92 sovereign

Gauge cluster lights are on all the time. Traced the problem to the dimmer switch. Trying to locate one but wondered if I could bypass it altogether? I don't use the dimmer itself - just need the gauge lights off when I turn the car off (which is not the case right now). I don't even mind if they are on when the car is on whether day/night. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Hi dtrain,

The dimmer module is mounted in the steel frame on the steering column. I don't have any photos of the front of the module, which is an aluminum heat sink extrusion, but the photo album below shows how to disconnect the module's three tabs from outside the steel frame:

Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page


This album shows how to tip the module to get the potentiometer shaft to back out of the frame:

http://www.jag-lovers.org/snaps/snap...?id=1389923645


And this album shows what the electrical connectors look like:

http://www.jag-lovers.org/snaps/snap...?id=1389923645


The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Supplementary Model Information DVD contains the Electrical Guides for the XJ40s, which would help you determine which wires to jump. Unfortunately I'm not aware of an online pdf of the guides:

Jaguar Heritage. XJ40 (XJ6 & XJ12) SUPPLEMENTARY MODEL & SERVICE INFORMATION JHM 1130

P.S. I have seen salvaged dimmer modules offered on eBay. Just be sure the electrical connector matches yours.

Cheers,

Don

 

Thanks for the reply Don,

I have attached the switch that I have. No luck with this one yet on ebay - several available with different connectors as you pointed out. Checked the wiring diagram on the Haynes manual that I have but didn't see this. Maybe I missed it or it's available elsewhere but I haven't had any luck just yet.

Any chance there is a common problem with a dimmer switch gone bad that might point me in the right direction to fix the one that I have?

 

Finally found the right dimmer switch. Replaced and still have the same problem. Should I be looking at a relay, module or short somewhere? Anyone have thoughts on what do to next?

Thanks.