The rubbery surfaces on the buttons, display bezel, and vent surrounds from my 2014 F-Type V8S convertible have gradually been getting sticky to the touch. I've tried cleaning them with Armor All wipes but that doesn't help. I know that rubber degrades over tome and that the sun doesn't help. Is there any way to clean and restore these or is my only solution to replace them all?

 

...I might have answered my own question. Has anyone else tried this method?

 

I was successful in using the neutrogena makeup remover wipes on my buttons but have yet to try on the steering wheel trim pieces.

 

There are several threads about sticky knobs! Search is your friend!

 

Yeah, its that time of year. I have a couple sticky buttons to treat...

SEARCH will point out the methods and materials needed. AND videos.

 

Is the sticky button an issue on newer models or did they sort that out?

 

The deteriorating sticky coating was sorted out eventually.

 

I tried both Dunlop 01 fret/fingerboard cleaner (6524) and the Neutrogena wipes. Both worked, but I think I liked the fret cleaner better. Get the surface wet and let it soak in a minute to soften the finish. Have plenty of cotton clothes to rub off the gummy residue. You can use your fingernail to help scrape off the stickies. I've done the steering wheel and console switches. The area/buttons around the screen are fine, so far.

 

I used fret board clean as well found the button cleaned up much easier then the trim pieces. you need to be care with the trim pieces as the gray finish will come off as well.

 

Thanks everyone. I got the fret cleaner and am gonna give it a shot. I made the mistake of trying alcohol wipes and a magic eraser on my convertible roof button and it took off the paint I think the magic eraser was too abrasive.

 

I've done this on my 15 R and just used 70% rubbing alcohol. That and a soft cloth. Nothing but the sticky came off. Now on the steering wheel, the gray color came off and exposed the gloss black behind and on the side of the "spokes" of the steering wheel.

 

Just to confirm on the steering wheel since you’ve done it…you cleaned the blue parts I have highlighted below, correct? How about the green highlighted portion? Am looking to do mine but would like to know for sure before I start it. I’d rather have gloss black instead of sticky stuff. Thanks.

 

Just to chime in, a few months ago the top part of the steering wheel cover/spokes on mine went sticky. Nowhere else, just that piece.
I tried some mild cleaning fluid first but it made no difference.
I then read about the Neutrogena facial wipes so I bought a pack.
They seemed to work although it took a helluva lot of hard rubbing and scratching and scraping, several hours in fact.
But I still couldn't get rid of all the stickiness so I kept going.
Next thing I know the grey finish started to come completely off revealing black plastic underneath and the whole thing ended up a patchy mess.
The only solution was to buy and fit a brand new replacement piece.

 

thanks for sharing your experience. What I’m afraid of is replacing it then having the same problem in the near future. If stickiness is removed, at least it can then be painted. I’ve already changed my start button but applied a clear coat over that to help protect it. My paddles were starting to get sticky so I’ve applied clear coat to that as well so will see how long those lasts. Steering wheel is the worst by far for me so will try to clean it first, and if that fails, painting it.

 

The fret cleaner didn't work for me. I ordered some of the door switches, and had the center console switches refinished. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...uttons-248847/

 

You're effectively removing layers off the trim...being OCD as I am, I would've replaced the entire thing, but if you do manage to cleanly remove the melted layer, I'd suggest using a good interior protectant afterwards and regularly, especially for convertibles.

Don't use Armor All. On anything. Ever.

 

ArmorAll works well as a penetrating oil I'm told. I've heard stories about how AA has loosened hardware that had resisted disassembly in multiple attempts.

All anecdotal evidence, tho'.

 

I tried the fretboard cleaner, several types of alcohol and acetone. Best by FAR was Isopropyl Alcohol, however, it would discolor the nearby leather, so taking things apart is my next move.
I also found that after a certain point, they old coating just wouldnt come off no matter what I used. My hypothesis is that the coating degradated in the light and that allows it to be removed. I'm afraid only mechanical methods would work if the coating doesn't come off anymore.

 

I cleaned the horizontal buttons on the console last year (a COVID project) with unscented hand lotion, paper towel and a plastic scraper. Tedious but effective.

A whole lot more has gotten sticky since then - the ignis paddles are like adhesive tape, as is the horizontal facia under the nav screen. I’ll try 70% IPA (isopropyl not India Pale) and I also have 100%.

 

Cleaned our ECO buttons yesterday. They now look and feel pristine.

It's worth noting that the 'plan of attack' is to soften the sticky coating, then physically remove it with a fingernail or toothbrush. Its just a few minutes of soaking and light rubbing.
A proper lint-free shop towel (NOT paper or cloth that would leave fibers) is needed to do a top notch job.

Thanks again, to my dentist for giving away the toothbrushes that I use on the buttons (and the fake bolts on the Tornado wheels).

EDIT: Here's one additional topic on the cleaning of the sticky stuff.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...on-fix-242918/