Hi everybody.
Today I finally got round to changing my instrument cluster lights as a couple had blown (thanks to sam1174's youtube video!)
But now I have no digits or display on my odometer/trip computer, it is still illuminated.

The procedure took a little longer than anticipated as 4 of the new bulbs I bought were blown. I admit to getting a bit frustrated and impatient and the last couple of times i refitted the cluster i didnt disconnect the battery - could this be my problem?!

When i finally finished and tried to start the car, it made beeping.like the alarm was going to go off, but didnt, turned but didnt fire. After a few tries with the same result I put some jump leads on the car and it started, but no odo display.
I've tried charging the battery and the hard reset procedure on the battery, but no luck, all the other gauges etc work fine.
The odo was working fine before today.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to get the odo working again?
I have searched the forums and googled, but no luck with this specific problem.
Thanks in advance.
Dale.

 

That's rough. Wish I had an answer. Was going to suggest disconnecting and reconnecting the battery, but if you've already done a hard reset, the best I can offer is a hope that White XKR or someone similar has a good trick for you. Good luck.

 

Dale,

You ONLY changed the bulbs? New bulbs blown sounds unusual and suspicious.

I always disconnect the battery before removing/refitting modules but if you didn't switch the ignition ON during the IP removal/refit process, it shouldn't cause problems. Check the IP harness connectors for bent pins and also for positive engagement.

Graham

 

+5 on bent pins and a careful check of everything to do with the plugs.

I would start over - meaning discon the battery.
discon the MICluster.
check the plugs and pins.
reconnect the MICluster.

Do a hard reset...
Then reconnect the battery (key OUT of the ignition)...
This is just me - I have done the reset touching negative cable to positive post for 30 sec with the key in the 3rd or ON position. My thinking was/is that electrical systems that are powered up with Ign ON would be able/more likely to drain in the 3rd Ing ON position. But,,, before hooking the battery back up I always turned Ign to OFF and removed key. Then connect battery. If this is a BAD idea I hope someone will jump in here.

Test. Insert key and give a turn - while praying.

Good luck, Bro...

 

Thanks for the suggestions lads, I'll give them a go saturday when I have some free time again. It's so frustrating, the bulb out has been bothering me for about 18 months, finally sort it and end up with another more annoying issue!
(The bulbs were supplied by my brother- 20 for £3 off of Ebay, you get what you pay for!)
I'll report back at the weekend and let you know how I get on. Thanks for the help so far.

 

When working with electrics and modules on your car always always disconnect the battery when plugging and unplugging. Not sure if all XK8 models are exactly the same but on mine the instrument cluster plays a vital roll in lots, one being a passive (I believe) part of the security system. You don't want shorts or mistakes there... I can only suggest really taking your time and taking it easy when working with it

 

Solved! I took the speedo unit out, on the bottom there is a small red plug attached to an electrical ribbon, it had worked loose. I pushed it back in and the the odometer is back!
Thanks for everyone's suggestions and help.
Cheers!