My XK8, two months in my possession, has a number of strange electrical problems. None are serious, but I'd appreciate any opinions on the following.

I replaced the battery in the key fob, cleaned the inside of it and had it programmed. (For some reason it never works for me, no matter how many times I do it). A few days ago it just stopped working. I can live with that, reluctantly, but, suddenly, as of a few days ago, I can't set the alarm with the door key anymore. When I turn the key it either makes the long, shrill ping associated with a door being open, or no noise at all.

The other thing is the wing mirrors haven't worked since day one. Do these have a specific fuse? Honestly I'm not terribly worried about this, and if it's a burnt-out motor then I can live without them as they're in an acceptable position already.

I ask about fuses because when I got it, several fuses were blown and/or the wrong voltage. I've since replaced and corrected the order of them.

The final thing is, the dash lights sometimes flicker a bit. I suppose the battery could be getting on, and I will replace it in due course, but not until I figure out how to sort out the radio (I have no code, and it a darkened screen anyway).

 

For the locking one, do you see any messages that suggest that a door, trunk or bonnet is open? They all have switches to indicate being close and you can't lock the car when the contacts aren't made. But for any of those, you should see a message on the instrument cluster.

Not sure about the wing mirrors but the dash bulbs might be a loose or dirty connection. the instrument cluster is rather sensitive so it is advisable to disconnect the battery before removing it and cleaning the connections.

Like you say, you'll want to sort out the radio question but I believe you can call the dealer and give them the VIN from the car to get the code.

 

Hi there, and thanks for replying,

No, no warning. Checked all doors, too. It does lock, it just doesn't alarm. By going through the process of programming the key fob (which, as I say, doesn't work, though the car does beep—the fob just doesn't respond) I've been able to get the alarm back on, but it can only be set manually, with the key.

 

your XK8 is not in your sig

so we don't know what year it is or nothing


they are on ebay brand new under $100, my guess, your transmitter is weak and not functioning correctly. Most of us on here have your problem, until a brand new remote is bought and programmed

 

Oh, there's a typo in my sig. Should say XK8, not XJ. Shall fix now.