Three weeks ago my '06 XKR lost all it's memory while the dealer was trying to program a new key for the car. The post I made two weeks ago was hopeful that it would soon be fixed. Yesterday the dealer reported that the new key didn't work and the reason was they didn't have the proper program for a 2006 XKR. They contacted another dealer for the program but they didn't have it either. One problem is age and another is they only produced just over 800 units in 2006 because the new design XK's came out in 2007. Hopefully they can find someone who has the proper software so I can get my car back, I've only owned it two months and would really like to drive it more!

 

It sounds like your dealer is as incompetent as my local dealer has become. The last time my car was in for work, they unprogrammed two of my three keys, screwed up almost all of the dealer options, and claimed that none of it could be fixed despite them keeping the car for over a month and claiming that they called in an expert from Jaguar USA. They even said one of the problems was an intentional required software upgrade. I got the software and cable to program it myself, and was able to fix all but one problem (including the bogus "required software upgrade") in less than an hour.

Your dealer's alternative facts: The software was not for just the 2006 XKR; it is the software for tens of thousands of vehicles. Even so, there were about 4000 XK8 and XKR vehicles built in 2006. The site where I bought the software says "Suitable for Jaguar 1998 – 2012, Land Rover 2005 – 2012". Your dealer, like my ex-dealer, almost certainly has the software, just lacks the competence to use it.

You might be able to find another owner in your area who has the software and cable. Or you can buy it for about $125. I bought the kit about 5 years ago and had to replace the cable last year to fix the above problems, as the cables are not very durable. I have no connection to this vendor. http://britishdiagnostics.co.uk/prod...-sdd-v130-kit/ I believe there are other vendors selling similar kits.

 

If it's a proper Jaguar dealer then contact Jaguar Head Office and explain what's happened and express your concerns about the dealer's abilities on this model.

 

To my knowledge, the laptop SDD software to handle any/all issues for our cars is older, but still largely available. The vanilla setup requires a connection to an online service (Topix?) where Jaguar makes a number of things available for all dealers, like TSBs but also binaries for control modules. I assume they do have SDD, otherwise, they would not have offered to reprogram the keys. They are likely somehow not able to obtain the ECU binaries for a specific reflash of your VIN.

The easy answer is that they should fix it as they broke it. The need to somehow reach out to Jaguar dealer support, maybe briefly renew their Topix subscription and reflash your car. The alternative is for them to find a shop better suited for this work and have them do the work.

In parallel, I'd say reach out to the local/regional Jaguar club and ask for a recommendation on a shop, or check their main advertisers. Each area seems to have at least one British car specialist that caters to owners of older cars, long past local dealers have lost interest. These shops are likely to be up on the details of a procedure like this as they are not uncommon.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

That ^^^^^^!

Dealers NEED to be reminded every so often that they are not the boss... I second the idea that you go OVER these people's heads and talk with Jaguar, the company, themselves. In no uncertain terms mention that you are a member of a global forum and that you have, are and will be telling this story to a global membership and although many are SHOCKED at this blunder and incompetence that we, like you, are sure there will be a fair outcome.

The software and programing for these cars IS available.

 

And given that pretty much none of the people on this forum bought their cars from Jaguar, have any intention of buying a new car from Jaguar or ever visiting a Jaguar dealership to get their second hand multiple previous owner car fixed, Jaguar's response will be our business is making and selling new cars, not servicing second hand decades old cars whose owners use this forum mainly to discover ways to fix their own cars, find sources for second hand parts, and there is even a thread lisiting non-Jaguar parts that can be used in place of OEM...

We may all own Jaguars, but very few of us have any intention of giving our money to Jaguar and they know it.

 

At first I was worried because my XKR is a 2006 model too and I haven’t been to a repair shop yet. However, I do agree this may be the repair shop trying to find an easy way out of a problem they themselves git into.

I will express my opinion on Jaguar’s role on this on a follow up reply down the thread.

Wish you luck and will follow closely!

 

I think that, if the shop is either a Jaguar dealer or a specialist certified by Jaguar, the company will look into the matter. They probably will do it not because they think good customer service will eventually strengthen their sales.

They will do it because they need to make sure their dealerships remain competent and to the highest quality standards. They will do it because they have to take care of the reputation of the Jaguar brand. Keeping older cars on the road and in good shape contributes to the prestige of the brand.

In conclusion, I would definitely talk to Jaguar headquarters.

 

Right! Global corporations who make billions and have been making billions over time need take NO responsibility for what they have produced.. Even work hard to not take responsibility for there "true" customers... Profit margins and bean counting is all that should matter...

Me, I would give my money to Jaguar to service my vehicle if driving into a Jaguar dealership wasn't a twilight zone experience like stepping off into another economic universe and alternate economic reality...

 

You didn't notice companies struggling to stay in existence / going broke / laying off workers?

Jaguar, by way of example, are not making billions. Hoping to survive, yes.

OP - it's worth trying the various suggestions posted.

 

All mentioned is due to the drive (the imperative) to keep major and majority shareholders profit to the maxxxx.... That, or lose your seat on the board... There is NO reason, and I'm not only talking about Jaguar, that working people need to step into a alternate economy to simply buy car parts or have a car serviced. I am puzzled at the argument.

Anyways. I'll shut my Yap now. Sorry

 

Well happy day! We called the dealer this afternoon and they said it was just finished and we could pick it up but the bill was 500 dollars over the original $212.00 we paid for the key. My wife said no way because they quoted $170 for programming and what happened to the car was their fault. The service advisor said he would check with his boss and call back. Sure enough he called ten minutes later and agreed to the original quote. We just got back from picking up the car and everything works. Oddly even the radio presets were still in there. Was the problem really in the computer? He said the software they received was wrong and they had to order another version.
I want to thank everyone for their help and support. I am going to get something like an OBD11 so I can be better informed about problems with the car.

 

Glad you got it back in once piece and the dealer did the right thing on the bill.

 

Congrats!!! Glad to hear you are OK now.

John

 

Glad to hear your story had a happy ending!
Congrats for standing your ground and not picking up costs the dealer incurred by itself.
Still think Jaguar hq should hear from you.

 

Good news!

My guess is the dealer figured out how to do something they should already have got right in the first place - and they're probably not going to admit that!

 

I have never set foot in MY local dealer and I hope to keep it that way. I have no business even looking at their wares, however I noticed a separate building that has big windows facing the highway. Seems to be a museum of sorts and I have a feeling I may not be able to resist much longer. I'll just laugh at them when they suggest I look around the new car showroom. I spent several hundred $ on parts and tools, a few weeks and a smashed thumb redoing my front suspension. I don't think I'm their "Type", pun intended.
Glad the outcome was better than originally thought for you. These are not your fathers' Jaguars, so more info that you know the better. TM

 

I had a Flat Tire on the Freeway (I-10) and had to be hauled to the nearest Jaguar Dealer here in Houston....As we approached the Service Center, the Manager ran out waving us away.....We stopped and I got out to find that they would not work on any Jaguar that was older than 2007......After asking to talk to the owner/manager and having a heated conversation with him....He finally told the Service Mgr. that he could sell me a new Tire..... Then found that the Tire cost about $50.00 more than at the Tire Shops. Why didn't I just go to a Tire Shop? The incident occurred about a half mile from the Dealer.....

Billy Clyde in Houston

 

We have a wonderful indie shop in our general area that specializes in British vehicles. I rarely have to utilize them for assistance, but it is always good to know that they are willing to help when needed. They were closed for awhile due to the pandemic and may now be operating only on a limited basis....