I thought I read in this forum that 98 Xk8 did not have a chip in the key. I ordered a new non chipped key, The key turns in the ignition switch, all dash lights do the self check, but the starter doesn’t engage. I looked at the one key I do have that works and it looks like it’s a chipped key. Can anyone verify if I need a chipped key? Thanks as always.

ltd

 

I can't specifically answer the question, as we all have chipped keys in the UK. But you can test the theory by using your new key to try and start the car whilst holding the old key near to enough to activate the chip. If it works, then you need a chip!

 

Check out the thread below. Post #5 by DevonDavid has an excellent pic of what to look for.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...on-key-181867/

 

'98 onwards key has chip.

 

You can add a chip to the key. Find a Megamos 13 (check eBay, pretty cheap). The next step is to somehow find the (software) tools to make the car re-program all keys (new and old) to work. There are mobile locksmiths ($$), the dealer, or possibly scan tools (my Foxwell claims it does this, but only on later cars) and of course IDS/SDD. To my knowledge, these earlier chips can also technically be cloned, but I am unsure of the logistics to get this done. There are quite a few web offers out there, but they typically work with pro locksmiths only.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

The software for IDS/SDS seems low price, I would need a cable, the laptop I have. I’ll have to look into this.