I have a '93 XJS with an automatic shift lever that has a "T" handle on it. It is the type that has sort of black rubber pieces on each arm of the "T", and each arm has a chrome cap. The arms are sort of oval shape.


I want to remove the clear plastic plate at the base of the shift lever so that I can polish out some scratches. But I will need to remove the arms of the "T" in order to get it completely off. But I don't see an obvious way to remove the arms on the "T".


Are they threaded on, and you twist them to remove? Or, do the chrome caps pop off the end to expose attachment screws? Nothing "gives" readily when I try to unscrew the arms or pop the caps. And I don't want to apply excessive pressure to something that isn't going to work.


Also, I though I could just pry off the clear plastic plate after removing the two screws. But it doesn't budge readily either. Is there something else holding the clear plate on? I thought I saw in a manual somewhere that that plate can be removed easily by prying it up after removing the screws. But, for the life of me, I can't find what I thought I saw in any of the manuals I have now.


Thanks,
Greg

 

Greg,

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to XJS forum. Members here with the same model are best placed to help.

Is this the type in your vehicle?




(click on the images to enlarge them)


If so, the Parts Catalogue diagrams often help show how things fit together.

Graham

 

Yup, they simply unscrew, just like the diagram. Ebay vendors sell wooden replacements - nice little accent. Not sure on removing the base - I'm sure somebody will chime in soon.

 

Graham,


Thanks for the help.


My shifter is a little different. The "knobs" on each side of the "T" are what looks like textured hard black rubber, with chrome end caps. And they are oval shaped in cross section. But I suppose they are probably held on the same way.


I'll check again in the parts catalog that I have for my model year. I can't remember for sure if I have looked there yet or not. That's a good tip.


Thanks,
Greg

 

Thanks Flint. I think I'll just apply more torque to the knobs, and they should unscrew. Mine are a little different shape, but are probably held on the same way. About the only other way I can think they would be held on, is if the chrome end caps pop off to reveal a screw that goes from one to the other. In either case, applying torque to the knobs shouldn't hurt anything.


Thanks,
Greg

 

Greg,

Jaguar has the parts catalogues online as part of its parts website. See here for the diagram for your lever which shows two end nuts behind the chrome covers:

Selector Lever and Cam Plates-From (V)185820 - Parts For XJS from (V)179737 to (V)226645 | Jaguar Classic Parts UK

Hope that helps

PAul

 

Hi Paul,


When I got home from work today, I took a look in the parts catalog I bought from the same outfit you referenced in your link, and found the same diagram. I'm glad I looked one more time (and otherwise would have seen your post) before I attempted to unscrew the knobs. That wouldn't have worked, and I probably would have damaged them.


I suspected there might be a different method of holding these on, because they are oval in cross section. If they just screwed together by twisting them, it would be likely that the screw would become fully tight when they knobs didn't align properly with the oval shape of the shift lever head. That would have required over tightening, or a chronically loose set of knobs.


Thanks for your help.
Greg

 

Post pics of your knobs please? Grow up

But seriously, post pics.

 

Hi Flint,


Pictures definitely would have been the way to go. I'll do that next time I have a similar issue.


Thanks,
Greg