The right hand paddle on my XK (5.0 Convertible, 10 tmls), doesn’t work anymore.
It worked fine, then not in some periods and now not at all.
The paddles have not been used much.
Everything else works entirely fine (left hand paddle, auto gear shift up/down in D and S).
=> Is the problem the right hand paddle switch/mechanism? (which I see in this blog that is not very difficult to remove).
=> If yes, are there any contact points that I could clean, or shall I order a replacement paddle assembly?

Nina
Montreux/Switzerland

(PS: Thanks for a VERY helpful forum. Whereas it is OK to take my two Jags to an official dealer for the yearly main service, they insist on making an “official appointment” and keep the car for at least a day also for 10 minute-jobs (Swiss preciseness…..). A time consuming operation, which this forum has helped me to avoid many times!).

 

Please forgive me if this sounds too simple and if you have already done this.
Could there be something physical obstructing it.

This is most puzzling.

 

Hi. Thanks. Nothing to forgive. Often “simple” is par mount

But no. The paddle moves entirely normal (as the well working left downshift).
It used to work fine. Then sometimes it worked for ½h and then not. Then 1/2h later it worked again. The last two drives never. As if the internal parts of the switch don’t give contact.
(Perhaps I add that the «hold 3 seconds» for displaying «which gear» doesn work either, so as if «no contact»)
k.r.

(….and if I don’t respond immediately to further advises it is just that I am travelling and not online. I am very thankful for any suggestions).

 

I know this doesn't help your troubleshooting, but if you suspect the paddle is defective, there are used ones on ebay for less than $25 to confirm...

 

Yes, if I dont gain more knowledge that is a good alternative. If I KNOW that it is the switch I might want to buy some (costly) alluminim though.

I just wondered whether this it is a «known issue» that this switch fails despite (or because of) so little use. They seem to be eqipped on many models so it puzzles me if I am the only one with this issue. Im I ?

Is there a way of testing it (e.g. if I remove it and measure the plug with a resistance device ? )
k.r.

 

It's just one small screw that hold the paddles on, very easy to remove and do an inspection. That's were I would start, I haven't heard of the paddles being a common problem, my guess is you have a rare issue that might be resolved by removal, visual inspection, cleaning and reinstalling...

 

You will find the answer here, its essentially many good minds from all around the world.

I looked at the manual, the procedure for removal is very simple. Below is the only page on upshift paddle removal.

 

Thanks to both ! My dream would of course have been a «Yes well known issue. Just order a new paddle device, (or disconnect the battery or suchlike); and the issue is solved»��
Good to know that it is that easy to remove the paddles.
When back from vacation in some weeks I will try as you recommend and report back.
Kind Regards

 

I use this stuff to clean electrical contacts with great success https://www.walmart.com/ip/CRC-5103-...Wt-Oz/16817418

Recently I had the known issue of the 'hood ajar' warning light that wouldn't go off no matter how hard I shut the hood (bonnet). Forum advice was to replace the sensor but before I did that I took the connection apart and sprayed it with this and let it dry. Worked like a charm. And the symptoms you describe were similar to the warning I got - off and on til finally on all the time and couldn't get it off.

Have used this to fix other balky connections all around the house. It is sort of a miracle spray. Not sure how the paddle is connected but if there is an electrical connection that you can pull apart, I'd try this first.

 

Good stuff, but Be Careful around some types of plastic as the stuff can melt and gooify some substrates.

 

Good word "gooify" I think you have coined a new one. May I quote you?

 

I just realized after some thought that there is a case for that upshift paddle switch to be worn out.
Its the one that gets used the most, by twice as much. The way one cancels the manual-shift mode is to hold down the upshift paddle.
Also you have to upshift through every gear in manual- you rarely have to downshift unless you want to.

But in any case your dream would play out, these things are modular, as in all the problems are replaced by a drop in module.

I cant imagine people in Montreux needing to go on vacation, where do you go Detroit?

 

Sure, but I'd be thrilled to get royalties.

 

I am also wondering if it may be a clockspring issue. Hopefully it is just a bad paddle.

 

Thanks for the advices.

Spray: I am approx. 4000mls form the nearest Walmart…, but I see the point. It is one of these things that one can try at almost no cost/fuss. So will get such product.

Clock-spring: Please not. Sounds BAD/extensive. My issue seems to be independent of the steering wheel position.

SMALL UPDATE: Yesterday eve I managed to have a try before going on vacation (with another car). Quickly removed the paddle shifter and did as advised.
The good news is that the shifter afterwards WORKED perfectly.
The reluctance is that everything looked entirely clean/untouched so I don’t feel that I really ”did much”, and also in the past that paddle worked in periods.
=> Will know more, and report, when driving regularly after vacation. So will be silent on the issue for 2-3 weeks.

(…and for the gentleman's question on why LEAVING a home-base like MONTREUX for vacation: Good question. I do not get any royalties from the local tourist board, but fact is that the place is indeed almost “irritatingly” perfect. Easy to understand why Mr Mercury and many others wrote some of the best music there. Flowers everywhere, palm trees,10’000ft mountains, one of Europe’s largest/deepest lakes (drinking water), little crime (despite vicinity to France….).
ONE thing missing: The real saltwater SEA, …..which is not Detroit (sorry) but a 3 hour (with some flexibility with regards to Italian speed limits) drive south at the Italian Med coast).

 

Follow Up:
By swapping the paddles (yes that is possible. One cannot properly attach them but one can connect just for testing) I found out that it must be a FAULTY RIGHT HAND PADDLE.
So got some new wonderful aluminium ones a year ago, and all works fine ever after that.