I have just rebuilt the (1999 XJ8L ashtray mechanisms (as well as cup holder while there) using broken parts, super glue and J&B Weld for both. The bulb for the lighter was burnt out and I ordered a new one from SNG Barretts. However, the circuits seem odd. It appears that the bulb holder has one wire coming to it and the other side of the circuit would be completed by a copper strip that contacts the shell of the lighter. However, it would appear that these are both positive contacts. Thus, I am not sure how the bulb receives proper current.

Appreciate any insight as to what I am missing.

Thanks,
Jim

 

After the console was back in place, my wife was driving the car and said the instrument lights were not working. I assumed that I had done something when reassembling the console. I check fuse 18 in the left-hand heelboard and it was fine. I expected that would be disassembling the console but decided to look further. I noted that fuse 3 (5 amps) is for the dimmer module. I was not sure what that protected but when I checked it was blown. I replaced the fuse and the instrument lights then worked. It was only today that decided to look at the ashtray light and it was also working. Obviously on the circuit.

Hope that this might help others to at least know that two fuses affect the instrument lights.

Thanks for all the views.
Jim[/QUOTE]