First up -- apologies as a newbie if I break etiquette -- but here goes...
I want to have a crack at replacing some blown dashboard bulbs in my '03 XKR convertible.
I've trawled this very useful site and watched the YouTube vid, but still have a coupla queries.
Unlike in the video, my motor does not boast the satnav in the centre of the dash -- just three gauges there -- oil temp, clock etc. These are actually the bulbs I want to replace.
Is there an easier way of getting just this bit of walnut trim off, rather than doing the whole production involving the speedo/rev counter housing as on YouTube?
Also, is it absolutely vital I disconnect the battery? Despite having the car for about four years my only other DIY project has been replacing the battery (piece of cake!) -- but I did take the precaution of running a trickle feed so as not to interrupt the power. My fear was having to find reset codes for stuff like the radio, or...
The alarm/immobiliser! If to do the bulbs I DO have to disconnect the battery -- and manage to scare up the radio code from somewhere -- what happens to the security features. Do THEY actually need recoding too.

Kind regards,

Hattoon

 

Hi Hattoon,
Welcome to this very friendly forum.

Attached is the removal procedure for the 3 dials.

If you do disconnect the battery, the windows will need resetting as well as the radio. If you don't have the code a call to Jaguar with proof of ownership will get you that.

The security system should not be affected.

Hope this helps.

 

For the small cluster, you are OK not disconnecting the battery. For the speedometer cluster, however I would strongly recommend it. Best keep the key out of the ignition though.

 

Access to the three centre instruments is easy, but the speedo cluster is a bit trickier. I did both a few months ago w/o disconnecting the battery and managed ok. Took about 2 hours in total, as there's a fair bit of dismantling to do.

 

Welcome to the forum Hattoon,

Security features are NOT cleared by disconnecting the battery. For a summary of what is affected and how to do resets, check this thread:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...connect-74146/

I'm surprised you've got through four years of ownership without having the battery completely disconnected. It would be prudent to contact your local Jaguar Dealer (with proof of ownership) requesting the Radio Code to remove any concerns about being able to reset everything after a dead battery.

Watch out for the spring clips on the dash veneer panel. The 'teeth' on them are very sharp and have a bite like a rabid dog!

When you get a minute, please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST section and post some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice on posting to the forum.

Graham

 

WOW!!! I'm stunned...I should have joined this forum yonks ago! Many, many, many thanks fellas.

Will post a snap/details of my 'Green Goblin' soon -- probably at the weekend when I get a day off and can also tackle the bulbs.

Hope I don't get accused of becoming over enthusiastic -- but I'm now also posting another topic.

Hattoon
03 XKR Conv

 

Welcome aboard. I assume Green Goblin is the nickname of your car but that can just as easily refer to the convertible top hose issue so you might want to reconsider the name


Doug

 

Hah! So much to look forward to

Hattoon,

03 XKR Conv