Hi I am looking to purchase a refurbished steering rack for my 2004 s type r and some sellers state the rack is not plug and play but needs programming to the car . Is this actually the case ? I'm assuming they are referring to the solenoid but can't find any unformatted regarding this . Can anyone shed some light ?
thanks

 

Sounds unlikely.

I've never heard of that being so.

 

The upper steering COLUMN has numbers that must be entered into the software when the configuration calls for it (like an INSTPK or DSC).

The numbers were printed on a label stuck to the TOP of the column so it had to be lowered to see the numbers.
Many mechanics just copied one down and entered THAT number on ALL cars that needed configuration but we were warned NOT to do this.

Later cars had the number printed on the BOTTOM of the column!

 

so is it the steering column that needs coding not the rack ?

 

No.

The people you mentioned are confusing RACK and COLUMN and goodness knows what else. Ignore them. Better still, as they've shown they do not know what they're talking about, avoid them.

 

Jaguar issued a publication to us mechanics in the form of Tech Tips in the early to mid 2000s.
This info came from the June 2002 Tech Tip.

S-TYPE – 2003 MY – Steering Column Programming
Symptom: Steering column movement is incorrect
Programming Information: When servicing either an instrument cluster (IC) or a steering column, it
will be necessary to setup the steering column to achieve the correct column movement. The IC will
have to be reconfigured as new, and WDS will require you to enter 8 digits of an 11-digit code found
on a label affixed to the top of the steering column support bracket. The column will need to be
lowered from its four mounting bolts to access the label. You will need to disregard the first two digits
and the last digit of the eleven-digit number, and then use the eight digits that are left.

I posted erroneous info about the label being moved to the bottom of the column. I thought it was but I just found the info about moving the column label to the boot.

A subsequent Tech Tip was issued in Dec 2003 warning about the practice of 'being lazy' and not lowering the column to enter the correct label info.

Models – S-TYPE 2003 MY/ XJ 2004 MY
Symptom: Steering Column Configuration
Information: Please be aware that when replacing the IPK and/or steering column you must only use the
sequence found on top the steering column, as shown in bulletin S413-02. There is NO one sequence that will
work on all cars, and it will only be a matter of time before lockout will occur if "Generic" sequence is used as a
time saving measure. If the sequence is entered incorrectly the WDS will display error 4-35 and the steering
column movement will be disabled in the ECM VID block. To reverse this error 4-35, reinstall original IPK,
configure the ECM as new, reinstall new IPK, configure as new with correct sequence, retest and if fault still
present, contact Technical HelpLine. The VID Block may need to be corrected manually (more details
regarding VID block can be found in FAQ 9041). Please be aware that 2004 S-TYPE and 04MY XJ, will now
have the number located in trunk to avoid having lowering column to access correct sequence.

I hope this clarification helps with the steering rack/column replacements.(the rack has no configuration requirements, just centering)

The X350 is very similar to the X202 so the TSB XJ211-003 issued in 2006 might have relevant info.

 

That secret code on the column is also in the trunk on my 06 STR. In the spare tire well