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My father recently purchased a pristine and very low milage 2004 Jag XK convertible. I noticed a couple issues with it and would like to gift him the fixes, if I can figure them out. So far I'm having a tough time of it.
The first thing I noticed was on the top of the dash, slightly left of the steering wheel, there's what appears to be a light sensor. But it appears to be missing the typical black plastic dome covering. I'd like to get him a new sensor. But, from what I have read using Google, the light sensor is actually built into the rear view mirror? If so, then what is this ambient light sensor looking thing-a-ma-jig? Again, it's on top of the dash, near the windshield, slightly left of the steering wheel. I know what light sensor ICs look like and it certainly looks like a light sensor.
The second thing I noticed was a piece of black trim on the forward exterior of the driver's window. The piece which runs about 45 degrees from the bottom to the top. IIRC. It appears someone had at some point locked their keys in the car and decided to use a metal coat hanger to attempt to pry open the door lock from the inside. In this attempt they badly marred the paint on the trim. Is this trim available new? Would I be better off removing it, repairing and repainting it? The latter would kind of ruin the surprise of a Christmas gift. Not to mention, he'd likely tell me to not bother...it doesn't bug him. Anyway, if the piece is available for purchase, I'd like to find it. Circled what I believe is the sensor (and its reflection in the windscreen) This is actually the passenger side, photo flipped. Pretend this is the true driver's side and I am looking for the black window trim (circled).
Welcome to the Jaguar Forums, and congratulations to your father for his beautiful new Jag and for having you as his exceptional son!
I believe the small part on the dash is the solar sensor, which provides sunshine information to the climate control system. It would be Part 4 in the parts diagram:
As Don says, it is the Solar Sensor. This dome cover was also missing on my 2005 XK8 Coupe. I couldn't source a replacement so got the whole sensor from a breaker. The dash speaker (arrowed green) has to lift out to access the harness connector (arrowed red) and I taped a piece of string to it to pull it through and the new one back.
The exterior trim is difficult to obtain and very expensive BUT can easily be refinished. The regular failure is the Door Waist Rail (the one along the top of the door) but the process is the same. this thread shows how K. Westra refinished his early Dorchester Grey trim and how I did my later Satin Black trims: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...q-55561/page2/
Please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum and post some information about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.
Thank you gentlemen! With tour help, I was able to locate the sensor (LNC7625AA).
My father used to paint show cars as a side gig, so I’ll try to convince him to “help me” repaint the trim piece. He may enjoy the mutual effort.
Im not certain it makes sense for me to write a new member intro post since I don’t own a Jag myself. My euro toy is a 2005 SL65 AMG. Not in as excellent condition as my father’s XK, but it’s fast! ;-)
.... Im not certain it makes sense for me to write a new member intro post since I don’t own a Jag myself. ....
Probably not.
I would have replied advising that the FAQ's at the top of the XK8/XKR Model forum are a good place to search for information on frequent issues and requesting you to add vehicle details to your forum signature to help others to give relevant advice. I've added vehicle details for you.
My father recently purchased a pristine and very low milage 2004 Jag XK convertible. I noticed a couple issues with it and would like to gift him the fixes, if I can figure them out. So far I'm having a tough time of it.
The first thing I noticed was on the top of the dash, slightly left of the steering wheel, there's what appears to be a light sensor. But it appears to be missing the typical black plastic dome covering. I'd like to get him a new sensor. But, from what I have read using Google, the light sensor is actually built into the rear view mirror? If so, then what is this ambient light sensor looking thing-a-ma-jig? Again, it's on top of the dash, near the windshield, slightly left of the steering wheel. I know what light sensor ICs look like and it certainly looks like a light sensor.
The second thing I noticed was a piece of black trim on the forward exterior of the driver's window. The piece which runs about 45 degrees from the bottom to the top. IIRC. It appears someone had at some point locked their keys in the car and decided to use a metal coat hanger to attempt to pry open the door lock from the inside. In this attempt they badly marred the paint on the trim. Is this trim available new? Would I be better off removing it, repairing and repainting it? The latter would kind of ruin the surprise of a Christmas gift. Not to mention, he'd likely tell me to not bother...it doesn't bug him. Anyway, if the piece is available for purchase, I'd like to find it. Circled what I believe is the sensor (and its reflection in the windscreen) This is actually the passenger side, photo flipped. Pretend this is the true driver's side and I am looking for the black window trim (circled).