My 1986 Daimler Double Six (XJ12) is recently back on the road after a long rest in the barn awaiting front caliper replacement, and driving it in 70 degree F weather the center console gets very warm after driving awhile. I measured the temperature of the top surface ahead of the shifter at 105 degrees F and as high as 116 degrees F down inside the passenger (right side) ash tray. I haven't charged the AC so it was not on and the climate system was turned off also so no air was being blown to the rear outlets.

I don't remember it getting this hot in the past and am wondering if the transmission is getting unusually hot for some reason or if this is normal and I just don't remember it.

Any suggestions?

 

I do, indeed. My car is somewhat different but similar. It was I6 powered.


when, we the XK engine and it's BW66, ewe found an oily pad. No way was I going to put it back when the nice clean LT1 and it's 4L60 E were installed. It was so filthy, that I tossed it.


A good move. I think. Now, air can flow from the engine bay and past the transmission. I see lack of air flow in the crowded bays as a flaw.


Point. Yours is gathering heat and keeping it from departing.


A guess from afar....


Carl

 

In my quest for colder cabin temps, I just added more insulation under the AC evaporator. That upper trans area does create a lot of heat.

Infrared gun showed temps there as 88F after driving 15 miles...after insulation it was 63F.

My car already has complete insulation added from the top of the gas pedal all the way to the rear of the package tray, under the headliner and inside the doors.

 

Probably normal/typical.

I've never measured the temps but they do get pretty hot, especially on a long drive.

Cheers
DD

 

Carl has nailed it from my experience.

Jaguar fitted a very thick foam pad above the transmission, as an insulator, heat and noise.

Over the years, and all that heat passing thru that area, the foam degrades, the glue fails, and most pads are actually sitting on the transmission.

ALL mine have a modern (Hot Rod Shop supplied) insulation pad on there.

Benefits are better insulation, and being "modern" are thinner, so more air flow OUT of the engine bay.

 

When Nix's floors got all that work in 2014-2015 I insulated everything I could access with this stuff, Roger, and it made a Huge difference, especially with noise.

While the tunnel is empty this winter, I'll clean it up and insulate the Underside too as you have done.

Great stuff that B-Quite insulation; easy to work with, sticks to almost Anything!
(';')