Anyone come across a good source ofreplacement keys (1997 XK8, convertible). I only got a single key and key chainremote for my new acquisition and I worry about not having a spare key! Can onebuy a key from and online site and have it “cut” at a local key shop? Isprogramming involved with the 1997 XK8 keys?

 

Welcome to the forum Mogmichael,

I've moved your question from US Midwest Region to XK8/XKR forum. This is the place to post technical questions about your model.

Please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum and post some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.

Graham

 

Your '97 key does not have a chip like the later models. I went to the dealer and had a new key cut for under $50. You should be able to buy a blank on line and have it cut locally.

 

Graham, I'm sorry for the delay in posting info about myself. I was having trouble finding just where to do so and I also wanted to add some photos which I need to download from cameras. Will get a good info post out this week.

 

does the 1998 coupe have a transponder key? i bought mine with only one key so i have to guard it with my life!

 

Only from information gleaned here and elsewhere but .......... I don't think that early cars for the US market have a transponder in the key, whereas UK cars do.
You can check by looking very carefully at the key - if there's a transponder, you can see the cap over the hole where it was inserted - as here :

 

I needed a spare key for my '94 XJ40 and I ordered it from a place in the States:

http://www.triple-c.com/How_To_Read_..._Key_Codes.cfm

Even with shipping to Australia, it was way cheaper than anything offered here and it works perfectly.

 

I have an '05. No cap, so no transponder I guess.

 

All Jags from about '98 on have a transponder.

 

I have found the cap so that leaves me with a big bill to get a replacement key, crap!

 

phanc60844 - I think you are in the UK ? In which case - there are several companies who can supply a new key at much lower cost than Jaguar dealership - just do a google search on "XK8 transponder key" or similar. I think you have to take the car to them, or they come to you as the car is coded to the key, rather than the other way round. But - I also think (may be wrong) that a car can be programmed to more than one key, so you won't lose the use of the key you have already got. Another alternative is to send them your key, and they make an exact clone - the car thinks both keys are the same one if you see what I mean.
All a bit of a hassle, but not necessarily hugely expensive.

 

I have seen these guys in the UK (but not yet tried them):
Jaguar XK replacement key - Carkeyfirstaid

 

I have a '96 built US spec '97 and key appears to have a transponder plug.

Are you saying it doesn't need a transponder key?

That would be excellent if true as I only have one key and need a backup.

I could take advantage of the post Brexit Pound and order one from the UK. I'm just afraid It will still need to have the transponder programmed.

 

Just take it to the dealer and have them check. That's where I took mine. We're not talking about enough money to make sense of importing a key.

 

RJ237:


You must have a pretty good dealer if the prices are that close, but do you know how much some other dealers extort for key service?

One of my black keys turns the ignition but the starter will not crank. The other black key and valet key work as they should, so clearly it is a transponder problem in the one key. The dealer wants $170 to program it, plus "shop supplies", eco fees and 13% taxes, ie. over $200... And if re-programming does not work, a similar fortune for key replacement.


Compared to £21.50 plus postage for a complete key, transponder and cutting? For me, at least, that is enough of a difference to make importing worthwhile, particularly since my circumstances are not that urgent.




So big thanks to blade runner for that tip!


Andy

 

I was only referring to the 1997 cars.

 

Seems I had the same problem everyone else had, only one key came with the car. At the dealership, the key cost $76.00, reprogramming was an additional $127.00. When they could not program the key it was another $1,400.00 for a new security module. My advise do you homework carefully and shop around.

 

I certainly hope you did not allow the dealership to charge you for a new security module due to their key-making ineptitude. Keep in mind that any decent mobile locksmith can come to you and make/program these keys in less than 20 minutes as long as you have one functioning key they can use as a master. Depending upon the vehicle, the cost typically ranges from $125 to $175 in my neck of the woods. Sure beats getting reamed by an incompetent dealer....

 

I got mine on ebay for $15 last december from here fobkeyless on eBay And then found a local keymaker to cut the key for about $70. For a while, Fords used the funky key so people know how to cut them.

 

$70 just to cut the key? I bet he was laughing all the way to the bank! That is really highway robbery when Triple-C supplies the key blank (no chip) and cuts it for $38.95!

http://www.triple-c.com/Products/TIB...P/KEY%2DS32FJP