I purchased the following items from eBay for a total of $55.90:
New Uncut Jaguar Flip Key Switchblade Fob Keyless Entry Remote Head No Remote | eBay
New Jaguar Key Remote Keyless Entry Fob New in Bag Bottom Half Only Flip Key | eBay

First order of business was swapping the transponder chip. My original 2003 key had a Megamos chip whereas the switchblade key had a Texas Instrument chip. Note the oval outline in plastic on the top edge of my 2003 key in the following photo.

The transponder chip is embedded under this area. I carefully cut the 2003 key with a hacksaw and cracked it open to expose the tiny pill shaped transponder. I then carefully cut around where the tibbe blade meets the plastic portion of the 2003 key and separated it as well. It will look something like this:


Next, I separated the top half of the switchblade key (see photo 4). This makes swapping the transponder chip and removing the roll pin much easier. I used a small nail to push out the roll pin. Once the roll pin is out, I removed the uncut tibbe blade and inserted my original cut blade. The portion of the blade that is inserted into the switch blade mechanism will need minor tweaking with a hacksaw and a file to make it fit properly. I also duplicated a small indentation(see photo 2) in the blade to allow the roll pin to seat correctly. I pressed the roll pin back in using my workbench vice.


In the following photo you can see all the separate pieces. You can see my 2003 pill shaped chip on the left side of the photo. Also note the chip (copper color) that came with the switchblade key and where it is positioned in the plastic housing. I swapped the chips and layered some double sided tape in the housing for better insulation. From there I snapped the pieces back together. It takes a little practice to rewind the spring and hold everything together.


I do not believe the eBay item is a genuine Jaguar part. The item is acceptable quality, but the fit and finish is less than perfect. The good news is the emblem on this key appears to be more durable compared to OEM, and the upper half separates easily which again makes swapping the chip and removing the roll pin much easier. I had to use a little plastic epoxy to make everything fit snugly during reassembly due to a broken plastic tab.

The X308 uses a longer 8 cut tibbe key whereas the switchblade is designed for a shorter 6 cut key. I had to remove a small bit of plastic to make the key fit properly in the closed position. I used a combination of a drill, a knife, a file, and a soldering iron (to finish the edges of the plastic).


Finally, I programmed the keyless remote using the following instructions:
1. Pull and hold the headlamp stalk towards the steering wheel (activating the high beams).
2. Turn the ignition to #1 position.
3. Flash the high beams 4 times, car will chirp.
4. Press any button on the remote[s], car will chirp again.
5. Switch off the ignition.

There you have it…the car starts and everything works properly.

 

Ive been waiting for this. Thank you.

 

Good job.

 

Somebody needs to offer that as an upgraded item -- fantastic write up! Thanks.

 

Awesome. I have two keys sitting on a shelf waiting for this conversion I just need a Security Control Module from a newer car than my '98 to try to make this work.

 

awesome, cant wait to do this, i hate my knee hitting the fob

 

can you swap out/ upgrade to later security module on the older x 308? if so, what part number[s]?

 

I have one of these switch blade keys from an 05 x type. Would this work with a 99 vandenplas ?

 

The Key fob for my 99 XJ8 has bit the dust despite my attempts to fix it. Thanks to your post I ordered the parts to make the conversion. Thank you so much!

 

I only have one key , now your inspiration pushes me to make an extra key for this project.

but the original X308 security module will work with the switchable FOB without any modification? please clarify

 

I did not modify anything on the car itself…I only modified the key as shown in my first post. That being said, I can only confirm that everything works on a 2003 model year.

 

Any update on this?

 

Awesome write up. I was planning on doing this and decided to search to see if anyone has tried it. I created a flip key with my Chrysler 300C and I am determined to do this with my golden cat.