I have a 1999 XJ8. When I use the turn signal the dash lights on the center console go out. When I turn the turn signal off the lights come back on. Also, there is a smell of burning electrical insulation.

 

Does it happen with both right and left turns? That would be a start, but I would guess it will take a bit if detective work, and maybe some luck, to find the exact location of the problem. If you smell burning insulation, you may be able to find an obviously burned area in a wiring harness. Also, even though insulation is overheating in the dash area, the root cause could still be a short or other problem elsewhere further out in the wiring towards the turn signal bulbs.

 

if you have done any behind dash work lately , you have a pinched wire. when i did aux guages and removed the instrument cluster, when i stuffed everythyng back in , and powered up the car, i got smoke from behind dash. turned out a wire had been pinched between the metal dash "structure frame" and the trim surround.

 

Thank you for the feedback and suggestions. Taking your leads, I recognized that the dash lights only dimmed with the use of the left turn signal, which prompted to look for a frayed or broken wire in the left side lighting system. I tracked down a short (improper installation in the front left low beam headlight). It wasn't that difficult - the hedlight had smoke stains from the short. I removed the headlight, cleaned the smoke damage, repaired the bulb wiring and it is working properly.

Thank you both for the ideas and the driection. Jaguar Forum is a great resource and helps keep the Jaguar out of the shop and helps avoid expo\ensive repairs.. Now if I can just find a wife forum...