I've searched the threads and can't find any reference to my particular problem. I bought my 97 XK8 in October, 2010. It has only 39k and is absolutely gorgeous. Everything works perfectly except the steering column and it doesn't work at all. It never moves......up, down, forward, or backwards, and makes no sound whatsoever. It's as if the car didn't even have adjustable steering. All of the threads I have read mention some movement or some kind of sound, but mine.......nothing. Fortunately, it is in a very comfortable driving position, but I have some difficulty getting in and out of the car because it will not tilt up. Thanks for all help and suggestions. I am enjoying the forum immensely.

 

On the left side of the steering column there's a little knob. It's kinda like a little joystick. Moving it up and down moves the steering column up and down, moving it forward and backward moves the steering column in and out. It also turns clockwise and counter-clockwise. One way prevents it from retracting when you remove the key, the other way allows it to automatically retract. Your knob might be turned so it doesn't automatically retract.

 

Thanks Reverend, I probably should've mentioned that I already tried that after checking owner's manual and it didn't help. Had no effect on it at all.

 

Check fuse #7 (yellow, 20A) in the passenger side fuse box (between the door and dash).

 

Checked fuses once, but will do it again. I could have overlooked something considering the number of fuses and panels on these cars. Thanks all. I may have to go to one of the Atlanta dealers. If I do, I will post my findings.

 

When I first got my car the column would not move but by 'exercising' the joy stick control got it to move a little, then a little more until full range returned.

 

Although I've had problems with the steering wheel movement in the past, it does work properly now - most of the time. Sometimes it will retract/telescope properly, sometimes it won't. Now I have a slightly different problem, the joystick knob broke off in my hand. Anyone know how to replace it? Right now, I have to use the memory button to get it in the right position when it sticks. I've read some previous posts on the motor/potentiometer replacement?, but since it's always come back to life, I haven't looked into it further.

 

Mine works much better when it is warn than when it is cold! Odd behavior, but I can live with it in the CA climate... DaleD

 

^^ broke off, or came off of its post? How rough did you get with the controls? lol

 

Broke off! Didn't think I was being rough with it, but thought it was off and twisted to put in auto, and the post snapped off in my hand.

 

easy to fix, just remove bottom clamshell, pop it out and replace with new switch. there are two motors, one for telescope and one for tilt. usually what fails is the cable on the telescope mechanism. it's a flexy drive cable that connects the motor to the drive screw. can't be bought separate from Jag, gotta buy the motor. if anyone has a source other than wreckers please post. a bit of work to get to flexy cable, gotta lower steering column

 

Bought mine at Coventry West. Didn't seem to be a problem with supply.

 

Any idea where I an find a new switch? Can't seem to find in the Parts Catalog.

 

I think I may be on to something. The original owner of this car, I have discovered, was/is handicapped, and he had the driver side airbag disabled in accordance with
49 CFR 595.6 (whatever the hell that means) by Handicap Vehicle Specialists, out of Phoenix. There is a sticker inside the driver's door jamb with this info. Also, the sunglass storage bin to the left of the steering column has some kind of switch wired into it. I don't know if I will ever find out what is going on here, but I am going to try. Will post.