Hey all,
My newly acquired 2013 XKR had the sticky button issue that is common with many Jaguar models. My XKR steering wheel was sticky on the entire left and right sides, where the all of the buttons are. All of the buttons for the audio and climate controls were also sticky.

I researched the forums, and came across a post where someone suggested using hand lotion. I tried that, it worked fairly well at softening up the sticky coating on the buttons. Then I came across a YouTube video where a woman suggested using Neutrogena makeup remover wipes. I asked my wife if she had any. She didn't have Neutrogena, but she did have Kirkland Signature face wipes from Costco. I decided that I'd give it a try.

The Costco face wipes worked amazingly well. I worked on one group of buttons at at time. I started by giving the sticky buttons/areas a complete wipe down with the face wipe, getting it very moist. That started to soften up the sticky coating. Then, using my fingernail and a wooden toothpick, I started scraping away the sticky coating, using the pointed end of the toothpick for the crevices between and around the buttons. After scraping away as much as I could, I'd wipe it with the face wipe again and then scrape some more. After about 3 rounds using this method, I could give it a final wipe with the face wipe and the sticky coating was all gone. I dried everything off with a microfiber towel. None of the white lettering or labels were damaged using this method.

This took about 2 and a half hours to do the steering wheel and all of the buttons, and now I no longer have sticky buttons in my new XKR!

I just wanted to share what worked for me and give back to the community that shares so much knowledge. Thanks.

Pat

 

I use isopropyl rubbing alcohol and a clean cotton rag. Works just as well

 

I guess it does pay to cruise the old posts. I'm grossed out by the sticky switch gear, so I'm glad that I can address that in due time.

 

Imagine all the covid-19 you got off those sticky buttons!

 

I tried both ithe isopropyl actually works way better

 

I used Trichlorotriflouromethane. It took all the stickiness off. And most of the buttons. Actually, quite a bit of surrounding material as well.

 

I used Goo Gone and it worked well you can find it on Amazon in Automotive strength.

 

thanks for the info I'll give it a try

 

Pretty much any known adhesive remover will clean off the buttons so there is no wrong answer here.

I personally sprayed WD-40 into a bowl (outside) then used paper towel to wet from bowl and wipe buttons. Had the steering wheel done in 20 minutes or so, another 30 at a different time for the center console.

The WD-40 left no smell as it is the aerosol spraying that stinks and that was outside the garage. It seemed to melt the sticky button goo with just vigorous wiping, no booger removal necessary on top surface. Then used the same toothpick/fingernail in the crevices which does accumulate the booger material. White decals were all good. No fuss no muss.

My only issue was that I got mad at myself for not doing it sooner after I realized how easy it is to clean!!!