Getting key cut for 97 XJ8

[ptjs1]

I need to get another key cut for my XJ8 but I'm not sure of the best way to go about it.

was under the impression that JDHT were the only official Jaguar source for getting keys cut for later Jaguars. If you go to your dealer, they validate your details and then JDHT cut the keys from their key code records.

Does this mean that no-one, either Jaguar Dealers or High Street key cutters will cut a replacement key for my XJ8?

It's fairly cheap to pick up blanks on ebay but that seems a false economy if I can't get it cut anywhere cheaply.

Anyone got any experience on this?

Tks

Paul

[Brakebuster]

its not the key thats the problem,

its the transponder chip moulded into the plastic that has to come from Jaguar that you need,

if you look at the plastic end of the key you will see a small plastic moulded imprint about 4mm across and shaped like a ' D ', below this is a transponder chip that you security system reads to allow you to start the car, without this chip its a no go situation,,


and from memeory , Jaguar only charge £20 for supplying and cutting the key, they may well even prog it in for you as well if they like you , lol

BB

[essexguy]

Hi, I have just purchased one of these XJ8 cars and I am delighted with it.

However, I need a spare key. I have been told by my Jaguar Dealers that the key and the reprogramming will cost £100.00 all in.
I know we all need to make a living, but this is outrageous greed.
Can someone please tell me if there is any other way to get a spare jkey and get it programmed.
Richard

[ptjs1]

Richard,

You could try going down to your nearest Timpsons. They can provide the key and cut it and programme it against your existing key. From memory, they charged about £35. It's where I got mine done. I bought a blank on ebay and then Timpsons charged me £25 to cut and programme. But to be honest, if it is only about £35 for the whole job, then it's not worth providing your own.

Worth looking at.

I'm also surprised at the £100 figure from Jaguar Dealer. Try phoning a few others, I'm sure my local dealer were only talking about £40 last year when I spoke to them.

Good luck

Paul

[malclamour]

I have a 1998 X308, and only 1 key....Yesterday I telephoned Sturgess Jaguar in Leicester, and was quoted £275 to supply a spare key including programming.....Have decided to manage with one key....Malclaqmour

[ptjs1]

malclamour,

Your profile doesn't say where you are located but this could be an option for you at £55:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JAGUAR-KEY-XJ ... 1236wt_932

As I mentioned, any Timpsons branch should be able to provide the transponder key, cut it and programme it to your existing key. So you can probably have your extra key for less than £50 at current prices (£35 in Jan 2010). The only difference will be that it doesn't have the little Jaguar logo in the middle, but I'm not sure the logo is worth £225!

Good luck

Paul

[malclamour]

Paul, thanks for info. took your advice finished up on eBay and made a bid for £55 key......had trouble paying, as distance to Market Harborough, and Seller had no facility for card payment. I hope I have this right, but am probably in for £55 anyway.

[ptjs1]

Do come back and tell us how you get on. It's always good to hear if someone finds a cost-effective way to keep our cars on the road!

Paul

[malclamour]

I am located in Market Harborough......after being frightened by the estimate (£ 275) for a spare key at sturgess Leicester (Parts Dept.)...tried Ebay as suggested and bid £55 , however turned out that the service only applied within a distance of 25 miles, and I am 135 miles away. To cut a long story short the seller was very decent about it and cancelled the sale...I then tried Timpsons and a very nice chap said it could not be done for the X308. ....Must soldier on with one key !!!! Malclamour....( my car is a 1998 Jaguar Sovereign V8 engine)

[robv12]

finding the correct keys is difficult for our cars, the Tibbe key is the same as used on Fords, BUT they have one extra cut on them, most Tibbe machines will not cut a Jaguar key without an extra set of jaws attached to the cutter

I have only ever found one locksmith anywhere even close to me, and I have searched Scotland and the NE of England high and low, who can do the correct cuts, I supply him with the blanks, I have a few non Jaguar branded non transponder blanks left if you need one

This guy is in Newcastle upon Tyne, they ahve never let me down, here is the link

http://www.newcastlelockandsafe.co.uk/

if you are confident at reading the cuts on your key they will do it via mail order for you, otherwise you will need to post your only key up to them

they carry transponder blanks as well

hope this helps

[malclamour]

Tried the Chap on Ebay, however his key cutting service is restricted to 25 miles, and I am in Leicestershire 135 miles away...He was very decent about it and cancelled my Ebay bid........Next tried Timpsons, who were willing but apparently there is a third notch on the X308 keys which they cannot handle....Have now purchased a complete XJ key fob from Ebay cost £17 including postage, and hoping to present this to Jaguar main dealer and plead for a cheap fix in programming it.....The car is in the local garage at the moment having cut out with the message "ENGINE STALLED"....Must get it to Main Dealer for complete check......Malclamour...Market Harborough...1998 Jaguar Sovereign 78,000 miles.

[ptjs1]

malclamour,

Just to clarify, Timpsons CAN cut and programme an x308 key. The only potential issue is, as Rob says, the Tibbe key for an X308 has one extra cut on it compared to most Tibbes keys. If your local Timpsons doesn't have the machine with the extra set of jaws, they should just be "reading" the key code and sending the blank to one of their other branches who will do it. I had the same issue as my local Timpsons was a very small outlet with only a 4-cut machine, so they just sent the key to a bigger outlet of theirs to be cut and then programmed it to my original key back at the original outlet and charged me £35. Don't let your local Timpsons fob you off! They definitely can arrange to do it!

If you have the key blank, that will be the cheapest option; much, much cheaper than trying to persuade your dealer, I would think.

Good luck

Paul

[malclamour]

Finally got Timpson local branch to send off blank for treatment and return...Cost £60....still cheaper than Main Dealer. Thanks for advice...Malcolm

[ptjs1]

malclamour,

Well done for persevering! Glad you got it sorted. And as you mention, quite a bit cheaper I guess just for not having a growler badge on the key!

PAul