Hi guys!

i kind of have an annoying problem, with my Jaguar XJ8 2000.
All the gauges is dead and the display on the instrument cluster are black, even the gearbox is stuck in "p" mode and the car are in limp mode.
After som testing, with the battery and other stuff, my conclusion was that the instrument cluster was broke.
So i got a new one from a scrap yard, it has the same numbers, and everything. So after i installed it the gaues are still off but the display started working. Now the "problem" The dispay on the instrument cluster say its the wrong part.
After some reading, i got to know i needed to take the car to a jaguar license workshop. And get them to install/reflash the instrument cluster, so the car accept the "new part". After some calls the closest workshop, who can make the install is over 500km away. Because the car i stuck in limp mode i can't drive it down, to get it there i need a driver thats license to drive such a heavy trailer.

So my question!
is it possible to install/reflash the instrument cluster by myself, or do i really need to trailer the car 500km to get it fixed?


I apologize if the text is messy or wrong spelled, english is not my native language

 

I think it'll be part of the immobilisation logic so you'd need the other related parts as well or else (if it can be) to reprogram it. Dealer tool like WDS or IDS/SDD needed.

Often a cluster fault is actually wiring or a dry solder joint (where the soldering was not done properly and needs re-doing). You might find a hobby electronics person with a soldering iron who could look.

 

The instrument cluster should also be checked for this known fault: http://jagrepair.com/images/TSB/XK8/...%20failure.pdf

Also check the connectors for bent pins (disconnect battery first).

 

+1

and I forgot to say there are firms that repair clusters (& other modules).

 

I'm kinda sure it's the instrument cluster that are broken.
I have taken it to a person who is specialized in car elektronik and he though it was 1 of the 2 main processors in the cluster that had shorted out.

So it would be easiest, if i could reprogram the one that bought from the scrap yard.
Because if i send it to a firm that repair clusters, in another contry it will take time and be high shipping cost.
And if i they can repair it, they will replace the processor. So i would still need to program the cluster =/