So my car didn't come with a Radio code but I needed to disconnect the battery to take care of a few maintenance items. I bought a code from a site called radio-code.com because the user's manual says I'll need it if I ever disconnect the battery.

Anyway, after disconnecting the battery and resolving a few issues I reconnected the battery and turned on the radio. Low & behold the radio works fine. It didn't ask for any code. Should I be surprised? Does the battery need to be disconnected for more than so many minutes/hours before the code is necessary? I'd like to confirm that I have the correct code for the radio before I find out that I really need it. If the radio has been replaced in the car the guys at radio-code.com will help get me the code for a replaced radio within a reasonable period of time. But if I find out next year that the radio isn't the OEM unit I'll have to buy another code.

What's the drill please?

 

Coded radios are mainly on European specification vehicles. We've had a few (less than 10) reports of coded radios fitted in US specification vehicles.

Whenever I disconnected the battery on any of my earlier Jaguars, the security code was always required regardless of how brief the disconnection period. I think you have proved yours is not coded.

Graham

 

^^ What he said. The overwhelming majority of Jaguars built for the U.S. market do not require the 4-digit radio code. My former 2005 S-Type was one of the rare exceptions....

 

This is good to know. I always wondered if one day (and I never had) a code would be needed. A code I didn't have.

Soooo, to the OP,,, how much did you pay for the "code"?

 

@#$^*!. So I bought a code I don't need. $^%*! the owner's manual anyway.

So Radio-code.com charges $36 US for a radio code for any make or model. They also realize that some cars are old enough that the OEM unit may have been replaced and will provide an alternate code if the OEM code doesn't work. But you have to remove the radio unit and provide the part number/serial number from the back of the radio unit. It's a drag if you need to but at least they'll make sure you'll get a valid code for your $36. Not sure what happens if you buy a code you didn't REALLY need. If I get an answer to my inquiry from Radio-code.com regarding this issue I'll let you know.

#%^! and thanks.

 

my 2003 xkr requires a radio code. located in USA

 

Believe it or not my 1990 xjs requires a code.
who wouldah thunk it?
it's always sumpthin!
​​​​​

 

My 2000 XK8 requires one also, Comes with a card about the size of a credit card and a book just for the radio.

 

As does my 2000 XKR...both the card with code, and the book...thick book .

 

Reviving an older thread as I am getting ready to do the timing chains and tensioners on my (new to me) 2001 XK8 convertible. Trying to get my ducks all in a row before I start, and found that I do not have a radio code in any of my owner's handbooks. The Audio systems Handbook is a very thin (15-20 pages maybe) and there was no card in it as described. What are my options if the radio does not work on reconnecting the battery? I am never one of those lucky ones for whom everything just works.
Thanks for any suggestions.

 

You could try the code source suggested in TropicCat's post #5.

Graham

 

You could also call the Jaguar dealerships in Cary or Greensboro, provide your VIN, and ask if they can provide your car's radio code. They may want some sort of proof of ownership first. Worth a try....

 

Ok. I'll try the dealers first and see how much they charge, if anything. Thanks!

 

No code required and my dealer JLR Laval confirmed with my serial number

Michel

 

Hopefully that will be true for me as well. Will see soon.Thanks.