Dashboard illumination

Started 16th February 2017 at 20:03 · Andrew J Pacey

📷 No photo added

Good evening Jaguar enthusiasts.
My name is Andrew.
I have a 1989 XJS Sport convertible with very poor instrument illumination even when the dimmer is set to max output.
Before I start removing the instrument cluster could anyone advise if there is modification kit or any advise as to improve the instrument display lights.
Many Thanks.

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- 16th February 2017 at 20:21 #2914
  
  Laurence Jones
  Keymaster
  
  Hi Andrew,
  
  I am just crafting an article on exactly this topic, as both the lights on my 1984 Cabriolet and my 1990 LHD Convertible have appalling instrument cluster lights.
  
  I have greatly improved the lights on the Convertible by taking the instrument cluster to pieces, removed the speedo and rev counter gauge dial fronts. Then I proceed to remove each of the little green domes (which cover each instrument light) – then put it all back together. I was actually taking the instrument cluster to pieces for another reason, which was to change the KPH speed face for a twin KPH/MPH dial face.
  
  This has made a reasonable improvement to the backlighting of the dials – in fact is probably good enough (yet to do the same on the Cabriolet).
  
  I imagine that that with the little green domes removed then higher watt bulbs can be used, as there is then nothing in the way to melt.
  
  I have also looked into replacing the usual filament bulbs with led versions – which I’m yet fully investigate.
  
  I do need to get on and write that article now, as it includes photos (I have them somewhere) of each dismantling stage).
  
  Laurence
- 17th February 2017 at 19:15 #3000
  
  Andrew J Pacey
  Participant
  
  Good evening Laurence.
  Thank you for your reply.
  I will look forward to reading your article.
  Due to a fault on the horn connections I will remove the steering wheel & while im at it remove the display cluster, maybe a bulb gone !!!
  
  Well done on setting up the new updated soft-top website.
  
  Andrew.
- 15th March 2018 at 17:53 #12552
  
  Gerry Stoll
  Participant
  
  Hi guys,
  
  you can get a special XJS dashboard LED kit.
  
  http://www.bettercarlighting.co.uk/index.php?searchStr=Xjs&act=viewCat&Submit=Go
  
  Gerry
- 24th March 2018 at 21:07 #12636
  
  Paul
  Participant
  
  You can buy all the LEDs on eBay in a set for around £10
- 24th March 2018 at 21:10 #12638
  
  Paul
  Participant
  
  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-XJ-S-Complete-Dash-Instrument-LED-Bulb-Set-Upgrade-Blue-Display-Up-to-91/302527984018?hash=item467012b192:g:y5wAAOSwN5BalBIJ
  
  They have a green and red set too at the moment and I have seen the white ones in the past as well.
- 26th March 2018 at 13:27 #12649
  
  Laurence Jones
  Keymaster
  
  Hi Paul @paulf42 / Gerry @ixjies
  
  Do they recommend removing the little green cups – which I’m guessing you’d need to if you wanted to use Green or Red bulbs.
  
  Laurence
- 26th March 2018 at 13:28 #12650
  
  Laurence Jones
  Keymaster
  
  Hi Paul @paulf42 / Gerry @ixjies
  
  Do they recommend removing the little green cups – which I’m guessing you’d need to if you wanted to use Green or Red bulbs.
  
  Laurence
- 30th March 2018 at 11:52 #12713
  
  Paul
  Participant
  
  Hi Laurence
  
  When I fitted mine I just upgraded to LED lamps from a car spares so I used the original holders and all. Just be very careful that you don’t damage the copper tracking at the back because if it is loose, it will easily snag when you’re putting the plugs back in and you won’t find out till you’ve got it back together again (I know from experience, I have no water temp at the mo and have got to take it out again)
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