Hi guys
I started having intermittent problems with remote control working only sometimes but now packed up altogether. I have fitted a new car battery and key-fob batteries, cleaned the key fobs [ I have the later type key-fobs ] all to no avail.
When I try to re-programme the key-fobs I get the flashing red light on the centre console but the light dos'nt flash when I press a key button.
Could it be a receiver problem, and if so where is it on a convertible?
Appreceiate any help as I have run out of ideas.
Regards
Keith

2003 XKR Convertible

 

Still making no progress with this?

As one fob is intermittent, this does at least mean it's the right one for the car. This leaves the possibility of problems with the security antenna circuit or the fob microswitches.

With no answer about the location of the receiver from the many convertible owners here, I asked 'steveinfrance'. His answer is:

It's not very accessible. It fixes to a bracket which is part of the roof mechanism.
It has an eyelet on its far end which is bolted to this bracket and then it disappears downwards.
It obviously moves with the top so must loop somewhere.
You might well be right in thinking it has fatigued off. In the JTIS for removing the hood there are some views of it but it says simply to unbolt and set aside - no mention of a connector.

He can't lower the top to investigate further because it's pouring down in the Dordogne this afternoon but this should get you started on tracing the antenna feed.

Graham

 

The reciever is inside the SCM (Security and Locking Module). This module is below the boot fusebox, which must be unbolted for access. The coaxial connector/cable coming out of the box is the antenna cable. There are two circuit boards inside. One is the SCM computer, and the other smaller one is the reciever.

It would be wise to disconnect the battery first if you are going to mess with it.

 

Thanks Graham and WhiteXKR, at least I know where the problem may lay after your help. Graham, please thank "steveinfrance" for his help. Is there anything else you think could be my problem.
Thanks
Keith

 

Keith,

It's quite possible the cable connection from SCM to antenna is damaged with flexing from lowering and raising the top over the years. If there's no obvious damage, you could try a temporary bypass connection to check. However, going into the module itself without further guidance from electronics guru WhiteXKR could result in worse trouble.

I'd still be doubtful about the microswitches and it's worth £5 for replacements if you're handy with a soldering iron or £20 to have them renewed just to eliminate the possibility.

Graham

 

Actually, I do not believe the antenna cable moves with the top on the convertible. It does fix to a non-moving bracket as Steve described, but it just disappears underneath the mechanism on it's path to the boot.

Have you tried a replacement keyfob, perhaps off of ebay (and be sure to match the part number)? I think the problem is still more likely there.

 

Looked on E-bay for key-fobs but they want £50 for second-hand ones, can I trust them?

 

Used is always a risk but provided the listing includes 'returns accepted' you can always send it back if it's no good.

I've often seen them on eBay UK for £40 or less. Did you search for XJ8 as well as XK8? Both models use the same fob.

Graham

 

I forgot to add, make sure it's a European 433 mHz fob. US ones are a different frequency.

Graham

 

Thanks Graham.
I searched for XJ8 aswell but none of the codes finished BC like mine

 

You'll probably have the same as me: LJE2610-BC

Try Eurojag at Darlington (01325 722777). They break nothing but Jaguars and often have fobs available.

Graham

 

You may well be right, as Graham said it is absolutely foul here - thunder, lightning, power cuts etc. - not top down weather !
A simple check now you know where the antenna socket lives would be to pull the connector and shove the bared end of a bit of single core cable into the centre pin on the box. If the cable was long enough to tape to the open boot lid (without grounding it) you'd have a known good antenna to lay that ghost.

 

Graham
Do you think it is worth trying a battery re-boot first, ie remove negative lead and touch it to the positive.

 

Steve
Thanks for your help
Keith

 

A.f.a.i.k. a reboot doesn't clear the security module. If it did, this would be a very simple way for thieves to bypass the system.

Graham

 

keyfob is the most likely cause. Have you tried using either the boot release botton or headlight on button when coding it to the car?
Being that they get much less use, this should establish if the transmitter fob is putting out a reliable signal. Then you can confirm faulty contacts on the main buttons.

 

Hi all
Just an update, its not the key fobs, as I have had them tested at an electronics shop! Will try the antenna fix that Steve suggested next.
Cheers

 

Were they able to tell if the fob was sending a coded signal, or just that it was radiating ... i.e. sending something? (I'm asking only because a failure at receiver end is so uncommon.)

 

Dennis, do you have to get so technical?
No mate, the only thing I was told is that it emits some sort of signal when a button is pressed,
Now you've got me worried again!
Regards
Keith