I am considering upgrading my XJ8 to a PKE setup with a push button starter. I have done this on much simpler cars before but I have not had to deal with transponders yet.

Anyone tackled this? Is there a way to eliminate the transponder completely so I am starting with a "dumb" key?

 

It won't be simple. Besides the key transponder, you've got to get around how the security module talks to all the other systems.

I'm sure there are other people, especially alarm specialists who are savvy with this kind of thing though. Not saying its impossible by any means, but certainly a challenge.

Regarding the transponder, I did hear about a guy once who just glued his transponder key to the inside of the steering column cowl next to the ignition barrel. You could have started that car with a spoon.

 

You can slide the exciter ring off of the ignition barrel and zip tie a key with transponder to it then bundle it up and replace the cowl.

Then you just need a cut key to start. I suppose you could cut the transponder out of the key and glue it to the exciter ring, same result.

Once you remove the cowl my explanation will make sense.

 

How difficult is to remove the cowl and the ignition barrel? I just bought a new lock set, with 3 keys and all the barrels for the huge amount of 35 pounds, now it's 25 if anybody is interested (from the UK), for LHD cars. If was OK on my 2002 XJ8 driver's door handle so all other locks will fit.
JAGUAR FULL LOCKSET LOCK SET X300 XJ6 XJ8 BRAND NEW !! | eBay

 

Easy- I think it's two screws under the cowl and one set screw for the ignition IIRC