Hello fellow Jag owners/fixers. I have owned a almost pristine condition 2003 2.5 X Type for the past 15 years. It was bought new by a Ford mechanic, and he keep it in his garage until it had about 50K miles on it. That's when I bought it.
The car has 115K miles on it now, and I've done quite a lot of typical minor and major maintenance parts and repairs into the car. It's a beautifully built car, and I'm determined to keep it going as long as I reasonably can.

My current problem is: My alternator finally worn out because it failed on a good computer-controlled bench testing machine. I had a alternator OBD error code. Strangely, the entire instrument cluster started going "in and out" erratically and randomly. All cluster lights and gauges seem to lose power, then come back on again, even while the car engine is running fine. The radio and other devices never lose power. The cluster going out does not stall the engine. But, if I try to crank the engine and the cluster is in "off" mode, the starter motor will not engage.

I saw a post with the same symptoms that pointed to faulty aftermarket ignition coils. I did recently replace all six coils before my current problem. Can't recall the brand name of the coils, but they were not OEM. Still, the car starts and runs well and I don't have a coil error code, so I doubt I have a coil issue. I also saw where someone hired D&D Instrument Repair (MN) to fix his "flashing in and out" cluster, and they were able to repair it. However, I recently contacted D&D, and they have now decided not to perform any more work on foreign "exotic" car instrument clusters.

The fuses that control power to the cluster are PAX compartment fuse # F74 and F84. I will check those today.

Question: I bought a use instrument cluster for parts (or for re-programming and use) from an on-line salvage yard. 1) Does anyone know a good cluster electronic repair facility that will open up my factory cluster to see if it's got an internal semiconductor problem for possible repair? I contacted one in FL, but I did not get a good feeling after speaking to the owner, and reading the reviews. 2) I assume the factory key fob is electronically coded to work with the factory cluster. Does anyone know for sure? I really don't want to plug this used cluster to see what happens in unless it's a last resort. Has anyone tried a non-original cluster with a factory key, or has anyone had to go to the dealer (which I am determined not to do) to get a "new" cluster reprogrammed to work with the original factory key? If so, what was the cost? 3) Finally, does anybody know where the ground wire for cluster is?

Thanks. Have a great day.

 

Welcome to the forums Jay,

I've copied your post to X-Type forum for advice from members with the same model. Here's the direct link to it:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-issue-228520/

Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x-type-x400-14/ to the main X-Type forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues. You can also use the US Southern Midwest Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/u...rn-midwest-67/ to find other members in your region.

Please add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Hello, Jay,
Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

Welcome aboard Jay.

 

Welcome to the Forums.

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums Jay,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!

 

Welcome to the forums.