I was just watching the latest 'You Tube' production on the XK8 concerning the "Fake Gauges" , oil press, eng. temp, and battery output. I understand that Jag had problems with the early years of he XK8 and the gauges were little more than analogue "Idiot lights". Were they replaced in later years(2004-2006) with actual functioning gauges? I realize that there are kits to convert the gauges to functioning. Do they require a full removal of engine sending units, or merely exchanging gauges and wiring? Anyone with experience with these kits?

 

The 4.2 through '06 has the same glorified idiot lights, and I expect the newer models are the same. The real gauge mod requires removal of the instrument pod, but nothing more difficult. A simple diy.

 

Sam, Google "realguage". Great stuff.

John

 

Will do.Thx.

 

Sam, I 've watched from afar your questions and opinions concerning our X-100's, while only posting that you own a F-Type.....Today, I noted something about a XK8! Is it true that after all these posts, you have finally purchased an X-100? If so, why don't you post some Photos of your new XK8 Jaguar? I for one, would like to see what you've got! Lay it out there for all to see or it this a Sham also Sam?

Billy Clyde

 

Ive been wondering about swapping my gauges out for real ones since I saw about this too. I appreciate that there is a "ready made" setup that can be bought, but out of my price range really. Having grown up with older muscle cars, I know a decent set of gauges can be bought for not much money, but am wondering what issues would arise with putting them in. For example, would the computer throw codes, or maybe some other stupid computer controlled car issue, like limp mode

 

Hi Sam-
I make the RealGauge. I am happy to answer any questions.

The basic coolant version works through the existing sensor. The oil pressure option adds an oil pressure sensor because the vehicle is only equipped with a low pressure switch from the factory.

I am not around this forum as much as I used to be, but RealGauge was a direct result of discussions here around 7 years ago. We have about 1000 of these in use now!

-Steve

 

I want the Real Gauge on my 1999 XK8, as engine overheating is a AJ V8 engine killer. For both temperature and oil pressure pack it's USD280, which I think would be money well spent to prevent a future serious problem.

Installation seems easy enough, so long as you're familiar with pulling the dash instrument panel out. There's a Sam1174 Youtube video on this method, albeit not on installation of the RealGauge.

The factory idiot gauges only tell you there's a problem after the fact. Installation of the RealGauge is on my To Do list for summer 2019, so long as I can get the stuff delivered to Bahrain.

 

Installation of the RealGauges looks like a definite necessity for protection for the engines.
As to my XK8, Yes, B.C., I do in fact have a 2006 XK8, or at least I think I do. Purchased from a dealer here in S.W. Fla. as a 1 owner, 48K mile beauty, at what I thought was a fair price, with a 30 warranty. After driving it with no problems for 2 weeks, it suddenly started 'locking me out'. Seems it decided that I was trying to steal it. I think it is a communications problem with the passive security system. 3 times the system refused to allow the key to start the car. Codes were set indicating a communication problem. Currently it is with the dealer being checked to see which modules are causing the codes to set. Consensus is it is bad modules.
First thing checked was battery. It had just been changed, and was new and good. I had put the problem out on this forum under a different thread, and so far no one has seen this problem before.
I had hoped to get some pix out, but the problem developed before I was able to get any pictures up and running. Rumour is, modules will be replaced by the week's end, and I will get the car back soon, hopefully without too much more expense. As with most Used car warranties, this one was 50/50 parts and labor. Who ever uses a used car warranty???