What should be illuminated in an XKR?

I know the J Gate illuminates with a green background and red selector...
how about the window switches? are they supposed to light up?
Steering wheel buttons? (cruise control, volume etc...)

I want to change out the bulbs to LED...Saw some images and it looks great!

(from another member who used LED)

 

All the switches ( J-Gate, Cruise, Sport, Window switches, Dimmer switch, A/C Panel, Radio, Instrument pack, etc. ) Changing to LED will probably save them as well, as the bulbs from factory can run hot, seen a few window switches get damaged because the customer liked driving with park lights on all the time. Post some pics when you're done, I'm curious to see.

 

I figured the cruise, window, etc should light up...especially would be nice to see the cruise button when driving at night...mine don't light up right now, hopefully just burned out bulbs

everything else illuminates. Radio panel look amazing in LED...
When i changed my side markers to LED, the plastic was so frail from the original bulbs, so I am looking forward to using LED's...

 

None of the steering wheel switches are intended to illuminate in the XK8/XKR

 

oh! how about the window switches?

 

I worked on my window switch trying fix it, there is a bulb in there. Not so much fun to take it apart, and putting back together. I have my old switch if you want me to take some photos of the guts I can take it apart again for you.

 

Tex, I had no idea the window switch had a bulb! I'll have to fix that. They can't be any harder than the j gate bulbs were. Thanks john

 

So took another look and you only have to pull the switch screw and rotate it upside down to change the bulb. Not sure where you find that bulb probably something used in many electronics, quick google search this one looks close but now idea what specs of bulb so you have to do some research.
https://www.bulbtown.com/DNW1_DW07_W...1mm-39226b.htm

Looks like a flat head screw driver slot in the bulb you see on back of switch.


bulb from master window switch

How it inserts through circuit board

back of switch with arrow pointing to bulb


Let me know if you want me to get some measurements on bulb for you.

 

so the bulb is just a pop in type? no wiring/soldering involved?
and the door panel doesn't need to be removed?

 

I see you found my other post on replacing switch. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...5/#post1644377

I am sure there are others, maybe better explanation than mine.

No soldering, no remove door panel. Just finding a matching bulb will be the biggest trick I would imagine, not sure if they have that at the auto parts.

Let me know if I can clarify anything for you.

If you have the bulb shouldn't take more than 5 minutes. Best if you have one of the trim tools I have one like this 5 Piece Upholstery and Trim Tool Set

Just be careful taking your time with removing the part that covers the screw for the switch. Then to pull the switch out of its place is a bit of a squeeze on the padded part on the door panel so just don't scratch it up, put some poster board type paper in between switch and vinyl, push in compressing vinyl then it should slide out without scaring vinyl or leather on handle part.

 

My local Jaguar dealer stocks them - £3 or 4 each.

Ebay can also help - I used ''micro auto panel bulb 12v''

 

I have never replaced or bought one but they look like a neo wedge T1 size to me. I need to find a good source to buy something that is a good match for the dash soon, have one or more out. Guess it is time for an exploratory take it apart and put it back together to see what bulbs are in there so I can order up a set. I am not so picky that every little light works correctly, but kind of nice to have proper dash light when it gets dark out.

 

would this work?
10x T5 Twist Socket 1-SMD Green Instrument Panel Cluster Dash Led Light Bulb 74 | eBay

 

I've never seen green in our cars. These bulbs have a blue condom slipped over the bulb. You really need the blue thing, bulb way too bright without.

 

I think the green was for another jag model possibly, unless you are changing every bulb you have I think you want to try to stay with the same color.

The T 5 bulb you linked to on ebay I think is the larger dash bulb if my memory is correct something about two sizes in dash from a video or post.

The window switch is a small bulb.

 

i was planning on changing my dash lighting to LED...has anyone had issues with that? and i was going to go with a green, but maybe the blue will look better. did you do the Jgate bulbs yourself? I don't know how to solder, so was going to ask my mech to do it...

 

go to hobby shop or harbor freight tools and buy you a soldering iron, learn something new

play around testing with something similar in size, take an old broken radio or computer with a board and figure out what your doing without burning the board

the hardest part of the job will be the R&R to get to the bulbs as described here in post 10 https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...n-bulbs-29052/

I think I will save that one for a repair in the same area.

 

i think i am too scared/impatient. my mechanic will love to do it though!