Hi All,

I need to replace the cassette under the steering wheel and I have all the guides I need to do this but I just can't find any advice on how I remove the upper and lower cowls.

I've been through the workshop manual but can't find it here either and I don't want to damage them.

Does anyone have a guide they could share or some advice as to hiw to locate the screws/bolts?

cheers

 

There should be 5 screws to undo.
Two for the lower cowl and three for the upper.(posidrive #2)

I always move the REACH out as far as it goes and lower the tilt so the upper cowl can slide toward to steering wheel.

 

Attached is a link to my procedure . Had to replace the steering angle sensor . The lower cowl is easiest, but top was a bit more challenging. The top 3 pozi drive screws were more troublesome. The one near the key cylinder is most difficult and suggest you carefully force the wire that impedes your view a bit. The narrative is a guide that should help.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ghlight=s.a.s.

 

Thanks for the advice Motorman & Kstevusa but I still can't work out how to access the screws.

Can you explain in a little more detail again please?

 

The screws wells are deep. Min 4" shaft pozi #2 and we used a mirror to place the screw driver into the hoses. FEEL takes over from there The lower bolster must come off 1st. When all screws are out, squeeze carefully the lower cowl and it will separate from upper.

 

Thanks again kstevusa. If you need a mirror are the screws located behind the stearing wheel column block somewhere?

 

Remove the steering wheel first, then the air bag. then the access will be less troublesome. The earlier describe the detail in an order we followed and worked well for us.

 

Thanks Kstevusa I'll try that tomorrow.

 

I have removed the steering wheel but still have a few questions:

The screws I need to unscrew are they the ones showing in the photo, south east of cassette?
The lower cowl has a dash light dommer on the left hand side, I can removed the cap if this but the stalk it sits on will get in the way show how is this reomoved?


thanks

 

Also the reason I want to replaces the cassette is due to my horn not working and airbag light constantly showing but the cable coming through the cassette looks in poor condition.

does anyone know the part number for this?


thanks

 

Phil, you are almost there. Please re re read the beginning part of my thread detailing the removal of the U &L Cowl. Once the Five (5) Screws are removed. the U & L cowl pieces snap together. Gently squeeze the lower part on each side to separate from the upper. Once this comes apart, the CLOCKSPRING ( cassette) screws will be accessible. Our terminology is different, but the cowls must be removed. This operation is similar the an ice cream filled cone in the sun. Dripping and needs eating now to complete the treat. Google CLOCK SPRING for XK8. Many available used and new. Part # also available LNC6470CA?

 

Thanks again kstevuse, your right terminology is confusing things a little.

So to confirm those screws under the cowls south east of the first picture are the buggers that need to be removed?

I already have the replacement cassette, I'm looking for the part code of the cables protuding through the cassette (2nd pic) which plugs in to the stearing wheel?

cheers

 

the cables I need are the ones under number 9 on the photo, I just cant find the part code.

 

The Clock Spring has a connector to the dash & column harness and it unplugs. I saw NO indication of the cable being available separately. The connector to the C S will allow the assembly to be removed. This operation would allow the ignition, turn signal, Steering Angle Sensor and the wiper switch assemblies to be replaced. Only way I saw to service any of the components was remove the U & L cowls as described..

 

I'll definitely be removing the upper/lower cowls and replacing the cassette but as the cable I'm after looks damaged i might aswell changed that too otherwise I could be wasting my time.

Below is a zoomed in view.

 

Suggest you remove the U & L Cowl covers, then gather your extra Clock Spring assembly for close examination. There is a Cable & connector at rear of clock spring that provides communication to the C.S. from dash harness. Google pics show this part on E Bay:
maybe a look see there? The front cable you search for is a part of the Clock Spring. assembly. It will be included with the correct new or quality LKQ Part. The directions in the US spec cars are: (Left Side) Driver Side and (Right) is Passenger side. Front & Rear are self defining. Practically any other directions are related to the way the individual car is parked. 60+ years of auto terminally has soaked me with words from Magneto to Can Bus. We await you successful completion of this project. LUK

 

Just to update you and any future readers I removed both the upper and lower cowls accessing from the rear using a Phillips screwdriver (UK) and the advice od Kstevusa and motorman, .

I've replaced the cassette too but not put the car back together again yet as I found an electrical connector which was not connected to anything, a previous owner has removed the cowls for some reason.

I'll create a post asking if anyone know where it should be connected to.

thanks again for the advice.

 

Great news Phil. Glad you got the U & L cowls removed. BTY, all 5 screws (Pozi drive) PZ2 are accessed from underneath. Suggest you secure a Pozi Drive Screwdriver for future work. The Brits used them and the screws have a distinct marking on the heads. Phillips design just cams out under force generally.Occasionally our cars have a unconnected harness wire that were not used.

 

GM also used PosiDrive scews.