X308 dash lights

[MrV8]

HI, I've got ax XJ8 308 Sovereign 17 yrs old with just 29,000 on the clock. She's a beauty. I notice though, that the steering wheel controls (eg phone/radio volume control, cruise control) don't illuminate with other dash lights so it's not possible to see what's what at night. Also the icon above all dash vent outlets don't illuminate. I also have a 14yr old XJR and all of the things mentioned above illuminate with when external lights are switched on at night. I'm not entirely sure whether they were actually meant to illuminate on the X308 or whether something has gone wrong. Any advice would be very welcome.

[J44EAG]

You should firstly check fuses applicable to those services.

Ideally, a diagnostic scan might reveal issues. If you have an iPhone or Android, download the Torque Pro App which is inexpensive. Then get an Bluetooth ELM327 V1.5 chip from ebay. The chip can live permanently in the OBD 11 port on the car. They are about a fiver. If you get an issue, a diagnostic set up is at your finger tips.That would give you a useful piece of diagnostic kit which can come into its own when you are out on the road. Saves waiting for the AA!.

More advanced is the dedicated JLR iCarsoft 930i unit from ebay or from UK diagnostics at around £90. Several of us also have that unit which gives a slightly higher level of diagnostic ability. Mine lives permanently in the car.

Others here have a better level on the X308 electronics than I have. No doubt a knowledgable member will be able to give some further advice.

Mike K

[Brakebuster]

Hi , and welcome


no , they don't light up

your car sounds nice, any pictures ?


BB

[markcollins]

dash lights as david marks has explained many times is a pain in the bum. a real pain to dismantle to change the dreaded twist/ford bulbs.
but patience and some care will work preferably on a warm day. plastic cold day oops. j gate illumination just the same I found out the
hard way good luck dont rush the job and its easier than you think. reguards mark

[markcollins]

forgot the xj8 se and various others the steering wheel controled bits not illuminated to stop you looking at them good idea hey. mark.

[MrV8]

Thanks for all of your replies. I've concluded that they shouldn't illuminate. I'll put some piccies of the car here when I get a mo.
Andrew

[MrV8]

Sorry for the delay in posting these piccies. The number plate has been changed for a personal plate since these piccies.
Andrew