sorry to start a new thread about this old chestnut
However I have found a simple way to sort out non-functioning dash lights - whack the top of the instrument binnacle with an open palm and hey presto, 18 year old light bulbs can start working again.
This is, of course, not guaranteed.

I can now read the trip meter in the dark..

 

Keep whacking it and it will eventually stop working altogether, so the bishop says.

Why not spend an hour or 2 and remove it and get it working correctly, you can then save your whacking for something else.

 

Used to work well on tube type televisions as well ... probably still would except for the disappearance of said tube type televisions

 

I've had the same problem with my XKR. With the Climate-Panel whacking was the ultimate solution, light works since 6 month... :-) The instrument-lights I've to change, I fear.

But exchanging the bulbs and cleaning the socket-contacts is much more a solution. And the best: exchange all bulbs, when you got the panel off - there is nothing more frustrating than another lamp fail a week after repair of 'the other' lamp.

BTW: Cause I'm from Germany I'm learning several 'car-special' expressions from time to time. But when I read your post, my first translation was 'beating the car's instruments with a palm-tree'

Could be a working alternative, too. And, as I think, much fun for the neighbourhood. Maybe, I'll give it a try...

Cheers Wolfgang

 

That brings back memories of Basil Fawlty in Fawlty towers when his Austin 1100 stopped running.

 

I've never physically attacked any car that I've owned, but I have on occasion talked to them. Usually at 2.00am. coming home, when it starts to make an odd "rumbling" or "stuttering" noise. You know the routine, "Come on, please, yes, that's a good girl, just get me home and I promise I'll do that overdue oil change, honest!" I've also done deals with it when nursing it along to the nearest petrol station, 20 odd miles away, with the needle dipping down into the red, promising that I'll never scrimp at the pumps again!

 

You guys are really awsome! This thread developes to a fabulous ROFLer..

I was barely remembering the few faulty-towers episodes, I saw as a teeny. But you are right - after I watched the austin scene (can be seen on youtube to my surprise), this is what i imagined after the first misunderstanding of AL NZ's post, I swore...

I never owned one of the legendary 'made by british-elend' cars, but maybe, this method has it's real-roots.

When it comes to the jag, I would recommend other options (or very small trees), as spares are a little bit more expensive.

Cheers Wolfgang