Hello guys!

I'm a new owner of a 12-year old X351. The car itself is fine and the V8 engine simply amazing. However, there is one problem with my car: buttons.
The ones on the doors (for opening and closing windows), on the multimedia unit, on the central console (around gear selector) and on the steering wheel. Also, black frame around central display.
They are ale made from some strange kind of plastic, that looks dirty, feels very sticky, slimy and rubber-like. They there definitely not adding to the otherwise splendid look of the interior.

So my question is: how do you clean your buttons? Is there some magical ingredient that would take dirt away while not destroying markings?

 

There are many posts on this problem so do a search. The consensus was to use the Neutrogena cosmetic wipes and toothpicks to clean between the switches. I had this issue but it was addressed under warranty and they replaced all the switch gear. Do a search on "sticky buttons"

 

Thank you! I did look around the forum, but didn't search, will do now.

 

milet, the cosmetic wipes work wonders and you can keep one or two in the center console should the buttons start to become greasy/sticky again.

 

I recommend just keep working the wipes and toothpicks until you have ALL of the sticky resin removed. The buttons will no longer have that luxurious "soft touch" feel, but obviously it wasn't a good product and Jaguar should not have used it in the first place. I worked most of two Sundays to rid my XF completely of the stuff. But resist the temptation to use anything more aggressive than makeup remover wipes, no acetone, no razor blades, dental picks, etc. or you risk damaging the lettering on the buttons or scratching the surfaces. Just resolve to take your time, maybe set aside a couple of hours, do one panel a weekend or something. It will be well worth the effort.

 

Have to agree with pdupler. It takes a LOT of time to get all the goo off. I just finished all the panels in my XJ. It probably took 4 or 5 different sessions to get it all. It's frustrating to me (Because it is SLOW) so I get tired and stop for a couple of months then touch it and feel the sticky again!

There are some that are easy to forget too. All 4 PW switches and door lock buttons, both front seat memory buttons, trunk release button on dash, rear center console AC/Heat control panel. The wipes soften the goo but you need to remove the goo after it gets soft by balling it up with a plastic push stick or your finger nails. Then the little ***** need to be removed with paper towels.

The steering wheel switches were the toughest for me and the heated steering wheel and the cruise disconnect I just did the back sides as that's all you touch to operate those switches. The 4 way rocker switches just have a bunch of small details that hold the goo. The MOST annoying one was the volume knob in the center console and it was a black/brown goo because I had touched it so much with my fingers.
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I simply used rubbing alcohol from Walgreens to resolve the stickiness. It performed remarkably well.

 

I know this is an old post but the volume button is the easiest because you can just pull it off and clean it.

 

Does anyone have any idea what it would cost to replace the buttons??

 

I've been working on the buttons in sessions when I feel I'm in a putz with the Jag mood. - Only during the summer months. This will be my third year. I figure one more year and I'll finish those damn buttons. I sharpen a chop stick to chisel shape and use it with the Neutrogena wipes. You can push more goo with the chisel tip. Got to be way too expensive & trouble to replace those buttons.

 

90% rubbing alcohol works for this purpose very quickly, just don't rub it too aggressively or the paint will start coming off the buttons. EVERY luxury automaker in the 2010s has this problem with their console buttons.

 

Good idea on the volume knob and I never pulled on it. Was not aware it just pulled off.
I never had any luck with all the posted stuff until I used the makeup removing wipes.

I did find out the sticky button thing is very wide spread too! Man you should read some of the Ferrari forums and their sticky button problems.

When this first started to become a problem several guys with cars under warranty complained to the dealer and a few did get all the switch gear replaced but that runs into thousands of dollars and there is nothing wrong besides the sticky surface. See my list from the above post. The sticky surfaces are all over the car including all 4 doors and the rear AC panel.
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Using the Neutrogena makeup removing wipes does not take the paint off the buttons. Be careful using anything else that may be too aggressive.

 

I can confirm that Neutrogena wipes do wonders! And of course, each red light, I scratched bits of residue until my buttons were perfectly clean :-)

 

The problem was fixed, beginning the 2016 my, but same problem with other consumer devices (radios, hand held controllers, etc.). I soften the goo with makeup remover wipes, then remove goo with baby wipes. Repeat several times to get a clean smooth surface.

 

If the buttons really annoy you, or the problem keeps happening, you could always give these a go.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...yAdapt=glo2usa.

If the link doesn't work, search: "Jaguar XJ button covers"

wombat