So, to be clear, there is no light currently illuminated, however, today I put in my RealGauge temp gauge, and when I put the instrument cluster back, I noticed a strange picture (that could be illuminated) it is in the middle to the left of where the orange light comes on (for things such as RP mode, etc)... It is a little car, in a lane with an arrow that goes both directions behind it. Anyone know what this is?

I tried to get some photos, but couldn't get it to show up.

 

Could that be for the proximity detectors if your car was fitted with them?

(You know, the sensors that are installed in the bumper cover?)

 

It is possible... I am thinking that is possibly there for maybe adaptive cruise control? Not sure if it was ever available to vehicles that long ago, but I can't think of anything else... I don't have the parking sensors (wish I did).

 

Looked in my Drivers Handbook, although it is for a 98 not a 2000, and no mention of that symbol.

 

Is it not shown in the owner handbook?

 

Could be for towing? In the UK at least there is a requirement to have an additional light on the dash for indicators (I think) when a trailer is attached. My Volvo has such a light built in to the original dash and is activated when a trailer socket is attached.

 

Hmm.... b1mcp you may be right. My vehicle isn't equipped with the tow package. But it may be for that, or related to towing.

 

From your description I would say it is for the adaptive cruise system, Here is a clip from a XKR 2003 users manual (#14). Could your dash possibly have been changed?

 

Number 14 is exactly it!

As far as I know, the car is completely original, aside from what I have done to it... It's a two owner car (one owner before me). It's possible, but I don't see why it would have ever needed to be changed.

But that brings up the question, would it be technically feasible to outfit the older 2000 MY vehicle with Adaptive cruise?

 

I think it's basically a radar, a module, some wiring. I suspect it could be done but bear in mind some people find it so annoying they turn it off...

 

I have adaptive cruise on my Range Rover. It does have radar in the front. I've tried it, but never could figure out what it does.

 

Adaptive Cruise will maintain a distance from a vehicle in front of you.
It will slow your vehicle if the lead vehicle slows down.

bob gauff

 

Looks like your mystery has been solved regarding that light. As I mentioned, I haven't seen that light in any of my cars, nor in the handbook. However, that image of the XKR gauge cluster shows the light...maybe your cluster was swapped at some point. Or maybe the updated the clusters at a point in time and you have the newer style cluster.

 

I'd be curious to know if adaptive cruise could be fitted to the 2000 MY XJ8... Doing a lot of highway driving, it would be kind of nice. haha