Open a Jaguar or Land Rover with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Jaguar or Land Rover with a Dead Key Fob

• First, if you are already inside, click here for help getting started!
• Second, for video help, click here!
• Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.

Retrieving the mechanical key

Jaguar and Land Rover use four versions of Smart Keys fobs. For the first one, press and hold the release button while pulling the key blade from the Smart Key (remote control or ‘clicker’) body. The release button must be pressed as well to return the key blade.

For the second, press and hold the release button on the side of the fob, while lifting the emergency (mechanical) key blade cover from the Smart Key body. Extract the emergency key blade and unfold. On some models, the lock cylinder (keyhole) at the back of the door handle will be visible. If so, use the key blade to unlock the door.

The third version, used by both Jaguar and Land Rover, hides the mechanical or emergency key beneath a chrome cover on one side of the fob. Slide the side cover towards the top of the fob as shown to release and remove it. The mechanical key can then be slipped out the same way and unfolded.

Note that we have seen fobs from Land Rover that are missing their fold out keys! If you run into this, you will, unfortunately, need to get in touch with your dealer as soon as possible.

The newest version of the fob is thankfully a simple side button press (arrow, right) and a pull. The mechanical key is the key ring end of the fob. We have seen two instances of mechanical keys missing from key fobs in the previous styles. This will not be an issue with the newest fob.

Vehicles using the versions 3 and 4 key fob all have hidden key holes, so move to the next steps, below.

Getting Inside

If the keyhole is not visible, insert the key blade into the slot at the base of the door lock cover located near the back of the driver’s door handle and lift slightly to pry away the lock cover and expose the lock cylinder. The key blade will need to be twisted slightly as well. If you are in the dark, you may need to feel for the slot. Yes, you must pry off a piece of the car. It is uncomfortable but necessary and will uncover the hidden keyhole.

For the Land Rover and some Jaguars built after 2015 and using the Style 3 key fob, the process is just slightly different. There is still an access hole or slot beneath the key hole cover. Insert the key blade into the slot and press down on the cover slightly. Gently lever the key blade upwards and rotate the lock cover upwards to release it. And again, yes, you are prying off a piece of the car.

Once you have exposed the lock cylinder, use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door. The alarm sounds until the Smart Key is positioned correctly. To disarm the alarm continue to Starting Instructions in Part II.

The Range Rover Velar, first offered in 2018, takes a page from the Tesla play book. Its door handles reach out when the driver touches it while an active key fob is present. They will remain fixed if the key fob’s battery is dead or there is interference. The Land Rover Evoque and Jaguar I-Pace now feature the new handle as well. Other models will likely follow.

The lock cylinder is hidden behind the flush handle. To get at it, press the front of the handle. The rear of the handle will be pushed out. Pull the entire handle out to the fully deployed position.

Once you have exposed the lock cylinder at the rear of the handle, use the mechanical key, which is the same in this model as others built since 2015, to unlock the driver’s door. Again, the alarm sounds until the Smart Key is positioned correctly. To disarm the alarm continue to Starting Instructions in Part II.

Also, check out our videos for additional Land Rover help.

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.