After a number of reports of this issue, I've contacted Jaguar CRC in the UK (see original message and reply below).

Any individual with a dented decal should send a PM to Mike@Jaguar giving:

1. VIN
2. Name
3. Contact details

Mike will look into this issue.

Graham

 

I don't have this issue currently, but it appears that perhaps the previous owner had the issue and did some sort of repair because it looks like there is some glue around the decal. Oh, and there is something rolling around in the airbag cover, which makes me think it's some sort of clip that held the decal on?

 

Thank you for giving us a point of contact in this issue.
PM sent.

 

Wow, already had a call back from Jaguar this afternoon. Explained that it had go be light for safety reasons when airbag deploys. And that there is really nothing they can do if it wasn't delivered with the defect or at the very least within the first year of ownership. Still believe everyone should contact them to show that it is an issue that needs to be addressed. A $1,000 repair for such a simple mishap is not fun to deal with.

 

Is it really a $1000 repair? My dealership quoted me $650 for a new airbag.

And the airbag is only about $200 from Gaudin Jaguar. So if you have some mechanical skills, it should be an easy fix.

By the way, can you take a photo of your dental decal? Mine seems to be very thick plastic and it's making me worry about the airbag going off and me losing an eye...

 

I'd like to see some pictures about this problem.

 

Yes, the airbag itself is $650 plus taxes, shipping and install.
Yes there are cheaper airbags depending on year and especially color. Of course standard black is most wanted and most expensive. Unless you have the exact part number for your car you really do not know the cost.

 

Can't that badge be replaced separately without having to mess with the airbag. I believe the airbag is deployed by both sides of the center section given way to the air bag pressure and the badge is merely an ornament glued in place. If so, it should be a $10.00 repair.

 

Nope, decal is punched through the material and the ends are bent over on the inside, at least this is how it was explained to me. These decals are not available separately.

 

You might be able to find an intact badge from a blown air bag. I've seen them. The badge may be imbedded in the steering wheel cover to stay on it when deployed and so could be difficult to remove and re-install but not impossible. You could also make up a custom badge. There is a thread about rotary shifter top covers. Some one fabricates different badges to fit the rotary shifter top. This guy may be able to help you. You might also try some Jaguar used part sellers. I'm sure there is a solution other than spending $800 on a new steering wheel complete airbag. You might even be able to remove your badge, repair it and replace it. The badge has no function and removing it will not compromise the airbag or cause it to deploy. It is decoration trim and is most likely secured to the steering wheel in such away to remain on it when deployed. All of the deployed Jaguar airbags I've seen had the badge stay on.

 

You could also try someone that specialized in dent removals. They have special tools and suctions which could work. I'm hoping this is an economical solution that will work. They may be able to use a controlled suction tool to return the badge to its original shape. I've seen these guys do unbelievable work.

 

I will have a specialist look at it for sure. The area is too small for a suction cup and the glued dent pullers require a solvent to release the tool afterwards. Which is safe on car paint but maybe not so much on the decal or the leather of the airbag. Unfortunately there is no way for the to get behind and massage it out. I will look into any option there is.

 

This solution came to mind after I thought about my family Volvo I had transported from Los Angeles. It arrived with a sharp dent in the roof in a spot which required the complete roof liner and electronics to be removed to get access. I had it repaired without removing the roof liner and the dent came out perfect. They did such a great job. They should be able to use a different solvent or soap solution. The badge is made of light weight low grade aluminum and should come out. I have my fingers crossed for you.

 

Weird! Who knew the cost of the airbag varied so much by model year.

 

Yeah, me neither, but in this thread it is expalined that the partnumber is comprised of VIN and color and some 20 variations ...

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/g...airbag-111395/

my airbag comes to this:
http://www.partswebsite.com/jaguarpa...P16863LEG.html

 

Hey Shewabe, Did you find an easy way to get the dent out? Have you been in contact with a dent remover yet?

 

Nope, it is frigging cold here and I do not want to fiddle with it right now. I found another thread where somebody got it out somewhat with Gorilla tape.


https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...rowler-111456/

 

This seems to be a good application to use a suction cup of some sort!!

 

My Leeper was dented when I bought the car. The dealer agreed, in writing, to repair or replace the decal. This was over a year ago, as I haven't had the time or the occasion to take it back to San Francisco.

Add to this, I'm President of DentPro, the company that specializes in paintless dent removal. So, when I read about the Gorilla tape "trick" I immediately went to the garage to give it a try.

I used, instead of Gorilla tape, some Velcro that I had in the cabinet. That stuff is pretty darn sticky and it improved the dented decal by 80%. Now, if you look very hard, the Leeper appears to have a slightly dislocated jaw.

You gotta love this forum!

 

Well yesterday I broke down and tried the Gorilla tape trick. But mine seems to be too "sharply" dented. I did maybe 8 applications with heat gun, molding the tape into every crease. Letting it cool and pulling the tape mostly outward not just up to no avail. Mine did not move a smidgen.