Hello All,
This is Martin in So CA, Recently acquired 2001 XK8 convertible, Topaz Metallic with tan interior and tan top. Problem with the steering column stuck in the retracted position. I can hear the retractor motor turning, so my guess the gear tapes in the column are faulty. Question: is there a way to permanently fix the column in one position, i.e., the highest position, without going through all of the removal and rebuilding of the column? I would settle for a permanently fixed steering wheel reach and not be concerned about electrical driven movement. However, don't want to compromise the integrity of the steering gear.
Another issue: antenna not working and no sound from the antenna motor. The fuse (#9) is intact, however. Please advise your thoughts.
Regards,
Martin - Menifee CA
2000 XK8 Coupe - Phoenix Red
2001 XK8 Convertible - BRG
2005 X Type Estate Wagon

 

I'm assuming by "retract", you're referring to the steering column rising so the wheel is out of the way for entry/exit? That's what mine does, anyway. I don't have any specific suggestions for getting it unstuck, but for mine, permanently putting it in one position just required turning off that retract feature. I did so because when it was on, most of the time it would retract nicely when the ignition key was off/removed but then it would not return to driving position when key was inserted/on, so I kept on having to manually move it into place.

Brian

 

Terminology use seems to be the communication question. Retract and extend is movement in and out or rearward to driver and fwd to dash. Tile is movement up and down from lap toward the top.
Occasionally just clipping the Blue/white wire clears the tilt up and down movement, If the steering wheel fails to move in and out, the retract drive cable is probably broken and needs replacement. more or a chore. EBay vendor has a good buy on the cable. Dealer does not service this part.My toying is probably not error free due to eye surgery and blurs.

 

Hello, this is Martin in Menifee, CA.
Further question regarding steering wheel reach for 2001 XK8 recently acquired.
Having read the many posts regarding steering wheel movement repairs, still have one question:
Not equipped to do the recommended disasembly and wiring repairing testing/repairs in my garage. Besides that, I don't bend very much without back pain.
Is there a way to manually adjust the steering wheel reach to the fully extended position and lock in place or leave it there without further adjustments.
By fully extended, I mean the furthest position out from the instrument panel.
i'm hoping to move the wheel to the fully extended postiion permanently and not use the controls again. Tilt adjustment works fine with the controls.
Thanks for any advice,
Regards
Martin

2001 XK8 convertible, Roman Bronze / Champaign

 

Martin, as I noted in above post there are some photos in the 2 threads i mentioned above. Once the U & L Cowls are removed, access to the wheel and other included parts are available. I also understand the physical barrier you have and had my younger nephew do the replacement of the short drive cable/shaft for the reach motor. I see no way to extend the wheel out from the dash except replace the drive cable. The motor moves the gearing only when it is connected by the cable. The module controlling the steering features has a potentiometer ate also that counts and records distance in & out to prevent damage. It appears you are out of options except to get the cable replaced. This is not too bad if you have a younger person that is fairly mechanically skilled. My thread is fairly thorough and denotes the tools, items to be removed and how to do them. Kinda tricky when the setting of the drive motor to the module but we were successful. Probably you wheel is retracted and will require only minimum DVOM work. Good luck.
S.A.S.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-x100-17/replacing-steering-angle-sensor-2003-xk8-dtc-c1295-252213/

Reach Cable
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...rt-1-a-276457/

 

Hello KStevUSA,

Thanks for your reply regarding the steering wheel reach repairs. I am unable to download your detailed write up for some reason. Says no longer available.
Could you email a PDF,Excel or Word to my email? Not very techy and have to rely on my daughters for help? In any event, I'll need to get local help
to do the cockpit bending and stretching since I can no longer do that contortion. To think that I used to remove and rebuilt Jaguar engines in in my home
shop - (67 Etype 2+2, 76 XJ6C). Sic transit gloriam.

 

PM sent and above post updated with correct links. Good Luck.

 

I am in the process of having my XKR coupe repaired with the same exact problem. I will update you on what the fix was and the cost at an indy shop.