Over the '97 - '03 model years different centre console switch clusters were used. Besides the heated seat and non heated seat options buttons, the other outward differences were the left hand buttons. They were labeled either TRAC OFF, ASC OFF, or DSC OFF (see the accompanying photos). My '03 XK8 has a DSC OFF switch button. My hazard warning switch is sticking and I want to replace the switch cluster. Does anyone know if all these clusters are physically interchangeable and their internals are functionally the same? If so, all I may need to do is transfer my DSC OFF switch cover over to the earlier year replacement cluster.

 

Bill, this stuck switch happens a lot. You might want to try wedging a credit card or matchbook cover in and around the edges of the switch button to clear debris first.
good luck with it.
John

 

Hi John
Thanks very much! I tried that previously. It didn't do the trick. In my case, the switch on the circuit board seems to be culprit. I had it all apart a while ago, sprayed the switch with contact cleaner, and followed up with aerosol compressed air. Worked for some time but the problem returned a while later. I think my next step should be to change the assembly. There are plenty of assemblies available out there with the TRAC OFF and ASC OFF buttons. My '03 has the DSC OFF button. That's why I'm asking this interchangeability question before I make a move.
Bill

 

Bill I just looked at at the schematics. All of the buttons in the console switch pack you ask about energize by grounding.
I could find the DSC button in a schematic, but can't find Trac Off anywhere.
I can only assume the Trac Off will be transparent.
ASC? It involves an complicated array of adaptive speed control module, various inputs. I'd go for DSC before this one.

 

John

Thank you!

I looked in my 2003 XK8 workshop manual. It shows all the buttons in that centre cluster to be basically grounding switches. If the TRAC OFF and ASC OFF buttons in earlier year cars function the same way, as simple grounding switches, it makes me think all three clusters are functionally interchangeable. If so, I may be able to simply remove the button cover marked DSC OFF from my current switch cluster and install it onto the replacement cluster and everything should work. What do you think?

Bill

 

Bill, I agree in concept. IMO ASC is more complicated, it might also work, in fact it probably will, but I'd use a DSC unit.
as far as replacing the button, I cant comment. I'm taking the center console apart today for 1st time.

Here's an idea: there are videos of folks replacing the lights behind these controls, see Rev Sam on utube, maybe they disclose the answer about changing the button as They describe normal disassembly.
John

 

Just want to make sure we're on the same page.... I'm not suggesting changing control modules (ASC vs DSC). I won't touch my DSC module; I'm just replacing the switch cluster in the dash console.

 

Yes we are together. Bet you'll be fine.

John

 

Bill I was in there today. Yes you can swap the button cover for DSC. Not so easy for either of the fog lights though.
You know thinking about it, looks like each of the buttons feeds a self contained switch pack, if there was ever a need you might be able to swap the hazzard pack into your current unit. Just an FYI,much easier to swap button cover as planned.

John

 

John,

Thanks for checking. Truly appreciated! I'm going to go ahead and buy the earlier year switch cluster and give it a try.

Bill

 

John

I obtained a switch cluster from a 1997 XK8. The TRAC OFF button cover popped off easily. So far, everything else looks the same as the cluster in my 2003. I think this will do the trick!

Bill