This is not a problem for me...yet, but I want to get ahead of the issue before it becomes one.

I have a US model 1998 XK8 Coupe. The Sound System handbook refers to a radio code for the United Kingdom and Europe, but says nothing about US models. In other threads I have seen questions from US owners about getting a radio code after removing the battery and their radio is locked out.

Can anyone say with a degree of certainty whether or not the US version of this year and model needs a radio code?

Thanks

Andy

 

My US-version 2005 S-Type 3.0 required its radio code when I replaced the factory battery....

My wife's US-version 2006 XK8 did not require its radio code when I replaced the factory battery....

Moral of the story: Be sure you have the correct radio code in hand before you proceed. You won't know for sure until you pull the plug....

 

I cannot say for certain that your MY 98 XK8 will not ever need a radio code input at some point; however, you can call any Jaguar dealership parts department, and they can look your radio code up by the VIN# off of your car. That is how I got my code, which is '1233' for my 2003 XKR, I lost the code a couple of times, and called different Jaguar dealerships to have them look it up again. Although I have never had to input the code, even after having the battery disconnected for several days, I still want it around in case I ever do need it. I had read somewhere that the radio code needing to be input, is a dealer programmable option; that is the dealer can program it to need, or not need the radio code inputted, along with other standard settings, such as the passive alarm mode, which will automatically enable the alarm 20 seconds after closing the door, chime level, lighting timeouts etc., as well as, other MY specific options that can be enabled or disabled by the dealer.

 

Coded radios are a European spec 'feature' but a very small number of US spec vehicles have them fitted.

I can recall only six reports on the forum of US Jaguars with coded radios so it is unlikely your 1998 XK8 will have one.

As has already been posted, any Jaguar Dealer can lookup the radio code for a particular VIN provided the vehicle is still fitted with the original head unit.

Graham

 

My car came with a Radio Code Card but does not need it when disconnecting the Battery.

 

Thanks for the replies, they are all very helpful.

Based on the information provided and the high likelihood that the code is not needed for this car, I think I will not worry about it. If it does demand a code sometime in the future after all, I will deal with it then sans radio for a few days.

Andy

 

MAKE SURE YOUR RADIO HEAD UNIT IS SET TO U.S. or North America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then it will not require the code when power is disconnected.

All this info is in the sticky section for downloads.

bob

 

Bob,

In European spec vehicles the radio can be set to US or Aust (sometimes done accidentally by owners during setup) and it still requires the code after a power disconnect.

Could be different on vehicles exported to the US.

I've never had one of these radios apart but suspect the code feature is activated/deactivated by a jumper on the board.

Graham

 

More good info, thanks.

I have saved those files, motorcarman. My radio is the one shown in the second file.

Andy

 

Andy, i too have a 1998 with the same radio. No code is required, in fact I'm surprised that i dont have to reset stations or tone control positions after battery disconnect. John