How does one tighten a loose rear view mirror on a 2000 XK8 ?

 

Though your in the X308 forum, no biggie, this post from the XK forum should help...
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...acement-17719/ ....yes, its another subject, but it involves replacement and your needed loosening/tightening points.

 

Need to add: my car is a Convertible, not a hardtop, and the mirror is in great shape. No leaking, no fading, so I would hate to replace it when it just needs to be tightened. The previous owner had used a small zip tie. That does not appear to be a viable option any longer. The "loose" end is directly behind the mirror part not at the windshield end. Thank you.

 

[QUOTE=Highhorse;1815133]Though your in the X308 forum, no biggie, this post from the XK forum should help...
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...acement-17719/ ....yes, its another subject, but it involves replacement and your needed loosening/tightening points.[/QUOT
It appears the instruction you provide here applies to hard tops only, as the configuration on my Convertible is a bit different from the photo provided. But Thank You, any info is better than none. I'm learning more and more about my wonderful car every day and I love it !

 

I'm not versed on the XK, but I can't see Jag changing the mounting plate and procedure. Perhaps the mount location on the mirror is in a different position is all to compensate for the convertible?
Pulled this off the net...I did my XJ 14 yrs ago and I don't recall it being a major issue as it states here, I simply took my time and was careful.

2. Jaguar XJ8, XK8, XJ6 interior rear view mirror removal and installation

Be extraordinarily careful when replacing the rear view mirror on the XJ8, XK8 and XJ6 as the windshield can crack very easily. I did it (see below) but would recommend taking it to a windshield installer and have the old mirror removed and new one installed. The procedure is gut wrenching and nerve racking. Here goes:

1. Remove the upper and lower wire housing covers from the mirror. Caution: The upper cover has 2 very small plastic "pins" that break very easily.
2. Remove the lower rain wiper sensor cable (if equiped). Use caution - delicate wires.
3. Remove the interior head console. Open the sunglass visor, remove the plastic screw and the unit will come down. CAUTION: Do not pull untill you have removed the console wiring harness from its plug.
4. Unplug the large yellow connector for the mirror harness assembly.
5. IMPORTANT: While the mirror is still in place, lubricate however you can (spray oil) the area where the mirror slides onto the metal nut that is affixed to the windshield. Do not worry about getting oil on the glass = it's better than having the winshield crack.
6. CAREFULLY with even pressure and VERY LIGHT torque, "jiggle" the mirror to just slightly loosten it. ADD more oil. I'd call it even a "wiggle in place". Work the lubricant in/around before trying to "slide" the mirror down.
7. When you are satisfied (DO NOT jip yourself on time here guys and gals) that the windshield mounting nut is lubricated and the mirror mounting snap clip is lubed, GENTLY slide the mirror downward. Let the lube sit in place for a while. You may need to wiggle it a little through the motion.
8. To reinstall, LUBE the metal windshield nut and mirror snap ring with WHITE LITHIUM GREASE.
9. GENTLY slide the mirror "upwards" using a very slight "wiggle" to get the snap ring to lock around the metal nut.
10. Reinstall the auto-wiper sensor harness, then plug in the mirror wire harness into the console area and reassemble the console.
11. Reinstall the plastic guards.

I've read about this proceedure online. One report indicated that professional techs break about 1 in 50 windshields doing this procedure. If you have good glass coverage with your insurance, go for it. If you don't, THINK TWICE about doing this even if your consider yourself an average to average plus mechanic. Glass has zero give.
If you need a new electochromatic mirror a good source is Jagbits - 888-524-2487. DO NOT buy a "used" mirror - Jag updated the faulty design in 2003 and the new mirrors are not supposed to fail.

 

Thank you so much. This is more helpful than before now that I've put a little more research into it. Combined with info and pics I found elsewhere, we can now make a much better, much more informed decision on how to proceed. I'll let everyone know how it turns out; hopefully later today.

 

Mission Accomplished ! 20 mins start to finish. Mirror came right off, as it was already loose. Disconnected back wire harness (closest to glass) easily with a needle nose. Bracket screwed right out with a T-20. Carefully bent inner flanges back inward, making it nice and snug on the base. Added a touch of RTV Silicone for better adhesion and reinstalled everything. Piece of cake ! And I am not a talented mechanic by any stretch !