My new to me 2008 XK only has one key and it only works when placed in the console slot. I need to have a couple made and don't want to put the car on total lockdown, a couple of local key smiths assure me they can program the keys. My understanding is only a Jaguar dealer or a few select independent shops with factory software can do this, thoughts?

 

Your local guys can probably make the Emergency Key BLADE. Without JLR's SDD (Symptom Driven Diagnostics), it's impossible to marry a key to the car (and vice-versa). ALSO, if you get a key from somewhere like eBay, you'd better get a guarantee that they have been divorced from the previous vehicle, or it's a worthless key. They are not cheap at about $225 or so, and it will probably cost about $125 for a dealer to mate a key to the car. The Emergency key blade is a double-cut edge key, and the OEM Jag ones can't be cut with a burr cutter as they are super-alloy aluminum and will muck up any mechanical burr on a regular cutter. Me, I copied the shape on a piece of brass and had that cut.

 

I have twice purchased key fobs from and had them programmed by independent locksmiths in the past and have had very good success with both. Seek out automotive locksmiths and inquire if they have blank Xk or XF keys fobs (the XF fobs will work on our XK/XkRs) and if they can programs them. I have not had any difficulty in Los Angeles finding them. Each time total cost including fob and programming ran $250.00 about a third of dealer cost.

 

Have you replaced the battery in the keyfob?

 

Interesting Ted. Do you know if they used SDD or if they have a tool unique to their profession?

 

My experience is that, as key fobs have become common, most auto locksmiths in larger cities have the software. My local, small town, locksmith told me that he has to pay JLR for each attempt to program a fob which means that if it failed the first time he (me) would have to pay again. So I went into Atlanta for a meeting and the locksmith came to me. Took about 20 minutes.

 

Please post the name of that Atlanta locksmith and contact info if you have it. Thanks.

 

I called "Nonstop Local Locksmith" at 678-801-6077 as I was going to be in the Decatur area and thought I would be going to them. Turns out that to accomplish the 24/7 service, they apparently are a clearing house for independent mobile locksmiths. The folks that showed up at the parking lot are"24/7 Locksmith Services" 404-857-8403.
Full disclosure...the fob is not a JLR, ie. no Leaper, but it works. I fully tested it before I accepted. At the time their key cutter was broken, but I can get that done almost anywhere, the big item was the fob. Total cost $350. My guess is that if you live in the area and can do more shopping you might do better.

 

As car thieves have had Smartkey cloning equipment for several years, it's good to hear of it being put to legitimate use for the benefit of owners.

Graham

 

Atlanta is not too far, think I will call the group listed above.
Thank you.