Should my steering wheel buttons be illuminated?

[davidr]

Whilst blasting my 2001 XKR around the lanes this evening I got to wondering whether the steering wheel buttons (ie cruise control and radio buttons) and the wiper and light stalks should be illuminated as mine aren't.

[Brakebuster]

here we go again.........


BB

[DaveO]

here we go again.........


BB

Wassat?

I'm interested in this one as it amazes me how crude is the 2004 XKR I purchased as compared to Jaguars I owned back in the 70's, 80's. I mean even the darned clock is insufficiently illuminated. Driving at night is quite a challenge seeing what I need to see in the cockpit.

In answer to davidr, no most my controls are not illuminated for safe night driving. Maybe that was an optional extra?

[Andy P]

Hi davidr,
In the XJ8 and I assume the XK8 is the same the steering wheel buttons do NOT light up.
The only switches away from the dash that light up are:

1. Window Buttons-many don't light because passengers slam the doors shut.
2. J-Gate shift pattern, Cruise Control Master Switch and Sport Mode Switch
3. Interior light switches on the roof console.(If you have one)

Over time you get to know where and what your steering wheel switches do.
Perhaps in development it was felt that lighting them might have been distracting or overkill?
Take care.
Andy

[davidr]

Thanks Andy - I've mixed feelings about that answer.
On the one hand that's a bit rubbish for an expensive car but on the other hand, if its not bust then I don't need to fix it!

[davidr]

here we go again.........


BB

Hi BB - looks like I don't need to take it apart and break it this time!

DaveO - please don't misinterpret my old friend BB taking the p**s out of me - I deserve it having managed to temporarily disable my car just by changing a couple of backlights bulbs in the instrument pack!

[DaveO]

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