Coded keys

[g4syv]

I've just contacted my local dealer Guy Salmon, Oxford, to order a new coded ignition key and I must say that they were very helpful. The new key is only £45 or so which is less than I expected but to "code" the key to the car is another £45. I have bought (on e-bay) spare remote fobs and "coded" them to the car which was very easy. Can I buy the key and "code" it myself or is this a main dealer job only? .....£90 is a lot cheaper than having a car recovered to a garage !!!!
The car is late 1997.
Thanks
Richard

[JohnFrewer]

Unfortunately they will have to code the key. It's not the same as doing the fobs I gather. £45 is a bit steep. For my X300 they waived the charge for programming and for my XK8 they charged me £25 to code three keys. The fobs I did myself.

[g4syv]

Just a quick update on my posting for a spare key. I noticed my local locksmith was displaying a sign stating that they could "cut" keys for the "New Ford Coded locks".... and although I don't like to admit it in public...Ford? Jaguar ? it was worth a try.. £35 later and one new "coded" Jaguar key. I'm glad I hadn't found time to order one from the garage.

Thanks
Richard

[GrandTourer]

Just a quick update on my posting for a spare key. I noticed my local locksmith was displaying a sign stating that they could "cut" keys for the "New Ford Coded locks".... and although I don't like to admit it in public...Ford? Jaguar ? it was worth a try.. £35 later and one new "coded" Jaguar key. I'm glad I hadn't found time to order one from the garage.

Thanks
Richard

Well done Richard. I found some spare parts are very competitive from my dealer but some actions, ie key programming, are preposterous in cost terms.
I'll have to look around locally, if we have similar locksmiths.

[RAJ]

Is it possible for the key to cause electrical problems?

Ray

[mike020150]

It is possible. Keys can lead hard lives (being dropped etc) but are usually pretty reliable. Key readers have probably been known to cause more problems. Mike.