My 1998 XJ8's shifter plastic is broken, I would like to purchase a new shifter. I'm looking to purchase one that's in the best condition I can find. The question is:

• what is the shifter responsible for?
• Is it possible it will change how the car is running/shifting?

I want to make sure that changing the shifter for a better visual appearance doesn't change how the car runs. My XJ has only 35k miles on it, so not sure if replacing it with an item with 100k miles on it can change anything.

Also, how interchangeable is the shifter between 1998 and 2003?

Too bad there is no way to just change the top plastic...is there?



new item (without a broken plastic

 

The plastic top part can be replaced.
It is called a 'SELECTOR LEVER ILLUMINATION MODULE'.
There are several versions for the different engine/gearbox configurations.
DO NOT install the wrong one.
Just the plastic face can be separated if it is cracked.