I've searched, but I'm new so I'm sure I'm not searching with the correct "terms" for the parts.

#1 - My right rear side marker socket is bad, as in rusted and won't work bad. I have a new one but how do I remove the old socket from the wiring bundle (if that makes sense) to install the new socket so I can install a bulb. Basically it looks like there is a steel wire that holds the light socket to the wire socket but I can't figure how to remove it.

#2 - What switches, gauges, etc should be lit up on the interior. Obviously the instrument cluster, center cluster, J gate should be. Do the window switches light up on the doors? Do the cruse control buttons and stereo button on the steering wheel light up? I'm assuming the sport mode button is illuminated (not the red light) when not in use?

#3 - And I think I have this one figured out but just want to make sure. My 2001 XK8 HAD the leaping jaguars on the side behind the wheel wells until someone in the nice city I work decided they wanted them more that I do. They left the bases but took the emblem. To solve this I was just going to replace them with indicator lights. Did I read correctly that in the US market they only came pre-wired on the drivers side? If so, how hard is it to wire the passenger side? And is there a place, outside Ebay, that I can find the lights for a "reasonable" price in the US? I don't mind ordering from overseas but I tried contacting one company from the land that colonized us back in the day, a few months ago about a part and they never answered me. A grudge is a grudge but dang we kicked the English out a very very long time ago (kidding.....)

Love my 2001 XK8 but it appears that the past owner didn't do minor repairs/fixes to keep things new car fresh.

 

regarding #1 - I replaced mine a few months back, the wire just pulls straight out and then you can remove the old connector, install the new and reinsert the wire. Hopefully replacing will work for you, mine did not so looking at other probable causes.

 

^^ What he said. I used a pair of needlenose pliers to pull that wire retainer clip straight out when I replaced the entire assembly a couple of years ago....

 

Reg. your #2 query, yep everything you listed should light up when you turn the headlights on. You should know that there is an ambient light sensor on top of the dash cowl against the windscreen so may not work in daylight. Also under the steering wheel there is a dimmer switch too which only works with the headlights on.

General misunderstanding is that these lights are too dim, esp during the day!

 

Sorry, just noticed the steering wheel buttons don’t light up at all

 

David, do you know if the steering wheel control buttons are SUPPOSED to not light? I am trying to determine if I should be trying to fix mine or not. 😉

 

No, they aren't.

 

The side direction indicator lamps are part # lja4812aa. If you want something cheaper, I have read but cannot 100% confirm that S-Types, Mazda 3s, and European Ford Escorts & Modeos from the late 90’s all fit . Do more research and you may find a better list of cars that used the same or at least an interchangeable side repeater. And yes I have read frequently that most earlier US cars on have the wiring on 1 side but haven’t confirmed it on my car because I prefer the leapers.