I am replacing XJ8 in 1998 the clock bulb and that is why I removed the wood paneling in the middle and around the instrument panel. Now, still missing the right-hand wood panel, or is it enough that having the negative cable from the battery that can safely remove airbag in front of that woodpanel?

 

Yes, thats all, remove negative pole. It takes quite a lot to trig the airbags, but why risk it - you'll never know.. You don't have to remove the passenger panel entirely. It is enough to pry it open at the clock side. You will have enough space to remove centre air vents. As a tip, close the vents, they are easier to remove that way.

Here is a video to show you how:

 

Thank you very much. I got the job done.