Does anyone know what is involved in changing the ignition switch barrel in my 2002 XK8, It is getting difficult to turn and unreliable. Do I need to change the exciter ring to suit the new lock and key, or can the new key be reprogrammed to the old key, and who can do this kind of work? I'm in Southern California. I know how to physically change the barrel, just don't know how to make it work!

 

The dealer can order a replacement lock assy (if they are still available?) with the correct key code and the original keys should still work.

If you change the lock barrel with a different TIBBE cut then the replacement keys need to be configured to the car.
Did you try your other keys to see if they fit and work better??

 

I only have the one key!