New Member

[Zennan101]

Hi everyone,
I have recently purchased a 2004 XK8 Coupe with just 32k on the clock and a complete Jaguar Service History. It's my first Jaguar and I intend to use it as my everyday car. My wife thinks I am mad but it is such an addictive drive how can I resist. My dog thinks he has been upgraded from the back of a Mercedes estate to being just behind the boss with his pick of rear seats (well covered up!) so that's one problem overcome. Visits to B&Q and the dump seem somewhat more challenging! One or two minor problems with the car to sort but nothing to serious. First priority will be to replace the components that will have degraded because of age rather than lack of attention.
One niggle is that Î have two speedo bulbs to replace. From the research I have done it seems that the battery should be disconnected to do this...although clearly some have not.....with all the extra work involved following battery reconnection it seems rather a blanket approach. Does anyone know if the speedo assembly connections can be isolated by pulling a fuse to simplify the procedure?

[mike020150]

Welcome to the bulletin board. Disconnecting the battery is quite straightforward. You do need the radio code and you will have to reset the window drop but neither task takes more than a minute. Not disconnecting and making a mess of the electronics by accidentally shorting something isn't worth the risk of not disconnecting. Bearing in mind the work involved to get to any of the main dash bulbs (including removal of the steering wheel and its airbag) it's worth renewing all the bulbs at the same time. This is probably why the bulbs haven't been changed when they failed! Good luck. Mike.

[Zennan101]

Hi Mike,

Many thanks for your prompt response. I appreciate it.

I have no problem with dealing with the radio and windows but is that all Î will really lose by disconnecting the battery? From what I have read disconnecting the battery will also result in having to reset the idle speed, lose auto box settings, seat settings, trip settings and any error codes left in the engine and gearbox management systems. I am not doubting your experience and apologize if it seems that way but I'd really like to get the 'simple' job done without walking into unexpected problems. Ok I accept some of these may be trivial and easily dealt with but I'd like the complete picture before I start.

I am on a steep learning curve here and I need a confidence boost......

Kind regards
Rod

[mike020150]

Hi Rod,
You won't have to reset the idle speed. The gearbox simply relearns your driving style over the first 200 miles of driving without any intervention from you and the seat and trip settings are minor inconveniences. Error codes are not erased by disconnecting the battery and if you have any issues causing error codes, IMHO they probably require sorting ahead of an odd blown instrument bulb. The biggest issue is handling the airbag safely. If you have any doubts about the safety routines necessary, have a specialist replace the dash bulbs for you. It's always better to lose a few pounds (£) than damage yourself and the car. Mike.

[Zennan101]

Hi Mike,
Thanks again for the reply. To be honest I don't know if I have any codes I was just being cautious...getting a reader is on my to do list.....relieved that I don't have to worry about the idle or gearbox that's good to know. Agree trip is no big deal and seat is not a problem for me but my good wife will give me an earful as she thinks she has her settings 'just so'
The only part of your comments that is still puzzling me is the reference to the steering wheel removal and the dreaded air bag. From Yountube research it seems that this is not a necessary action as the unit can be released without s/w removal..could it be because yours it a later model than my 2004?
Your advice is noted. I would rather pay to get the job done properly rather than risk additional problems.
Rod

[mike020150]

Hi Rod,
In order to see what you are doing, the instrument cluster needs to be removed and, to get it out without damage, the steering wheel needs to be displaced which is the Jaguar recommended method. However, that's not to say that it could be the only conceivable method possible of changing the bulbs. That's highly unlikely. Nevertheless, whichever way you look at it, access behind the dash is very tight and the instrument cluster is a key part of the car's electronics including the security system. Thus, accidentally damaging any part of the cluster and all its complex wiring carries a significant risk of worse problems than poor instrument illumination which is why I am recommending a conservative approach and the standard procedure. Mike.

[Zennan101]

Hi Mike,

Many thanks for your advice and your patience. Neŵ bulbs saved for another day.......I can live with the problem for now. Rod