I have only used this forum in the past to research problems but last year I installed the "REAL GUAGE" temperature guage in my 2003 XKR and this year it saved me. I want to publicly thank WHITEXKR aka The JAG Wrangler for making the guage available and easy to install. I was able to monitor my cooling system accurately and as the operating temperature tripped the alarm at 230 degrees I quickly got my cooling system serviced and avoided serious damage. So thank you WhiteXKR and thank you jaguarforums.

 

I have it installed in both of my cars, it's a great product. I'm glad it helped you out.

 

Thank you for posting.

Every time I hear that it helped someone save their car, it more than makes all of the weekends and late nights that it took to develop RealGauge worthwhile!

For those who are not familiar with the product, see http://www.thejagwrangler.com/xk8--x...realgauge.html

-Steve

 

+1. Great product and very glad you avoided disaster.

 

Agree with all the positive comments. It's reassuring to actually see that the cooling system is behaving itself. Great product

 

This is something I am planing to do in the future.

A little bit off topic - Does anyone know why in the world Ford/Jaguar designed the stock setup to stop indicating at 185? That seems to me to be the dumbest bit of engineering I have ever seen. I can understand the oil idiot gauge as that saves them a few cents per car on a sending unit but the temp gauge operation just seems like idiocy.

 

I suspect the normal excursions of temperature on earlier models were sending a few nervous customers to the dealer and costing Jaguar money when there were actually no problems.

 

I just recently completed a Real Gauge installation on my 1997 XK8 convertible. The learning curve to install this device was manageable. Mind you, I am not a mechanic or a automotive electrician.

There were issues during the installation that required me to talk with Steve at Jag Wrangler and we exchanged emails until each step was complete and the job was finished.

The car's temperature gauge finally works like a real gauge should work and I am able to observe the characteristics of the engines coolant temperature as I fly down the mountain roads here in northern California.

I recommend the product and the man who stands behind it!

 

I agree 100%, this is a must have modification and has also saved me. We get some very hot days during the Dallas, TX summers and several times this past month on 105F+ days, while caught in Dallas stop and go traffic, my engine temp approached it's limit but with RealGauge I was able to monitor the actual temperature and turn the air conditioner off before the temperature exceeded it's limit. Steve is a great forum member. Thanks Steve,


Mark

 

Here's another Comfort story, When I went in and checked my tensioners a few months ago (and replaced all seals/gaskets, tens were 3rd gen) I had to 'move' the coolant tank to get the cover off, the senor popped out, and since it hasn't stayed in reliably, I was on a trip to Pittsburg two weekends ago and suddenly I get the Red Light and Low Coolant message... RGage had the car at 208 so I kept my eye on it... made the trip out and back without incident (I did tie wrap the sensor up for the ride back and have order a new tank/sensor and they should be here next week. With RGage I had peace of mind that I'm really seeing the temp regardless of 'other' components. Thanks Steve!

 

Steve, too bad we can't get the Real Gauge for the X350 XJ8's... or can we?

 

Superb, yet another satisfied customer.

As it happens, there is a FREE prize promo for this very product on the go as we speak.

See here...
*** FREE XK8/XKR RealGauge Prize Draw *** - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

Maybe...

I know how to do it (to be clear it is not available now, it still needs product development), but due to the revised design of the instrument cluster, installation is the difficult issue. One possible way around it is to offer it as an upgrade service to the instrument cluster with guaranteed 1 or 2 day turn-around.

This is something I need to consider, as it would apply to the X350, X type, and S-type.

 

I'd like to try the RealGuage

 

It can be ordered here: XK8 / XKR / XJ RealGauge - TheJagWrangler or try your luck in the ongoing drawing.

 

Since I didn't win a set of the RealGauges I went ahead and purchased them anyway. I bought both the temperature and oil pressure upgrades and installed them in my 1997 XK8 and must say that I'm very impressed with them.

The installation is straight forward and what a difference they make in being able to monitor your engine.

The kits are complete and everything you need is included and a list of the tools you'll need are provided as a convenience . Instructions are straight forward and are in a logical order. Most shade tree mechanics will have no trouble with the installation.

The development of these two kits had to be a monumental task with the theory, the electronics and all of the hardware. I'm glad the JagWrangler did take the time, it sure makes the Jaguar a better animal.

Keep up the good work.

 

Since it's Thank White XKR day I'll throw in another plus 1 for the convertible remote and nav to 3 gauge switch. Just installed both in the last couple of week and both went without a hitch. The instructions and quality are beyond belief. If you have a convertible I can't recommend the remote strongly enough. I wasn't sure how much I would use it (after all the switch is right there!), but I use it all the time. Soooo much easier and convenient. Even the wife thinks it's super cool. Thanks So Much!

 

Be aware guys, there's a bulk mail heading your way.....

15% discount worldwide PLUS FREE shipping within the US for a limited time for:

-RealGauge for the 1996-2006 XK8/XKR and 1997-2003 X308 XJ/XJR

-Remote Top for the 1996-2006 X100 XK8/XKR convertible

-Remote Top for the 2006-2015 X150 XK/XKR convertible, with one touch and optional rear window control

Just reference www.thejagwrangler.com. The discount will be posted on the site.

 

Thanks for all the great feedback! It is a lot of work, but I love developing these products.

There was a slight lag getting the discount up on my site. Order's placed now will be discounted automatically.

 

This is a must for me. As soon as I have completed my restoration I'm installing both the Oil Pressure and Temp Gauges