Hi,

I tried a search on this but couldn't find the answer. Would you mind helping me out? I just bought a 1985 XJ6 and need to replace a few bulbs. I can't figure out how, even with the service manual.

Two questions if I may:

1) The bulb for the interior lights (map light, interior light): how do you get to the bulb? The service manual says to pry the entire plate off, but it must be screwed in somewhere. I've giving up on finding a way to just pry the entire button itself out. What do you think?

2) I've got to replace the buld in the fiber optic unit. Can I do this without dismantling the entire center console?

Thanks for your help.

John

Submitted by wljenkins@usa.net on Thu, 11/18/2004 - 12:24

Do you mean the bulb that lights up the SWITCH for the map lights and interior lights?

If so then you may as well do both at the same time and yes, you must disassemble the entire center console.
Remove the arm rest lid, the black compartment, pull all the plugs off of the power window switches, remove the screw on the plate where the power window switches are. You can then remove the console that includes the ashtrays.

You now have access to the bulb for the fiber optic unit.

Remove two screws at bottom of center panel (the panel that contains the trip comupter and your switches). Remove plastic frame around the radio. Remove the knobs for the climate control (the just pull off). Use a small screw driver to remove the large nuts around the shafts for the radio.

You now should be able to remove the center panel and access the small bulb that is in a socket between the switch for the map light and the interior lights. While you're at it, replace the one between the gas tank selector and the rear defogger.

If you've never done this before, it seems like a major project. Once you've done it a few times, it's pretty easy!!

Submitted by saadi7@msn.com on Thu, 11/18/2004 - 08:58

I can try to help you with the 1st question. If your XJ is like my XJ-8 and you have a sunglass compartment, then that is where the plastic screw is going to be. Just use a quarter to loosen the screw then the whole unit should come down.