I have a replacement TPS for my X308, but a quick recon makes me think I'm looking at a screw head (partially obscured by a dab of white paint) that seems to require a 5 point star tool. Is there such a beast, or do I need to get stronger glasses?

 

pretty sure mine used a torx bit, but has been a while since I messed with it.

 

They are assembled with specially shaped security screws. You can buy a set of hex drives online or at many auto supply stores.

 

I bought a 110 piece security bit set at harbor freight for around $12 the other day. I saw a similar set at auto zone for a few dollars more. Highly recommended to pick up considering some of the fasteners in use today.

 

The 5 lobe Torx are called Tamper Proof TORX PLUS and the 'bits' are drilled for the protrusion in the center of the fastener.

 

You could always just replace them with regular screws of the same specs.
Once you get your new TPS installed you might find you need to adjust it slightly. If you back off the screws a little you'll be able to rotate it left and right. If you don't set it up at roughly the same position as the old one, you'll get a rough idle at best, and failsafe mode at worst.

This is the thread form the XK forum that I found very helpful. I can't remember the exact resistance readings we used, but if you measure your old one first, you can set up the new one to match
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...acement-77560/

 

I have that exact security bit set from my days in facility maintenance and bathroom appliance installation/removal. (who steals a toilet paper roll holder, anyway?)
I'll head down to the barn tomorrow and dig around for it. Thanks for the reminder that they exist.

 

A quick trip to Sears tool department where you can buy a set of these

 

Just my two cents on the subject. ..I could not find these anywhere. .not sears harbor freight Napa pep boys O'Reillys not in any of the cheap sets that have everything under the sun in them. .nowhere. .except autozone...they had a four piece set for about 12 that had the common sizes and they had a 11 piece set which I ended up going with for 25..duralast brand. .1/4 and 3/8 sizes. .5 point torx plus hole in the middle tamper proof.