I want to install on my 07 XK the later column switches (lighting and wipers) which have the chrome rings on them. Can anyone tell me how to remove the column shroud for access? and are there any tricks involved in the replacement of the switches?
Many thanks in advance for any information about this.

 

Well, I guess I have to give my own reply...I have done the installation and no, it is not necessary to remove the lower dash panel. The column switches can be accessed by simply extending and lowering/raising (as needed) the column electrically so that the screws holding the lower shroud portion (two screws) and upper (three screws) can be removed. The lower portion can be withdrawn and it is not even necessary to disconnect the column movement switch; the upper portion screws can then be removed with the column lowered, and the shroud withdrawn. At that point it is child's play. The wiper and lighting switches simply slide out of their docks when their clips are pressed. The electrical connectors come off the back. New switches slide in, get connected, and the shroud portions go on in reverse order.
The only fiddly bit is getting the lower shroud portion in and fitted - it WOULD be much simpler with the lower dash panel removed but still it only takes a couple of minutes of manoeuvring. Done! the new switches with the chrome bands add just an extra touch of luxury.

 

Well done

Thanks for the followup post

Vince

 

Sov211. Good post. Where did you get the new columns/stalks from? Jag dealership or other source? Cost?
Thanks
Steve.

 

Steve:

Believe it or not, I got them on eBay (new) from two separate vendors; my total cost (with shipping) is probably about $200 - I say probably because I long ago stopped adding up my costs for these indulgences (and there have been many over the years). But the XK was so well designed and equipped "out of the box" that the possibilities for upgrades are limited (fortunately).
One other change I made: I like wood in Jaguars. My car has the walnut trim and I swapped in the 2008 onward window switch packs to replace the rather plain-looking 07 "alloy" panels. This is not hard to do, but it sure is expensive because the wood is not (the hoped for) overlay - you have to get the 2008 + switch panel that takes the separate wood piece - and THEN you find that the 2007 (black) switches do not fit into the revised panel! That means buying the later (alloy colour) switch pack as well. The connectors are all the same. But installed- it looks fabulous - exactly as on the 2008+ cars. This change is NOT cost-effective. Trust me on this. Only a truly obsessive would do it.