Replacing the radio head unit, can I just buy one off eBay, and do I need some security code with it or just the hardware?

2000 XK8 Coupe, premium sound.

 

European radios were coded in that era and a four digit code is required to unlock them after a battery disconnect.

A very small number of US owners (only 4 that I can recall on this forum) have reported having coded radios fitted to their XK8/XKR's. It is very rare and unlucky to require a radio security code in a US specification vehicle.

Graham

 

Graham, my 2000 XK8 has the original cards and paper work that came with the new cars that have the radio code on them. Don't know why two cards, size of a credit card. So go figure on that.
Now over the years, doing work and disconnecting the battery, the radio will sometimes come on with no prodding, other times it is required. No time frame that I can figure.
So you might get lucky and not need one.
Wayne

 

For those who read about these cards and have never seen one .......





....... if the current owner of my 2001 XK8 has lost the card, this is the number you need!


Graham

 

Here across the pond, we had a x-type and you could bypass the code with a few button presses after it’s locked you out. Google “x-type radio code bypass”. It worked on our little jag/ford. I have my code card for the XK thankfully. Failing that I’m sure the dealer network or give jaguar customer service an email. Good luck.

 

That certainly used to be the case. With VIN and proof of ownership, a dealer would lookup the code and rarely charge for it. Recently we've been getting reports on the forum that dealers claim they can no longer do this.

Graham

 

So that's what the radio code cards look like! I've disconnected the battery in my '05 X8 probably 3 dozen times in the past 1.5 years and have never had to punch in a radio code.

Instructions offered from the other side of the Pond:

Enter any code 3 times so that the display shows "PLEASE WAIT"

Simultaneously press ">>" "PTY" and "A.MEM". Should only take 2 or 3 seconds and the radio turns on.

(You must press all 3 buttons at the same time.)

 

I did not need a code for my U.S. radio replacement, per Graham's post.