How do you get to the little buggers?



I've removed the leather and wood trims, but now I cant get the plastic casing out. I removed the little screw (indicated by the red arrow), and the front lifts up, but the back is firmly restrained...

(sorry for the crap photo)

 

I haven't had my door panels off in over a year now, but last time I had them off I believe I noticed that they must be removed from behind the panel (they are fastened on the inside). Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure that's how it was. I can remove my door panel tomorrow to check if nobody else chimes in

 

Don't worry, that door panel pictured is already off.

Well I was hoping the door panel didn't have to be removed just to get to the backlights (it's an incandescent bulb for christs sake - a part with a relatively short lifespan, so what kind of idiot designs it in so you have to take the whole goddamn door apart to replace it?).

I can't really see any access point on the back of the panel, so I guess I have to split the two layers (ie. unscrew that whole storage pouch thing).

I was really hoping there would be a proper access point for servicing these lights. I want to put LEDs in there, and now I'll have to take apart every door!

EDIT: See, here's what it looks like right on the back of the trim panel:



Doesn't look like you can acces the lights from there, meaning you have to take the trim panel it'self apart?

 

Yes, the door panel has to be disassembled to remove the switch. It takes only a few minutes. After you've done the first one the others will certainly be easier.

On the bright side you can admire how much much the door trim panels were improved in terms of the quality of materials and construction versus the older Jags....if you ever owned one.

Perhaps you could post a pic of the actual bulb replacement? I *think* you have to open up the switch. At 15 years old all my bulbs are still working but sooner or later I know I'll be faced with the same task.

Cheers
DD

 

What kind of vintage are we talking about? There is a 420 and Mk II in the garage here. Also had a Series 3 XJ6 in the past.

Not sure I'd agree with you on quality of construction... So far the X300's been a minefield of horrible little plastic clips (but what car isn't these days?).

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Will definitely provide photos when I take the panel apart.

 

Gee, the Ser IIIs and XJS etc had lightweight flimsy particle board panels. The X300 panels a many times more rigid and better finished and have the nice vacuum formed insulation, etc.

Much nicer in my opinion ! More difficult to contend with with, I agree. But that's design, not quality :-)


Cheers
DD

 

I never took any of the S3 interior apart to be honest.

So they improved the inside and made the outside flimsy instead? That S3 had a shell like a tank. I guess the consequences of Forduar really hit me when I saw the X300's panels flexing under my hand.

EDIT: I'm an idiot. After taking the whole door apart, I discovered that there was an access point for changing the bulb. All you have to do is take off the leather and wood trim, and right there (on the left side of my arrowhead) is a little piece of translucent blue plastic. Lift it up, and out comes the light.

 

Well, I'll be damned ! Good info. I guess we're so accustomed to Jag repairs being more complicated that they need to be that we assume there are no easy ones :-)

As for the quality issues....well....all three of my Jags have been a mixed bag of delights and disappointments. One day you'll discover an exquisite bit of quality and the next day a chintzy, cheapo item that would be at home in an entry level econo-box. Broadly speaking I'd say that Jaguar spent the most money in areas where it counts the most and pinched pennies on the rest!

I'll agree without any reservation that the Ser IIIs were built like a tank. I've been in, under, and around dozens of various makes and models and I've yet to find one as ruggedly constructed as a Ser III. Someday I hope to own another Ser III. I really do love 'em.

Cheers
DD

 

I found out from expeience that when you pull the interior door panel off of an X300 go buy new replacement pllastic attatchment clips before you put it back togeather. Mine is a 1996 and the clips were brittle. Even with the new ones I ended up drilling a very small hole inside the lower door (the red one) courtesy light and installing a small screw in it so the lens cover hides it and it has taken tremendous pressure off the lower vacuumn molded panel and actually does away with any door noise.

Just something I came up with to take the load off the clips.

 

Yeah, those little clips are diabolical. The hook parts are very weak and the 'fir tree' studs are always pulling out.

You're right about needing to buy replacements. You really need to buy a full set (8) of both the male stud/hook fateners and also the female anchors they go into, if you want the panel to stay on properly.

I've already ordered them for this door, but it seems I'm going to be replacing all my speakers, so I'll have to order some more.

The trim panels on my dads X300 are flapping about too! Exactly what Doug was saying about quality next to crap. Good trim, useless fasteners.