just bought 1998 xk8 conv. no service records, etc with car. took vin number to local Jag dealer to get stereo code. Service man told me I have to remove radio from dash to get the serial number in order for him to give me code. Does this sound correct? If so, how hard is it to remove radio?

Thanks.

 

Is your radio asking for the code to operate? Most models exported to the US do not need the radio code after a battery disconnect.

 

+1

The Radio Code is primarily aimed at the UK market where theft from vehicles is common.

Although the usual spec is for US vehicles NOT to be coded, I've known US owners ask for information about this feature before but never seen a follow up confirming whether it really was needed or not.

Code locked radios display this when the set is switched on after battery disconnection:

Code _ _ _ _

The 4 digit code has to be entered using the radio keypad. The values entered appear replacing each of the four bars and the radio operates after entry of the fourth number. The code is held in memory and only ever needs to be re-entered if the battery is completely discharged or disconnected again.

Jaguar Dealers can look up the Radio Code using the 'Dealer Direct Warranty System' (a system allowing any Jaguar Dealer around the world to check the build specification and warranty work on any Jaguar) provided the radio hasn't been changed. If the radio has been changed, then the set must be removed to get the Serial No from a label attached to the set.

Reverend Sam, producer of many excellent 'how to' videos, has one on removing the Centre Console:

Jaguar XK8 Center Console Removal - YouTube

This shows how to remove the radio.

Graham

 

I was asking for the code as a precaution in case I disconnected the battery... sounds like I may not have to worry about it.

Thanks for the information

 

My car came with a Code Card but didn't need it when I replaced the Battery.

 

As quoted by Paul
Ditto I had the battery disconnected many times and never needed it.

 

I know this is the XK forum, but would like to know if I don't need the code for my '95 X300 either? I haven't had to disconnect or recharge the battery since I got it, but would like to be prepared, if necessary. I have & needed the code for my XJ40 a couple times.

 

Can't comment on whether you will or won't.

The bad news is there's nothing on the radio to show if it's a coded set. A.f.a.i.k. there's no way of displaying the code on a working radio.

From Paul and Doug's posts, I was thinking it may be possible for the dealer to disable radio code locking with their WDS.

Graham

 

I think that's correct. I believe that Radios that normally need a Code can be re-programmed to never need it again. The originally supplied code card is then not needed.

I was with a Friend when he bought a older Cadillac that needed a code. He went to a Cadillac Dealer and they had to Phone Detroit and got a code that Reset the Radio to never need a Code again.

 

That sounds like a master code to disable any radio specific code. Good bet other manufacturers have a similar arrangement.

I've had the case open on a Jaguar radio to see if there was a jumper like a PC BIOS reset but there was no sign of one.

Graham

 

Just changed my battery cables and my car radio needs a code. I did not receive a code card with my vehicle. This sucks! 2002 xkr

 

Reverand Sam made it look so easy... I guess I will save my gas and go pull it out myself.

 

update...removed the center console which was extremely easy. Found a 4 digit code on a sticker on the underside of the console. I entered it and I now am getting a please wait on the radio screen for the last 10 minutes. I did not see anything printed on the radio itself. Earlier in the day after I first hooked my battery back up and it asked for a code, I tried 4321 just to see what it would do and CODE popped right back up. It seems as if it accepted this 4 digit code by at least giving me the "please wait" message. Can anyone chime in as to what it is doing?

 

Coded radios operate immediately the fourth number is keyed in. If the wrong number is keyed, they lock for 10 minutes before you can re-enter a code.

The idea is a deterrent to make it very time consuming for anyone to start by entering 0001 and running through sequential numbers to find the correct code.

Graham

 

yep.lol just found that out. Removed radio completely. The one sticker that may have contained a code was faded to the point you couldnt read it. OFf to the dealer this week. I cant drive it without a radio. I would be forced to listen to that dash squeak and go crazy!