So I just stumbled across the spare key fob from my dearly departed (totalled) 2011 XK. It's in mint condition.

My local Jag dealer tells me that they cannot reprogram the fob for my current XKR, as the keys are "one time use" and "cannot be reassigned to another vehicle." I am willing to pay for this, so it's not a money issue. I said to them, "so... I just toss this in the trash?" They told me yeah, pretty much.

This seems INSANE to me. The key fob is in PERFECT condition.

Is this correct? Thanks as always...

 

...checked around, here and elsewhere, and it looks like "chuck it in the trash" is indeed the answer for this perfect-condition key fob. Just seems like a waste.

 

Keep it for when you pawn the car- just give them the alt key.
Or use it to pay your bar tab.
Use it in a poker game.
The possibilities are endless.

 

They sell you an expensive car and then nickel and dime you later. What a waste. Just imagine the good will Jaguar Company would get if they are customer and service oriented.

 

Don't toss it. If anything sell it to me for a couple bucks. Both of mine look like they were drug down the street. The chip set pops out once you get the cover off so just swap your good guts into a good cover down the road. That's my new plan.

 

I wouldn't toss it out - there was someone on here that claimed his mechanic was able to reprogram his bought key and the process was clearly well-outlined, sorry I don't have the link to the previous thread but it was on this forum a few months back you'd have to search and read through. Obviously it does involve using Jaguar software/computer or a clone to program it. At the very least keep it around as the outside casings tend to wear a bit and keep that one when your current one wears

 

pk4144,

What the dealer told you is probably true, because your car was totalled and is now separated from the Smartkey. Ordinarily, when a Smartkey is separated from its "parent" car it becomes an "orphan" and can't be reprogrammed. Jaguar designed it that way for security, to prevent one Smartkey from being reprogrammed to start another car. To reprogram an existing Smartkey requires both car and matching key to be present for the dealer software to work. In the absence of your car, your old Smartkey can't be cleared in order for it to become reprogrammable.

Some reputable eBay vendors guarantee that their used Smartkeys have been cleared and are reprogrammable. I bought one several years ago and it works perfectly. As I recall, dealer reprogramming cost was around $100 and the cost to laser cut the blank emergency blade was $35.

Ranchero50 - Smartkey outer shells and chrome trim are available on eBay. They're not terribly expensive from the dealer. I replaced mine and then added an aftermarket silicone cover with the Jaguar Leaper logo so I wouldn't have to replace it again.

Stuart

 

Use No.31
Have you been to those parties where one is asked to hand the host the keys in case they have to move the car. Which is put in one big bucket and a mess to sort through as one is trying to make a discreet exit....give them this key.

Use No.32
Your wet-blanket friends ask for your keys after your 4th drink....give them this key

Use No.33
You have to park your car at the friends house while you are away for the weekend. Even if he swears he wont need to touch it...as courtesy and reciprocity of kindness.... give him this fake key.

An entire book can be written about the adventures of a real Jaguar with a fake key.