Start a Jaguar with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Jaguar with a Dead Key Fob

Starting Your Jaguar

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XK and X150

On the back-up entry page, we noted that there are three distinct Smart Key Styles. Plus, there are two ways to use the original version of the key fob.

To start your Jaguar using the the first version Smart Key fob, insert the Smart Key into the starter control unit on the driver’s side of the vehicle’s dashboard, as shown to the right. You can then press the Start / Stop button and the brake pedal as normal to start the engine.

Beginning in 2013 with the XK and X150 models, the Smart  Key fob is used in the center console. Lift the console lid and slide open the cover of the starter control unit (2) as shown again to the right. Insert the Smart Key fully into the unit. Keep the Emergency Key Blade in place to use as a handle. Press and release the Start / Stop button with the brake pedal as usual to start the engine.

The Smart Key can be undocked with the car in Park and the ignition off. Press the Key to release and pull it out.

With the next two Smart Key versions, while the  warning “Smart Key Not Found” is displayed, hold the Smart Key close to and below the auxiliary switch pack to the left of the steering wheel on the dashboard and press the Start / Stop ignition button and the brake pedal as normal. A small depression will be found in the correct location.

I-Pace, E-Pace, F-Pace, XE and XF

With late model Jaguars , and with the third and fourth versions of the Smart Keys, what must be done depends on whether or not the steering wheel is adjusted manually or electrically.

If it is adjusted manually, hold the Smart Key fob flat against the underside of the steering column, buttons facing down, as shown. Note the markings, three parallel lines, on the steering column that mark to the correct right spot. The Message Center in your instrument panel will display “Smart Key Recognized”. You will need to hold the key fob in place, and press the Start / Stop ignition button and the brake pedal, all at the same time, to start the vehicle.

F-Pace (2017-2020), XE (2016-2019) and XF (2016-2020) need a little thought.

If the steering column adjusts electrically, the process is exactly the same, except that the three parallel lines marking the correct spot are moved to the left side of the steering column. Hold the Smart Key fob against the lines with the buttons facing out, as shown. When the fob is in the right spot, the Message Center in your instrument panel will display “Smart Key Recognized”. Again, the key fob will need to be held in place, and press the Start / Stop ignition button and the brake pedal all at the same time to start the vehicle.

XE, XF, and F-Pace

Beginning with the newest Smart Key in the 2020 XE and the 2021 XF and F-Pace, a new location was introduced. The Smart Key needs to be laid flat against the underside of the dashboard, again below existing switches with the buttons facing out. There is an indent in the dash to held identify the correct spot. The key fob must be held against the while stepping on the brake and pressing the start / stop ignition button.

Check our videos for additional help.

Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.

Jaguar models examined include the E-Pace, F-Pace, I-Pace, F-Type, X-Type, XE, XF, XJ and XK. Model years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

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