In 1990 the ignition switch was moved from the dash to the steering wheel. A filler plate was mounted to the dash to fill the hole.

My '90 XJS has a switch and LED on that plate. The switch is a rotary knob almost like a radio switch/volume control. Right now the LED does not light and the switch does not seem to do anything.

Are these parts original Jaguar or did a previous owner put them there?

Thanks!

Mark

 

What color wires are connected to the switch? Does the dimmer switch for the lights currently work/ is it wired up?

 

I haven't had a chance to take the dash apart yet to see where the wires go. I plan to do that this weekend.

I'm going to remove the aftermarket radio and reinstall the factory unit. I will be going through all of the wires and the console and restore everything to its original configuration.

Just thought I would see if anyone here has seen anything like this.

Mark

 

not stock, whatever he heck it is.

 

I think that the red light is part of the security system (I have one there and it flashes) and I think that the rotary knob is the dash light dimmer; you may find that it has been disconnected and bypassed.
Try it at night!

 

I know that its not the dimmer switch because the standard Jaguar dimmer switch is in place on the left side of the dash and it is working properly.

I found a hidden radar detector behind the front grill. Maybe the knob has some control over that? Guess I will find out this weekend when I take all of that stuff out.

Mark

 

Does it click on and then turn or just turn like a potentiometer?

 

Yes. It appears to have a switch and a volume control. I wont be surprised to find that its a control for either the radar detector or part of the aftermarket stereo.

I will find out tomorrow.

Mark

 

Most likely volume control for radar detector warning signal. it would have an audio and Visual signal for a stealth radar detector. Was there a signal receiver somewhere in the back of the car, like just below the rear bumper? It would be similar to the one behind the grille. Stealth detectors became popular when some states would confiscate or fine the driver of a car equipped with one they could see one on the dash or windshield.

 

Mystery solved....the switch and LED were part of the radar detector. I removed it all.

Tomorrow I will be removing the aftermarket radio and installing the original Jaguar unit.

Mark

 

cool. Got to admit it is a teeny bit hokey, but it isn't hanging on the windshield like in most cars. It is pretty well concealed and most people would never notice it was there