Hi All,
I'm a new member and this is my first post. I have a 2001 XJ8 VP which I've had for 3 years.
Recently all of the controls on the steering wheel have stopped working. The horn, cruise controls and radio controls - and the airbag light is on all of the time. I'm figuring that it's got to be a broken clockspring but would like to ask the question - Could it be anything else?
After some research I think the part number is LNG6470AA.
Can anyone confirm this? If so then where might I get a new one at a reasonable price. (I'm in Florida)
Also will I need a puller to get the steering wheel off?
I'm currently working up the confidence to do the job myself, and gathering info in the meantime!
Many thanks for any input.

 

I did some research and I think that is the correct part # for the clockspring. I would bet that a clockspring failure is causing your problems. I don't think you will need any special tools other than socket set and normal stuff like that, but I haven't done the job so I don't know for sure.

The most important thing is to disconnect the battery and wait for a while before you start messing around near any airbags!

 

Thank you. I'm much obliged for your response.
When I do the job, I'll leave the battery disconnected overnight before removing the airbag!

 

I replaced the clockspring on my 02 XJ8L VP about a year ago. Bought the replacement from an authorized dealer: Part #LNG6470AA, $143.23.

You do not need a steering wheel puller; Remove the locking nut and it slips right off. The job is fairly straight-forward but hard on your back (sometimes trying to look up from underneath the steering column). Take your time and don't get in a hurry; you are trading time for experience.

One important tip:The plastic upper column cover is attached by three small BRASS philips head screws. You can spot them by looking up carefully from underneath after you remove the lower column cover. It is a long way up there but easy to find if you know what you are looking for. They are the only three shiny brass phillips head screws up there. You need a long, thin p. h. screwdriver to remove them. Putting them back is the difficult part for an amateur because you are mostly working by feel instead of sight. I strongly recommend a magnetic tip screwdriver or, perhaps even better, one that holds the screw on mechanically. I went the magnetic route and it took me several tries to get them started.

Good luck,
Alvin

 

Hi Alvin,
Thank you, that's great advice. I'm retired with plenty of time so I won't be rushing it! That's an excellent price that you got for the part. The best I've been able to find so far is $223.
Thanks again - I really appreciate the input from you experienced people and great to hear from someone who has done the job.
Ian

 

More specific information on my clockspring purchase: I ordered it from Jaguar Cleveland (a division of Davis Automotive Group,, Inc.), Toll free direct number 1-888-879-1269 Extension 232. List price $168.50, Net price $143.23 + $10.95 Shipping = $154.18 Total.

I believe I remember that they give a 15% discount to members of this Forum if you mention it to them. You may want to do a price check there before you buy.

 

Thanks for the additional info,Alvin.
I'll check them out for a price. I guess they'll be closed until Mon.

 

I just did this job a few months ago, however I soldered the broken leads and glued the clock-spring together. Nothing to it. You will need sockets, torx bits and a Phillips screw driver. I don't think you will need to wait a night to disconnect things, 15 minutes should be enough. The connection to the Air Bag is broken anyway since the light is on.

 

What about less than $55 from ebay with shipping?
Jaguar XJR XJ8 Clockspring 2000 - 2003 LNG6470AA | eBay

they are a bunch of them on ebay. Just put "jaguar clockspring"

 

Thank you for your inputs. I wondered if it might be fixable but I won't know until I take it off.
I'd looked at the used ones on ebay but hesitant on going that route. If mine has broken after 10yrs, does it make sense to replace it with one that is 10+ yrs old?

 

 

KODAK Gallery | Photo Merchandise

After nearly a month from starting this thread I finally got around to doing the job yesterday!!
The job went smoothly and everything now works and the airbag light stays out.
There are various posts around the site explaining how to do the job for which I was very grateful so for my part I took a lot of photos which can be accessed via the above link.
I eventually bought the ebay clockspring for $54 delivered and it worked fine. The correct part # for a 2001 is LNG6470AA and the cheapest I could find from a dealer was $223 from WarrenHenry. Jaguar Cleveland were more expensive. Interestingly the part # for earlier models is LNC6470BA and is only $145. For all I know it might work on a 2001 but Jaguar wouldn't confirm it.
I spent most of the day doing the job as I was taking my time and pictures. Also, whilst I had the steering wheel off I took the opportunity to replace the 4 illumination bulbs in the instrument cluster. The photos for that are in the above link also.
The only additional bits I can add to previous threads is that my steering wheel bolt was 15mm with a large washer (not 21mm).
I used a floor jack to make turning the wheels easy.
Of course I observed the necessary caution with the airbag and used magnetic screwdrivers which helps a lot.

I used Sylvania 161LL bulbs from Walmart for the dash lights. These are 2.7W so will not get as hot and should last longer. They give plenty illumination for me. Only 1 of the existing bulbs was working.
I did buy some trim removal tools from Harborfreight but was able to pull the veneer off by hand.

Many thanks to everyone who helped me out on this job and Ihope the photos are of help to anyone thinking of doing this.
I'd be very happy to answer any questions on either job.
Ian
KODAK Gallery | Photo Merchandise

 

One important thing that I forgot to mention. I did centralise the clockspring before installation. The spring has 3.8 turns stop to stop. The steering wheel is 2.8 turns lock to lock, so there is some spare in the clockspring.
Ian

 

Your link for photos is not working right now...June 2013.

 

Try this link,should be OK now:

www.clockspring.shutterfly.com

Ian

 

IanG
Nice Photos - good work.
You might add a comment under each photo that describes what action is taking place.

I noticed that I had to use the Pictures & Video tab to view the photos.
Also shutterfly.com wanted me to signup when I tried to download one of these photos.

I used windows PrnScn and then opened windows paint software to paste the PrnScn Photo into it, then I saved it as a JPEG file on my PC.

I mention this process for any of the other forum members that want to bypass the shutterfly.com download process that requires signing up as its member.

Jim Lombardi

 

For the benefit of others with the same problem.
Gaudin Jaguar has new ones for about $145.
1 have not had good luck on ebay. 2 bad ones with various issues.
You will need the following tools.
1. 15 mm socket to remove steering wheel
2. Torx 27 and Torx 30 "Allen wrenches" or sockets.
3. #2 Philips
4. Screw starter to grip the 3 screw that hold the top column cover on.
(Masking tape works too)
5. A bright flashlight.
6. A magnetic pick up tool to locate dropped screws
7. #1 slotted screw driver to help release electrical connectors

 

My horn on my 2000 Jaguar Vanden Plas isn't working. Could the clockspring be the problem?

 

I've got a 2000 XJ8 I've had for one year and today I realized I'm going to replace my 3rd clock spring. Based on what you've written, sounds like your going to do the same thing. I bought mine from ebay. The first one was bad to begin with so, I'm down to two. They are very easy to replace BUT follow the directions!! Airbags are very unforgiving...

 

The wheel comes off real easy.... no puller needed