Please help! I have a 2004 XJ8 with no key!

[Clairex350]

Hello. My poor car has been sitting for almost 5 months now. My former boyfriend, during an argument, threw my only key into a swampy area. I have searched daily with the snakes, frogs, spiders and all the other bugs to no avail.  I have not been able to find a locksmith to help. Nor am i able to locate the key code. Can a new key be made from the ignition? Can i replace the ignition? Ive had a friend remove the ignition in hopes of locating key code. Can i get a new ignition? What is involved with that? I am at my wits end. Ive wanted a Jaguar since i was a child. I love this car. I dont want to give up. Please, any advice? The ignition is currently out of car. What do i do?

[Old Peter]

Hi Andrea, and welcome to the club.

What has happened to you is appalling.

I think the only thing you could do, other than throwing your former boyfriend into the swamp, is to contact Jaguar in the UK and ask about a new ignition. Giving the VIN number should get the manufacturer the details needed.

Good luck.

Peter.

[The Voices]

A Jaguar dealer should be able to provide the original code and supply a key from the chassis number, they may ask for various 'proof of ownership' information before supplying anything.

The new key fob will need to be programmed to the car, usually main dealer needed to do this ?

[JOE-DOT-COM]

Hi

Any good lock smith should be able to decode the chube lock, as its used on many fords, then once you have a key it need coding to the car so it will start, as it needs to recognise the transponder chip in the keyfob

there are many locksmith in the uk that do this, there should be some where you are

cheers

Joe

[Clairex350]

Thanks to all who have responded and for the warm welcome.  Unfortunately, the VIN number cannot be used to obtain the key code. The dealer offered to order a blank key but i would have to have it cut somewhere else. This high security tibbe key is proving itself to be extremely secure from those with ill-intent. I found information advising my key code can be found on a sticker on the lock cylinder. I have had the ignition removed, but its another dead end. I must have the key to remove the cylinder from the plastic ignition housing. The largest locksmith company here in the panhandle of Florida has told me they cannot touch it. Today, I will be contacting a couple of European Auto Technicians here locally that I have been referred to. Wish me luck!

ClaireX350

[Old Peter]

Good Luck, Andrea.

It is worth getting two keys while you are sorting this out.  I always carry my key and a key to my wife's car and she does the same.

Regards,

Peter.

[PeterHandscope]

How much a locksmith will charge for the getting the two keys?

[Old Peter]

Welcome to the club, Na.

You can get two key fobs without the electronic for about £25. [Palison, 49 Kenly road, London. SW193JJ]  Getting the electrical pad is more difficult and you will need a locksmith for that.

You need to find a good locksmith in your area.

Good Luck

Peter.