I finally got around to replacing the instrument cluster bulbs in my 2001 XJ8 VDP.

Only one of the main 4 bulbs had blown but that 25% lack of illumination left quite a dark spot on the panel.

I replaced all 4 bulbs with OEM types, Phillips 12256-B2 12volt 3watt wedge type bulbs. $1.90 each on amazon.

The job was pretty straightforward, but I have put together a blow-by-blow .pdf for anyone anticipating doing this same job.

Here is the link to the .pdf.........https://docdro.id/TKU9ZPM


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Thank you for these excellent directions! I’ll be needing to do mine so I saved them.

I thought there were four other, larger bulbs too. Am I confused?

 

I believe there are only the four large bulbs, (1, 2, 3 & 4) and combined they provide backlight for the whole of the instrument cluster.

There are the four smaller bulbs visible in this attached pic, (a,b,c, & d) which I did not investigate because mine were working fine.

And I have read in other threads on this subject that if you dismantle the cluster itself you can access some other bulbs on the actual circuit board. But as the only failed bulb I had was one of the four main cluster lights I only replaced those 4 main bulbs.

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Okay, it was the four smaller bulbs I was thinking of, bringing tor total to eight. Thank you.

One of my bulbs hadn’t worked for a few years until I banged on the dash and now it works. But I’m expecting it to fail and then I’ll replace them. I do have a bulb out on my gear selector but I don’t know how to replace it. It doesn’t bother me much so I’ve never investigated how to take it apart.

 

I have replaced the temperature display bulbs on the center console "ski-slope", and made a brief "how to" for that........
https://www.docdroid.net/ELjWoWy/ski...lbs-pdf#page=3
which partially gets you to the J-gate mechanism, but not how to replace the gear select bulbs, but this earlier forum post deals specifically with the J-Gate bulbs........which are apparently soldered on a small circuit board.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...cklight-75330/

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Thank you! Your How To’s are so great. I saved it. And thank you for the link to the other post. I saved that too.

 

XJDanny, thank you for the compliment.................I guess you should add my "under-the-manifold-heater-hoses" how to, to your list..................
https://www.docdroid.net/yUGg4Gg/jag...s-manifold-pdf

CK

 

I saved it. Great suggestion. Another excellent How To. Thank you!