2001 XK8

[orangecar]

Good morning all,

Any advice on the following most welcome.

I have a 2001 XK8 Convertible. I recently changed the battery in the key fob as the central locking would not work. Nor would the boot release or headlamp button. It wasn't the battery as it was still not working. All of a sudden everything was okay. Since then it has worked most of the time but I have noticed that when it doesn't the steering column does not raise/lower itself automatically as it should do when the key is put in the ignition or taken out. Is the ignition part of the alarm system? Even when I lock the door manually the indicators do not flash to show the alarm has activated. Any ideas?

Regards
Stuart

[a8hex]

With most modern cars the alarm and key fob need to be re-programmed unless the batteries are swapped very quickly.

Not sure about the XK but on my XJ there is a trick way to do it without having access to the full diagnostic system. Maybe someone else here can give you a hint as to how.

[Triple7]

Although the fob may signal the car to unlock the doors, it is the cars battery that does all the work. These cars are very susceptible to spurious faults when the battery is on the way out or the voltage output is only 0.5v low. When was the battery last changed?

[Tame Technician]

Sticky "key-in" switch within the ignition lock. The car still thinks the key is in, and in this state all remote funtions are inhibitted. Thats also why the column doesnt move.

Carefully sqirt a bit of WD40 in there, mind the flap doesnt trap the WD straw thingy. Then work the key in and out for a min or two, should then be fine.

Wont be a programing issue if it works from time to time, If the remote needed programing it wouldnt work at all ever, until you reprogrammed it.

[orangecar]

Thanks for all your help guys especially TAMETECHNICIAN ! I just checked the car before reading your reply. Now the steering column is working correctly and so is the alarm. Whilst fiddling I noticed there is a small flap that covers the entrance to the ignition (where the key is inserted). This flap was stuck open this morning which made the key feel different in the barrel. I am hoping that it just needs some WD40 to solve the problem.
thanks again
Stuart

[fatboy b]

This happened with my Audi the other week. I started the car, turned it off, locked he door on the key, then the remote sprung back into life.