I am at attempting to install a water temperature gage in my car. I’d like to conceal it behind the door where the ashtray sets.. However I’m running into some difficulty and thought I should ask for help. The gauge operates in that the data cable comes into the back and I need to drill a hole in the back of where the ashtray would sit. I have completed a whole however there seems to be a plastic protective plate as well. ( I know, protective plate mean it’s protecting something.) Now I can push on this protective plate and I feels a void behind it I’m trying to gain about a half inch depth in the back of the removed ashtray pocket so my wire will fit in and gauge will fit flush. Does anyone have any idea what this is? I’d rather go this route rather than taking apart the whole center counsel to remove the ashtray pocket which contains the lid . The ashtray itself is out but I’m trying to remove the ashtray pocket. This does not want to come out other than removing the whole center counsel?

 

If I remember correctly there's an aluminum bracket behind the ash tray.
It's an easy task to remove the center console. Pop off the rear ac vents unscrew two bolts. Pry off wood J Gate surround unscrew a few bolts and the whole thing pry out.

 

Yes from the videos I’ve seen on YouTube they’re aluminum. That’s why am posing this question on the form. Mine seems to be plastic?

 

The aluminum is behind the plastic

 

No, I’m already behind the first layer of plastic. Remember I already have the ash tray out. I am dealing with the ash tray lack of better word the pocket where the ash tray pops into. This is the part that has the swing down door, there is another layer of plastic behind it. I’ve drilled a hole and ran into another layer of plastic. I’m afraid to drill another hole. Again, like I have mentioned earlier, I’ve seen in youtube the metal plate/ box when the ash tray pocket is out and this is why I’m puzzled having drilled through and hit another plastic shield.
Rich

 

There is a kit that allows installation of water temp and oil pressure gauges in the center air conditioning vents for an XK, but not referenced for an XJ. That kit has smaller air vents.

That might be something that could fit an XJ.

 

Thank you. What I have bought is a OBDII gauge which gives live water temperature gage among other things. I just felt it critical to have a true water temperature gauge rather than a dummy light gauge.
Rich.

 

My concern is I don’t want to hit a box or pocket of wires or circuit board behind the ashtray. Does anyone have firsthand knowledge of what’s behind the ashtray? Thank you. Rich

 

It's been a while since iv'e been under there, but would not chance drilling thru anything. As noted, it is very easy and fast to remove the center console, and would be easier to run your wires. Remember that the HVAC and other $$$ items are back there. Could end up very expensive, to save 10 minutes.

 

I might have to go that route. But I also understand it’s just not a couple bolts in 10 minutes. From the videos I’ve seen I have to take out the air conditioning unit, the radio unit and both have to lifted out.
.

 

Look at the shop manual, study the procedure, look at the drawings, then just get busy.

 

Thank you. I’ll look for this manual within the form, I’m assuming it’s on the form somewhere. Unfortunately I live on Panama City Beach Florida and we lost our storage from the hurricane. Therefore I’m working on my car in the middle of a parking lot at my resort. That is my hesitation of not tearing into my car working in the parking lot, no shade, no AC and 76% humidity. So it’s not me being lazy it’s being in a bad situation.

 

Sorry to hear of your loss being hit by the storm.
Working in the extreme heat, is worse than the cold.
You can bundle up to stay warm, but naked is still to hot.
Wish you and yours good fortune with your recovery.
As stated the console appears to be pretty much the same as the S Type.
That i had to remove a few years back, not a big deal.
Just be careful on reassembly of the clips on the front part.
Have them aligned, so they don't tear things, then push them in place.

 

Thank you. Just did search, found a post that had pictures but the links were bad. I’ve already searched YouTube. Unfortunately there is no exact 2007 x358 xj8 video.
thanks for all your help and encouragement . Rich

 

It can be intimidating, but it ready is a easy job. You won't have to remove it totally from the car. It will release and be able to be set/slid back in the car. I have had mine out a couple of times. Unlike removing a door card, you won't need anyware to place the removed part. My SV8 has the rear A/C unit, and still is easy to remove.

 

Taking out the center is easy and faster than getting your drill turned on. You may be confused in thinking to remove the dash which is not the case. Trust me I've removed the center console as well as the dash several times.