Speedo needle not illuminating

[kevin971]

I don’t know if anyone else has had this before, but I thought I would share my experience this one in case anyone finds it helpful to keep down the costs of running an XK..
I have a 2011 XK5.0 portfolio and after restoring my car to the road after my winter lay-up, I noticed that the speedo needle wasn’t illuminating which made it difficult to see the speed when glancing at the speedo while driving at night.
My research revealed that there’s no bulbs to change as the illumination is LEDs on a circuit board. I looked at the availability of a new instrument cluster but this was going to be around £2000 by the time I’d bought one and had it reprogrammed.
I saw some second-hand units for sale around £400-£500, but also then had the reprogramming costs (keys & mileage), however I was concerned that I may encounter a similar problem as mine, given their age would be similar to mine.
Eventually I came across a company in Dorset who are familiar with this fault and repairs them for a flat fee of £219, with a quick turn-around.
So, I removed it, posted it at 4.30pm on a Wednesday afternoon and received it back repaired by 10.30am on Friday. I reinstalled it and was happy the problem was solved, and without any reprogramming being required.
If anyone else has a similar problem, for information the company website link is:
Jaguar XK instrument cluster repair - totaltronics.com
I have some photos of the removal/installation if anyone is a bit unsure how to do this.
Happy motoring...

[JimMann]

Hi Kevin, great solve - well done. Could you do a small write up and send it to me, email address in the magazine XK Section pages, along with the photos and I will share it with the readership.
Cheers
Jim Mann

[john764]

I had the same fault with my 2011 XK - used Cartronix https://cartronix.co.uk/
They offer a remove and refit option, took about an hour and £190. Great service.

[mike020150]

Thanks for a helpful message. We all need solutions for these modern problems. Bring back the light bulb! Mike.

[ash.marston237]

Hi Kevin

Have sent you a PM to ask for the instructions and photos please.

I have exactly the same problem and keen to get it sorted.

Thanks
Ash