Smart Key Programming Advice

Note: For purposes of this document:

“Type 1” Smart Keys are associated with Jaguar X150 and X250 models, equipped with
an SCU/Docking port for “Active Starting”.

“Type 2” Smart Keys are associated with all other Jaguar and Land Rover models.

Type 1 Smart Keys are of a higher security standard and there are greater restrictions on
managing these keys. Take extreme care when replacing the Instrument Pack on these vehicles,
as well as knowing what order to perform certain key programming routines to avoid the
possibility of “scrapping” keys. Only properly trained Jaguar service technicians should be
allowed to complete key programing or related security component replacement, especially the
Instrument Cluster.

NOTE: Any time key programming is required on Type 1 Smart Keys, including when configuring
an Instrument Pack as new, SDD will delete all key info from the Instrument Cluster. Any keys not
currently present during these procedures will be “scrapped”. Always obtain all customer keys in
advance of performing any key programing on Type 1 vehicles.

Type 2 Smart Keys are designed in such a way that “scrapping” is no longer an issue, but
technicians without proper training on these systems might still have difficulty doing anything
other than simply adding additional keys.

General Best Practices:

Observe general best practices for all work involving SDD, including; use of Midtronics power
supply, vehicle battery condition, ensuring SDD is properly maintained, and following all key cycle
prompts etc. These factors are of greater concern whenever programming keys or any security
related component.

Vehicle Health Check:

Ensure vehicle is in good state or repair, with all control modules fitted and operational. While key
programming operations are directly reliant upon on a few modules, complete CAN BUS integrity
is required to support robust functionality using SDD for various reasons.

If working to replace control modules, ensure the current diagnostic session is started with the
old/original control modules fitted.

Ensure there are no security related DTC’s for hard faults that need repair, especially any DTC’s
that indicate there are problems with the RF receiver.

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 Smart Key Programming Advice

Is it a New or Existing Key? – Know what you know, and know what you don’t know:

Ensure you know the status of the keys you are working with. When prompted by SDD for
new/existing keys, always enter the correct details.

 For keys you have indicated as being “NEW”: SDD assumes they are “virgin” or
“successfully recovered” keys. It is strongly recommended that keys supplied by your
parts department which are not obviously new/virgin keys, be recovered to a “new” state
before attempting to program them to the current vehicle. (Note: this recovery option is
not possible on Type 1 smart keys)

 For keys you have indicated as being “EXISTING”: SDD assumes they are existing and
currently functional keys for the current vehicle.

Any keys of an unknown state, previously attempted for programming on current or any other
vehicle should not be used for key programming. You must know the status of the keys you are
trying to program. If you need assistance with resolving this issue, contact the Jaguar or Land
Rover Technical Helpline as required.

Fine tune your unlock key press actions:

During key programming steps where SDD prompts to press the unlock button on the smart key
remote transmitter.

 Ensure you follow the EXACT instructions on screen and execute the remote unlock
button press within 5 seconds of acknowledging the instructions and clicking the “green
tick”. This timing is critical to success.

 Hold the key within the confines of the passenger compartment during any unlock button
press to ensure clear transmission path to the RF receiver.

 PRESS AND HOLD the unlock button for the full 5 seconds allotted to press the unlock
button.

Always have at least one key in the vehicle:

When prompted to process keys by leaving them set on the center console, you will be prompted
to exchange key one for key two etc etc,. When swapping single keys for testing during this
process, always have at least one key in the vehicle at all times.

Example - Programming 2 keys: When swapping one key for the other, bring the second key into
the vehicle BEFORE, removing the first key to a place over 3 meters/10 feet away.

If programming more than 2 keys, repeat the process for each swap, ensuring you bring the
NEXT key into the vehicle before removing the previous one.

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 Smart Key Programming Advice

When SDD displays “Key Programming Successful”:

The diagnostic software developers often have to write procedures against less than perfect
component specifications and capabilities. SDD has some limitations for how it is able to interpret
key programming results. The fact is, SDD tends to be “optimistic” and can report success during
key programming steps, which actually failed.

What you need to know about this issue:

 (For all vehicles EXCEPT X150) Instead of following SDD’s advice regarding key
programming success, listen for the “confirmation chirp” from vehicle’s horn during key
programming “unlock press” steps as confirmation that key was learned to the vehicle.
(X150 does not support a confirmation chirp during key programming)
 Keys that were not successfully programmed should not be used for any subsequent
process steps for locking keys or validating keys. Just set them aside and do nothing
when prompted to perform other tasks during that key programming attempt.
 Tag keys that have been programmed to keep track of which keys will need to be treated
as “New” or “Existing” during other programming attempts to complete vehicle repairs. If
a key failed to program/chirp horn, make sure you do nothing else with that key until next
time you attempt key programming and treat that key as it was still new.
 If you must repeat key programming, re-evaluate key status again before indicating key
quantities when prompted by SDD. You may have started with 2 NEW keys, but now
actually have 1 NEW and 1 EXISTING key. Remember the advice “Know what you know
and know what you don’t know”.

IMPORTANT: If working with Type 1 Smart Keys, be very careful with resolving problems with
key programming or instrument cluster replacement. Incorrect assumptions or misuse of
programming tools can cause keys to be “scrapped”; further complicating key programming work
until the scrapped components are identified and discarded. It is highly recommended to obtain
support from the Jaguar Technical Helpline “sooner than later” when encountering difficulties
replacing an Instrument pack or programming keys on Type 1 vehicles.

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 Smart Key Programming Advice

Results during SDD Key Validation Steps

During the various SDD key programming routines, there will be a final “Key Validation” step that
is intended to provide users with a somewhat automated and authoritative result for the recently
attempted key programming. Unfortunately, there are circumstances where negative results are
reported when keys are otherwise correctly programmed and operational.

Additional key programming, recovery or other control module programming must not be carried
out solely based on negative results during a “key validation” process using SDD.

When SDD reports negative results during key validation, make the following manual checks to
directly validate key operation for each key expected to be supplied to the owner.

First verify the following RF based features are operational. (as required based on vehicle
specification/features)
 Verify remote operations are possible using the buttons on the key to remotely lock and
unlock the doors.
 Verify passive entry is possible. ( Test each key separately, keeping all other keys over
10ft from the vehicle)
 Verify passive start is possible. ( Test each key separately, keeping all other keys over
10ft from the vehicle)

Next, disconnect the RF antenna to continue with validation of the vehicle’s back-up “active
starting” system.
 Verify each key can be used to actively start the vehicle using the key docking
station/starter control unit (Type 1 smart keys) or locating the key in the appropriate
location to be detected by the hidden immobilization antenna as per the WSM or Owner’s
Manual. (Type 2 smart keys)

Any keys that fail one or more of these tests will require additional diagnosis and/or programming
before returning the vehicle to your customer.

If all keys tested fail one of these specific tests, it is very likely that one of the vehicle components
associated with that system/feature is at fault. Additional Key programming should not be
attempted before confirming the vehicle is otherwise fault free.

Erase All Existing Keys (Type 1 smart keys)

This function must be used with great caution and only under correct circumstances. Failure to
know the implications of this routine, when not used correctly will often lead to the inadvertent
scrapping of otherwise healthy keys.

Any currently existing keys not available or not included when running this process will become
orphaned and scrapped. There is no process available on SDD to recover Type 1 keys that have
been scrapped. Since Instrument cluster replacement requires all existing keys to be erased
before they can be programmed to the replacement cluster, the same concern applies.

When working through key programming or related control module replacement difficulties, you
may decide that performing an Erase All Existing Keys procedure will help you “reset the vehicle”
to a good starting point, which may be useful in some cases. However, it’s important to remember
the “know what you know, and know what you don’t know” rule, because if you have any keys
that have already been programmed to the vehicle but not included with the Erase All Keys
procedure, they will be scrapped.

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 Smart Key Programming Advice

Key Recovery vs Key Replacement (Type 2 smart keys)

Since all Type 2 smart keys can be recovered to a like new condition, and reprogrammed to a
vehicle, there is no risk for scrapping key hardware. But unless the differences between the
Recover Programmed Keys and Replace Lost/Faulty Keys procedures are understood,
technicians may not understand the current status for the vehicle and/or keys when trying to
resolve smart key or related control module programming failures. It’s important to understand
these details when considering the “know what you know and know what you don’t know” rule.

 Recover Programmed Keys – will recover any existing keys included in this process to a
like new condition without affecting the status of other keys currently programmed to the
vehicle.
 Replace Lost/Faulty Keys – is a 3-step process designed to protect the security of the
vehicle when a key is lost or needs to be replaced, and it works like this.
1. All existing keys currently included during this procedure are recovered to a like
new condition.
2. All existing key data including data about the lost or faulty keys are erased from
the KVM.
3. Any recovered keys and additional “new” keys are programmed back to the
vehicle.

NOTE: Previously existing lost/faulty keys excluded from this procedure will no longer be
recognised as a valid key, providing effective security against theft other than using the key blade
to unlock the door. (Despite using a correctly cut key blade, the vehicle will remain immobilized
and if armed the alarm will sound upon entry)

Stay Informed

Service information is constantly under review for improvements, and new publications are
released often. Do not rely upon a single publication alone since new information is often required
to cover new/unique circumstances. For example; Information explaining vehicle or replacement
component specification changes, issues, or revisions to SDD diagnostic software.

Use the “What’s New”, and search options on TOPIx regularly to help you stay informed as a
qualified and professional Jaguar Land Rover service technician.

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