Jaguar dealers used.

I also suspect that Jaguar decided to make their SDD software readily available because many Jaguar dealers have stopped supporting the X150 models. That SDD software is an essential tool for independent Jaguar mechanics.

 

@billqs The best way to determine if your CR2032 batteries are good or bad is with a voltmeter. An inexpensive battery tester also works. Here are two from Amazon:

https://a.co/d/c3BNHe9

https://a.co/d/dWQngeO

The CR2032 is used in many devices. You can swap the "good" battery from a flashlight or other device with the questionable battery and see if it works.

Pay a little more and buy batteries at Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's or other local chain store so you can be sure that you're not buying a Chinese clone and can check the expiration date code on the battery.

Many batteries die slow deaths on retailers' shelves before being sold to wholesalers who then sell them on eBay or on Amazon.

 

I've had surprisingly good luck with the cheapo Multi-Pack batteries at Harbor Freight. Several different sizes, so if you only need ONE size ever, then probably not a good choice. That said, my M-I-L had me change a weird watch battery for her and buying the entire big set at HF was cheaper than buying a two-pack of that specific size. HF must have a good turn-over because I still use some from that pack three years later and they are still 'good'.

 

I told you to try a hard reset earlier.

 

@McJag222 Yes, you are right. I was exploring replacing the car battery. I did the hard reset on the car and nothing changed regarding the reading of the key fobs. One works only inserted in the console and the other one doesn't work at all. I have been going through the remotes in the house to see if I can find a known working 2032 battery to replace (though I believe one of the three I have so far tried probably worked.)

 

I used a known good CR2032 battery from my bluray player, put it in, out-adjusted the connectors as much I dared and no change. From here I guess it looks like getting the shop involved.

 

I know this is a dumb question, but are you sure that you inserted the battery with the + side up?

 

It's plus side down. The writing is the plus and it goes as indicated underneath against the plastic, leaving the negative side upfacing.

I can try it the other way.

 

Nope. No change.

 

I put it back in with the writing side down and put a piece of electrical tape underneath so the key fob battery would ride slightly higher in it's seat. Still no pay dirt. Would multiple hard resets work, or should I try to get the car and keys in front of someone who has access to SDD?

 

Yer might have some issue with the keyless module or the RF receiver.

 

I agree. take to an auto store and have it load tested. Before you do, order the car battery the day before and tell them to charge it. They'll be happy to. Then next dat, get there and have them load test it. If it's dead, they will replace it with the fully charged one. 12.3v is too low

 

out of interest…. a fob that I have that enjoyed a cycle in the washing machine does not work as a remote, but does work when placed in the armrest dock.

 

I remember having to solder a broken tab in the Notsosmart Key for my 2013 XKR. It actually worked after............

 

and I just washed and dried one of mine. thankfully it still works.
WJ

 

The car has 2 key systems combined: "Passive" Your key is inside your pocket and the system reads it and authorize it via the KVM & it's several antennas inside and around the car (this requires the electronics on your remote to be active by a good battery)
"Active" A backup system in case the key cannot be read wireless due to a dead battery inside the remote, issues with the KVM Module and the antennas or interference, you put your key in the slot and the transponder inside the key is energized, read and authorized by the starter control unit & instrument cluster (this does not requires the electronics inside the remote working as the transponder receives power when inserted in the slot)

 

As an update, the car battery tested good at the Auto place I went. Since I've put a known good fob battery in each of my key fobs and it didn't affect what I was getting. One key fob works only when inserted into the center console, the other key fob doesn't work even inserted into the center console. It looks like I will need to call my local indie Jag shop to have them look at it. Once again, I appreciate everyone's input and help. This is a fantastic community sharing knowledge.

 

Do you have access to the SDD software and the proper interface?

 

Unfortunately, I don't. I've seen some YT videos where people used SDD to reprogram the key system, but I only last week got a new laptop. I definitely want SDD and the interface. If you have a good inexpensive lead on this, that would be awesome!

 

"Inexpensive" being the hardest part.