Defender EKA code delay

**Rurover** · 30th July 2020, 12:22 PM

A couple of days ago, the battery in my 2013 Defender key fob died, so naturally I replaced it with a new one.
However, on reading the owner's manual, it seems you MUST replace the battery before the old one dies or the security system locks you out.
In fact the battery replacement process has to be done while sitting in the driver's seat, or again the security system goes into lockout mode.

So I rang the local dealer and asked for my EKA (Emergency Key Access) code so I could reset the system.
"Er, sorry", they said, you have to contact J-LR Australia Customer Service via their "hotline" number 1800 625 642,
Which I duly did.
They then informed me that I have to send them an E-Mail with attached documentation proving that I own the vehicle and proving my identity. So I sent the rego papers, the purchase papers and my passport details as requested.

They replied quite promptly, to inform me that the request had to be sent by them to the UK head office of J-LR, as they are the only ones who have access to the EKA database.
However, due to the current COVID-19 issues the request could take from TWO TO FOUR WEEKS to process!!

So it seems I may be stuck without the vehicle for up to a month, simply because my key fob battery ran out of juice. Not happy!!

In fact I do wonder why the EKA code is not given to the owner at time of purchase as part of the vehicle handover process. Why do J-LR keep it hidden in their secret database as though it's some sort of national security issue?

Alan

**RobMichelle** · 30th July 2020, 07:24 PM

Wowser that sux
Rob

**onebob** · 30th July 2020, 11:16 PM

Originally Posted by RobMichelle

Wowser that sux
Rob

The EKA code is found on the security information card supplied with your vehicle.

**onebob** · 30th July 2020, 11:18 PM

The EKA code is found on the security information card supplied with your vehicle.

**Rurover** · 31st July 2020, 08:06 PM

Onebob,

I was not given that information.

I recall that when I bought the vehicle, (second hand) I did ask the dealer for the EKA code, but was told I'd not be likely to need it and that if I did, the dealership could arrange to source it for me.
That was pre Corona Virus of course!

Alan

**onebob** · 2nd August 2020, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by Rurover

Onebob,

I was not given that information.

I recall that when I bought the vehicle, (second hand) I did ask the dealer for the EKA code, but was told I'd not be likely to need it and that if I did, the dealership could arrange to source it for me.
That was pre Corona Virus of course!

Alan

Bummer!
However it is possible to change the EKA code with a Nanocom or Hawkeye diagnostic tool - so I’m wondering is the code immediately viewable or is it a case of having to enter it to then enable the option to change it - I dunno but someone who will read this will know I’m sure..
Also thumb thru the pages in your service book and the driver handbook and you might find that the previous owner had handwritten it in the margin on the relevant page or elsewhere in the book .... thats were I found my Radio and EKA
codes [emoji6]

**Rurover** · 4th August 2020, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by onebob

Bummer!
However it is possible to change the EKA code with a Nanocom or Hawkeye diagnostic tool - so I’m wondering is the code immediately viewable or is it a case of having to enter it to then enable the option to change it - I dunno but someone who will read this will know I’m sure..
Also thumb thru the pages in your service book and the driver handbook and you might find that the previous owner had handwritten it in the margin on the relevant page or elsewhere in the book .... thats were I found my Radio and EKA
codes [emoji6]

I actually bought the vehicle with just 8,000km on the clock so the old owner did not leave me with any handy tips in the owner's manual.
If I get desperate,I might try to find someone with a Nanocom tool to see whether that can be used to gain access to the code.
I did try using my spare remote, but to no avail. Either it's battery is also dead (unlikely, sine it's never been used) or it too has been locked out by the vehicle's security system.

My next vehicle will be an Ineos Grenadier I think.... hopefully less bloody electronics!

Alan

**big harold** · 4th August 2020, 05:53 PM

I have asked for my EKA codes and received a prompt response from
Janelle
Administrator
Customer Relationship Centre
Jaguar Land Rover Australia

T: 1300 787 803 - Jaguar
1800 625 642 - Land Rover
E: [email protected]

Maybe worth a try
Mark

DiscoMick · 4th August 2020, 06:30 PM

If you take the fob out of range of the vehicle, change the battery, and then come back into range, does the vehicle realise the battery has changed?
It didn't on my 2009 Defender.

**donh54** · 5th August 2020, 12:07 PM

I changed the battery in my mate's D4 proximity fob just the other day. Had no issues at all.

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