Hello all, I think this topic has come up before but I can’t find the thread.
I have a 1997 XK8, US spec and wondered whether the retracting side-mirrors is a programmable option or whether the mirror hardware is different to enable this.
Thanks in advance.

 

There is additional hardware, the standard mirrors don't include the fold motors.

As I understand it is something that can be retrofit but the option appears to be incredibly rare in the US market.

 

Porterve,

I think your 1997 car will not have the necessary wiring Harness fitted. Read this thread.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...irrors-112945/

 

Just a caution post:
are we sure the window switch driver door is able to perform fold command?

I ask for 2 reasons:
1) I am working on restoring the mirror adjustment on mine. Requires that I open the switch up. (Nightmare never do this unless you really have to)

While I studied the circuit traces and connections I could see an untapped yet continuous circuit under the mirror movement sector. Thought to self "hmm maybe for fold back".

2) way easier to poll for knowledge than to look up this what if scenario.

Is anyone sure that the same window switch pack is used for both cars? Highly likely, but then we all know Murphys Law.

John

 

I have an old S type brochure that says folding mirrors were available in the US market

 

Hello All,
thank you for your replies.
I have discovered a member of our club with a European convertible MY1997 with retracting mirrors, so it seems that the option existed for MY1997 cars.
I will have a look at the circuit diagram to see what I can find.

 

As Johnken notes, the door switch pack may also be different. I did briefly look into this for my 98, and could not detect a state change on the pack 'foldback' pin (DD17-1) with any combination of the switch positions.

 

For fold-back, ignition has to be on, the left/right selector must be in the neutral position and the joystick switch pulled straight back. There's then about a 5 sec pause before the system is re-enabled and then another pull back on the joystick will unfold the mirrors. The fold-back system is disabled above 12 mph and that's a pain if you set off without unfolding and don't notice almost immediately.

 

Yes, I discovered accidentally that there was folding mirrors as I was testing mirror control box after internals cleaning and was fooling around w/joystick & selector

 

If you have memory seats, did you also discover that if Reverse is selected with the left/right mirror switch in Neutral and the joystick is pulled back, the offside door mirror will dip by 7deg? Another pull back, another 7 deg. Either push the joystick forwards or deselect Reverse to restore the original mirror position.

 

Hi,

I am a new member and have a 98 xk8 coupe and would love to figure out how to make the sideview mirrors fold in. Is it possible?

thanks
Ambrose

 

Ambrose, you know you can manually fold them right?

Wondering if you have the fold options? Look above instructions to electronic fold are there.

John

 

I don't think my '06 has electrically folding mirrors(never tested, but will). They will manually fold, and are loose to the point that driving will cause them to fold in just a bit(very scientific description?). Not a problem except on offside.
Do any of you know how to tighten the mirrors so that they will require more pressure to fold? Did not see any screws under the mount without removing the door side panels.

 

Hi John, I figured I could, but when I went to do the driver's side, it didnt budge with a fair amount of pressure, so I backed off. I dont think they have been folded in for a while as the car has been garage kept for years. But from what I have learned here, the 1998 model does not have auto mirrors so I should just push a little harder it seems

 

Yeah I agree. I never had to use them on my '98 until my sister moved to New hope PA. Fastest way to get there takes you across a ridiculously narrow bridge next to the park where George Washington and his boys crossed the Trenton River that Christmas eve you've read about.

Anyway, it reminded me of driving in Ireland. Cars squeeze past each other with about an inch to spare! Sure wish I had auto fold each time I drove there!

John

 

Hello all,

A new member to the forum. I recently purchased my 1998 XK8 US version. While navigating the narrow garage opening, the right mirror got a bit too close to the side and started to fold. That is when I discovered it has folding mirrors: manually adjustable at least. After reading the posts here, I am anxious to try the joystick moves and see if they make the mirrors fold.

Great info throughout the forum.

Thanks,
Becky
1998 XK8 Convertible

 

I tried folding the mirrors on my 06 with no luck. The switch seems to only have 2 positions, "left", and "right", no center. I still have the partial folding problem, and will be trying to stabilize the position.

 

Thanks. I do know New Hope and those bridges! I still haven't tried to push them back yet... wondering if any kind of spray lube in the seam would help or hurt?

 

Hi, So your US car has the auto folding mirrors? I suspect that may have been an added feature to the XKR, yes? I will go give mine another test run today.
A

 

I rechecked my '06 XK8 mirrors yesterday. They do have a center position on the selector switch, but pulling the 'Joy Stick' back and holding for 20-30 sec. had no effect. Not installed or bad motor?
I did check the underside of the mount and found an access panel that when removed showed the mount. Tried to tighten an screws there with no luck. Mirror still loose enough to fold in just a bit(1/2") in the slipstream.