[modern] Window lift switches

Disused Categories Modern
1

Hi all,

1990 4.0L with sports box.
All 4 of my window lift/ashtray panels are in darkness.Do theyhave a single
bulb lighting them all via fibre optic like the old series 3?
If not , can anybody enlighten me why all 4 panels should not work?
The courtesy/kerb lights for all doors work ok.Windows/mirrors are all ok.It
is merely the backlight for the switch panles that are unlit.This makes
finding the window switch and ashtray a bit fiddly for the inexperienced
passenger!

Cheers
Phil_________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

2

In a message dated 14-Jul-01 03:35:15 Eastern Daylight Time,
pp1158@hotmail.com writes:

1990 4.0L with sports box.
All 4 of my window lift/ashtray panels are in darkness.Do theyhave a single
bulb lighting them all via fibre optic like the old series 3?
If not , can anybody enlighten me why all 4 panels should not work?
The courtesy/kerb lights for all doors work ok.Windows/mirrors are all ok.It
is merely the backlight for the switch panles that are unlit.This makes
finding the window switch and ashtray a bit fiddly for the inexperienced
passenger! <<

Question for the group, please. Should the window lift switches on my "88
Van den Plas light up or not? They don’t at present. (I have only owned the
car since last January.) Thanks.

Art Kelly

3

Hi Art, as far as I know they don’t light up…

From what I have read… the '87 window switches were not back lit, then
enough people complained about this that from maybe '88 or '89 onwards they
modified the drivers window switch to have a “toggle” on it so you to get
could at least get your bearings in the dark as to which switch was for
which window.

My car is an '89 so has the toggle on the driver’s window switch but is not
backlit. I am not sure whether they eventually backlit the window switches
for '90 onwards or not ( I would not think so…, too late for any design
improvements). I too have passengers fumbling in the dark for the window
switches !

regards

Paul
'89 XJ6 4.0

4

The 88 window switches do not light up. The center console astray does have
a green light, as does the J on the J gate.
Jim Moore(88 XJ40)

5

Hi all,

I’ve always been a Crown Vic kind of person, this week I been given the
opportunity to acquire a 91 Sovereign with 15,000 miles. Second owner car,
spent most of the last 8 years in the garage, averaging 1000 miles per year
since the second owner purchased it. Overall condition almost perfect
except for a dime size ding in the passenger door, although when I tried
the air conditioning today it would only blow hot air.

I’ve read through the website, didn’t see anything that stood out as a
reason not to pursue. Any personal experiences with this car ? Am I
opening myself up to a whole new world of repair problems ? Anything I
should be looking for, especially as related to a car that’s seen so little
use ?

I have to admit its growing on me, just trying to keep some rational
thought behind this decision. Not just the “Wow that’s cool’” reason.

Any thoughts/opinions appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

6

Welcome,

With regards to the AC… siitting so long, many seals have likely dried
out from lack of use. AC should be turned on every couple weeks at least to
keep the seals lubricated and functional. Sometimes it is better to have a
car with more miles than too few.

Likely you will have to recharge the AC and check for failed seals. If the
system is leak free it just may need to be oiled up from regular use after a
charge to be ok.

Lots of other items of this nature may have problems. Over time fluids can
become diluted from condensed water etc. Most people who drive very few
miles do not get the oil changed because they think its every 3500 miles.
Well even if you do this few miles it should bve done at least once or twice
a year. It is possible this person has had the oil changed 3 to 5 times in
the last 9 years! Good idea to do the following upon purchase:

Flush coolant system and replace all coolant.
Flush and replace brake fluids
Lubricate all fittings.
Oil change.
Change differential oil.
If the tires are original a new set may be required. Over time tires will
fail just due to atmospheric contamination.

On the positive side, all the wear items will be virtually as new and you
will have very much a close to new car. Just check it carefully and you
should end up with a very nice car.

DA
1994 XJ12 , 5,000 miles and two services annually.----- Original Message -----
From: “TM” vfpsql@home.com
To: modern@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2001 8:47 PM
Subject: [modern] Suggestions/guidance sought

Hi all,

I’ve always been a Crown Vic kind of person, this week I been given the
opportunity to acquire a 91 Sovereign with 15,000 miles. Second owner
car,
spent most of the last 8 years in the garage, averaging 1000 miles per
year
since the second owner purchased it. Overall condition almost perfect
except for a dime size ding in the passenger door, although when I tried
the air conditioning today it would only blow hot air.

I’ve read through the website, didn’t see anything that stood out as a
reason not to pursue. Any personal experiences with this car ? Am I
opening myself up to a whole new world of repair problems ? Anything I
should be looking for, especially as related to a car that’s seen so
little
use ?

I have to admit its growing on me, just trying to keep some rational
thought behind this decision. Not just the “Wow that’s cool’” reason.

Any thoughts/opinions appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

7

Greetings Tom… I purchased a 91 VDP with 43k in 96. It had the SLS
(self leveling rear suspension) that is very problematic. The PO knew
it, which allowed for easy negotiating. It now has 100K, & through the
assistance of this list & parts through various outlets via Jag-lovers ,
I have done all of the service & repairs. My estimate on the parts cost
is roughly $1400, including the SLS conversion @ $475. It is starting to
show signs of head gasket & valve stem leaks, but it uses about 1 quart
in 5000k miles. I will tackle this in the future. Furthermore, I find
this vehicle to be one of the easiest I have ever worked on.
This vehicle has been totally reliable & has never let us down. I have
been able to anticipate all of its problems in advance, armed with the
knowledge from this list. The parts suppliers are exceptionally helpful
& service oriented.
The best part is the ownership & driving experience. This vehicle has
panache & class that is untouchable for the price. Despite being an AZ
car with sun fading paint, my wife continues to report frequent
compliments from admirers. I find that the feel-good factor of sitting
in the vehicle dissipates my impatience while waiting in frustrating
situations. When the waiting is over, the performance reward tops the
the cake with whipped cream instead of icing! Its refinement is grand
enough that sedate driving is likewise rewarding.
If you do not buy it, let me know. What are the color combinations?
Roger
On Sat, 14 Jul 2001 23:47:29 -0400 TM vfpsql@home.com writes:

Hi all,

I’ve always been a Crown Vic kind of person, this week I been given
the
opportunity to acquire a 91 Sovereign with 15,000 miles. Second
owner car,
spent most of the last 8 years in the garage, averaging 1000 miles
per year
since the second owner purchased it. Overall condition almost
perfect
except for a dime size ding in the passenger door, although when I
tried
the air conditioning today it would only blow hot air.

I’ve read through the website, didn’t see anything that stood out as
a
reason not to pursue. Any personal experiences with this car ? Am
I
opening myself up to a whole new world of repair problems ?
Anything I
should be looking for, especially as related to a car that’s seen so
little
use ?

I have to admit its growing on me, just trying to keep some rational

thought behind this decision. Not just the “Wow that’s cool’”
reason.

Any thoughts/opinions appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

With Regards,
Iris
@Roger_Iris

8

On the 1994 Sovereign, the window lift switch panels are nicely illuminated.

-David
1994 XJ40 4.0L__________________________________________________
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9

Hi there!

I was in exactly your shoes five years ago May, when I traded my 1992 Crown
Vic in on a 1990 Majestic with only 39,000 miles on it. I felt guilty for
abandoning a car which had treated me so well and at four years old was in
great condition.

Your concerns are vaild. I would take the car in to your local Jaguar dealer
and have them go over it thoroughly. Ask them what you will need to have
done to bring the car up to 100%. These cars are great when properly
maintained, but unforgiving when not. At its age, you are ready to replace a
lot of rubber – hoses and such under he hood probably need complete
replacement. Check the tires for dry rot. YMMV, and others have fared far
better, but I spent $7000 duning the first year of ownership making up for
the previous owners’ failures to maintain the car properly. A good chunk of
that was on the A/C, too!

I can only say two things about my own trade:

  1. If I had known going in what it would cost me, I’d never have done it.
  2. Having enjoyed Jaguar ownership for the last five years, I don’t think I
    could ever go back to a lesser car.

I would strongly suggest checking out your local Jaguar dealer’s used stock
before taking the plunge. If you can get a Select Edition for no more than
$4,000 over what you might pay for the Sovereign, go for it. The warranty is
worth that much. I got my own from a non-Jaguar dealer and that is the only
part of my experience I regret.

Robert MacLeay (rmac@aol.com)
1990 XJ40 VdP Majestic
http://members.aol.com/rmac

p.s. I cannot imagine owning a Jaguar sedan without picnic tables. Consider
a Vanden Plas if you can.

In a message dated 7/15/01 7:29:33 AM, Tom vfpsql@home.com writes:> >Hi all, I’ve always

been a Crown Vic kind of person, this week I been given the opportunity
to acquire a 91 Sovereign with 15,000 miles. Second owner car, spent
most of the last 8 years in the garage, averaging 1000 miles per year
since the second owner purchased it. Overall condition almost perfect
except for a dime size ding in the passenger door, although when I tried
the air conditioning today it would only blow hot air. I’ve read through
the website, didn’t see anything that stood out as a reason not to
pursue. Any personal experiences with this car ? Am I opening myself
up to a whole new world of repair problems ? Anything I should be
looking for, especially as related to a car that’s seen so little use ?
I have to admit its growing on me, just trying to keep some rational
thought behind this decisi Not just the “Wow that’s cool’” reason.
Any thoughts/opinions appreciated. Thanks, Tom

10

If the 2nd owner spread the miles have spread over the period of ownership
(that is - did not put all the miles on the car soon it was purchased) then
most everything should be operational pretty well. I agree with Daniel
that the air condition system does benefit from regular use, thus you may
have to be prepared for some expense to restore it to full service. His
suggestion on tires is also a good one as they will dry rot (generally
noticeable on the sidewalls) although the tread may look great.

This sounds like one of those opportunities that are too good to pass up.
Good luck.

Jim Harris
89 XJ6, 95 XJS Conv, 97 XJ6L----- Original Message -----
From: “TM” vfpsql@home.com
To: modern@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2001 11:47 PM
Subject: [modern] Suggestions/guidance sought

Hi all,

I’ve always been a Crown Vic kind of person, this week I been given the
opportunity to acquire a 91 Sovereign with 15,000 miles. Second owner
car,
spent most of the last 8 years in the garage, averaging 1000 miles per
year
since the second owner purchased it. Overall condition almost perfect
except for a dime size ding in the passenger door, although when I tried
the air conditioning today it would only blow hot air.

I’ve read through the website, didn’t see anything that stood out as a
reason not to pursue. Any personal experiences with this car ? Am I
opening myself up to a whole new world of repair problems ? Anything I
should be looking for, especially as related to a car that’s seen so
little
use ?

I have to admit its growing on me, just trying to keep some rational
thought behind this decision. Not just the “Wow that’s cool’” reason.

Any thoughts/opinions appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

11

Tom,
My personal opinion is that low mileage cars are not worth it unless its
below book value.

A 1991 XJ6 was/is a good car, but having a car get that little use is
likely to cause all sorts of problems.
Gas will goo up in things, all the rubber stuff will go,
regular maintenance was likely not done, the antifreeze will not
have been changed every few years, causing the head to erode,
moisture builds up in places and stays, and so on.

A low mileage car is likely more likely to need a lot more work than
a car with normal use and servicing.

A clean 1991 should go for about $4000.00 to $6,000.00
I would guess, with book value about $4000.00.

Someone on the list was selling a 1994 jaguar for $13,500.00 with
about 50,000 miles on it…a very good year, and a very good price,
and a very clean car.

The Jaguars are great to own, if you can do some of the maintenance
yourself, and its easy to do with help from the list.
Parts are available mail-order for a good price, and the cars are easy to
work on.
Great to look at, great to drive, easy and fun to work on, and the
Jag-lovers list is like a small community waiting to help out with advice
and parts, etc.

I got my car over 4 years and 60,000 miles ago, and cant see driving
anything else. I have gotten so attached to the car, I wonder what
I will do when I DO have to sell it.
I don’t like the newer Jaguars as much as the older ones…

Brett
1990 XJ6>

Hi all,

I’ve always been a Crown Vic kind of person, this week I been
given the
opportunity to acquire a 91 Sovereign with 15,000 miles.
Second owner car,
spent most of the last 8 years in the garage, averaging 1000
miles per year
since the second owner purchased it. Overall condition
almost perfect
except for a dime size ding in the passenger door, although
when I tried
the air conditioning today it would only blow hot air.

I’ve read through the website, didn’t see anything that stood
out as a
reason not to pursue. Any personal experiences with this car ? Am I
opening myself up to a whole new world of repair problems ?
Anything I
should be looking for, especially as related to a car that’s
seen so little
use ?

I have to admit its growing on me, just trying to keep some rational
thought behind this decision. Not just the “Wow that’s cool’” reason.

Any thoughts/opinions appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

12

Tom,

I did not have access to this wonderful list before I made the “leap” last year,
and went on the “Wow” impulse alone. I really didn’t know anything about
Jaguars, other than I had always admired them, and the deal I was getting looked
excellent. Although it has cost me a few bucks to get things up to snuff on my
vehicle, I haven’t regretted the purchase, which replaced a nice, reliable '95
Accord w/ only 48k miles on the clock. This list has made it “tolerable”, the
advice has been accurate, and the discussions quite infomative - A very valuable
resource in the “rescue” of my vehicle. And I thought I was getting a low milage
car last year with only 45K miles on it…

It Looks like you’re looking at an almost brand spankin’ new car there !! I
didn’t notice the price in your post, but as I’m sure you know, that was a $50K

  • vehicle 10 years ago. To reiterate what the others have said - If you maintain
    it properly, you will recognize that it is still a $50K vehicle, despite what
    the “book” says !!

Good Luck on your negotiations, & Best Wishes !

John
'88XJ40 - 51+K

<<<<<<<<<<<<< Hi all,

I’ve always been a Crown Vic kind of person, this week I been given the
opportunity to acquire a 91 Sovereign with 15,000 miles. Second owner car,
spent most of the last 8 years in the garage, averaging 1000 miles per year
since the second owner purchased it. Overall condition almost perfect
except for a dime size ding in the passenger door, although when I tried
the air conditioning today it would only blow hot air.

I’ve read through the website, didn’t see anything that stood out as a
reason not to pursue. Any personal experiences with this car ? Am I
opening myself up to a whole new world of repair problems ? Anything I
should be looking for, especially as related to a car that’s seen so little
use ?

I have to admit its growing on me, just trying to keep some rational
thought behind this decision. Not just the “Wow that’s cool’” reason.

Any thoughts/opinions appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom >>>>>>>>>