I wanted to replace the instrument panel warning lights with leds as they're really dim. I found that the bulb is a 286, which I ordered. However, when I went to swap them out, they're literally soldered into the base. The base is easy enough to remove, but what have people done in this situation? Are there replaceable bases that use a wedge style bulb?

 

It is confusing as described - you bought LED's ? - which generation of XJS ? - so in your case what exactly is soldered where - are there no plugs into which the bulbs can be inserted ?

There are LED's available with the correct bases but you need to be careful due to the colour (color ) I recall an article that described issues with LED light wavelengths that did not appear correctly behind the lenses / gels in the binnacle so the colours end up looking wrong - had a quick search but couldn't find (was a long time ago)

Not sure about availability in USA but this is a UK supplier - Better Lighting

If I find the link to the post and vid that explains the color issue I will post it

PPS have a play with the dimmer too if this is the overall illumination not the warning lights

 

1994 xjs, but made in early 93. I wound up finding some on aliexpress...I'll see how it goes, they appear to be the correct ones. Purchased some of the 194 sockets as well...