Big thanks to Seismicguy for his written how-to and pictures and the tips from the other members.

Both of my headrests are now working properly (although it took 4 hours to finish both, including one trip to the store for a Torx set containing the correct size :-))

Thank you all!

 

Well for the second time now since my fix it looks like the cable sheath splice must have slipped apart. I guess the heat shrink tubing I used was not shrunk enough. Oh well, will try again when I get a spare 15 minutes.

Doug

 

I've repaired similar items and it may help to scuff the cable sheeth with a bit of coarse sandpaper then apply a very thin coat of Goop underneath the heat-shrink. Don't put it near the inside join as you don't want any on the cable. Heat gun is the best tool for the heat-shrink. If you're using a commercial grade gun careful of the heat on the plastics.

 

Thanks--I will try the scuff and goop approach this time. Curiously, the headrest started working again so I think what is happening is that bumps and motions caused by driving must end up moving the cable a bit causing the opening and closing up of the splice. I think when I re-do the shrink tube I will also wire tie the cable to something so that it does not flop around so much.

Doug

 

Opened up the seat again today to tighten up the splice. I used a soldering iron to further shrink the heat shrink but I suspect the splice will again loosen up over time. I think the stress on the inner speedometer-type cable just tends to want to translate to the sheathing, thus eventually forcing the splice open.

That being said, does anyone know if Jaguar ever came out with a cable/sheath assembly that is the correct length as a replacement for the original or is the dealer repair still involve the cut-splice method? If there actually is a proper replacement assembly, I would rather just get that and not have to worry again about the splice separating.

Doug

 

Get the heat shrink tubing from a marine store like west Marine. They have the kind with glue inside, to keep water out in a marine environment. The glue will help hold it on and the tubing is thicker as well. I used this on mine and doubled it up to make the splice have less flex, never has pulled apart. There is also the chance you cut it too short and its bottoming out when fully installed, this would also cause your problem.

 

The heatshrink I bought was from Radio Shack and rather thin which allows for flexing at the splice. I removed the exact amount from the sheathing and verified the problem to be flexing which allows the splice to open a bit. In the meantime, it is fine but I will check for the heavier heat shrink if I get the chance.

Doug

 

For what it's worth, my successful headrest fix wasn't so successful either. Sometime between the summer and now, they quit working again. We'll be trying to fix it again here pretty quick.

 

If you run into problems or need help I am local and would be glad to help out.

 

Hey Brian--how "local" is local. I am in Encino--are you anywhere near?

Doug

 

I live in lakewood it is right by the orange county line

 

Well not exactly a stone's throw away but good to know nonetheless. By the way, it looks like there are at least a few folks in the LA/Orange County area. Are there ever any get-togethers?

Doug

 

I have not heard of any

 

hello together

i don't know if i have the same problem which is described in the TSB. both headrest engines are working but the headrests don't move. Where could be the mistake?
Thanks for your help

Robert

 

^^^robert that is your problem, also i have said in other posts. Use 2 pieces of heat shrink, 1 shrunk, then slip another over and shrink. Then i use electrical tape to wrap and go down and include the original cable sheath. This keeps it from serating. Or use the heat shrink with glue as mentioned earlier in thread

 

sorry but it's very difficult for me to understand english. I still didn't get the problem. why doesn't the headrest work? can somebody send me the tsb or an guidance?

sorry for my bad english^^

 

You are a new member so I don't think I can PM you but if you provide your email (send me a Private Message if you can) I can email you the TSB and instructions. You may also be able to find some of what you are looking for at the FAQ tread of this forum.

Doug

 

Did the headrest procedure today on my 2001 XKR. Used the glue (epoxy) and single heatshrink plus electrical tape approach. Did the cut about 2 inches from the motor.

The previous owner had disconnected the headrest motors ...no clue as to why. Anyway made the mod and plugged it back together...It all works great!!

Thanks to everyone for their tips.