S-Type Cruise Control Steering Wheel

S-Type Cruise Control Steering Wheel

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Discussion

356Speedster

Original Poster:

2,293 posts

238 months

Monday 17th January 2005
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Hi all,

First post, so pls don't blast me for saying anything daft!

Here's the thing. Last year I bought my V6 S-Type auto as a trade up from a knackered Mondeo. I wanted some comfort on the drive to work basically!

After searching the classifieds, I eventualy found a low miler with plenty of toys. In fact from what I can tell, it seems to have been bought with a lot of option boxes ticked... except a few things, like cruise control.

Whilst cruise isn't something I desparately need, it would make trips from the midlands to london a bit less stressful. So, I've been looking into adding it.

I've found that the S-Type ECU has all the software for cruise built in and the wireing harness for it is in place and runs to the column ready for connection to the steering wheel switches. This should in theory mean all I need to do, is buy the switches (£50), fit them and then get the ECU software activated (another £50'ish).

Here's my problem. My loacl Jag dealers have no idea if I can just buy the switches and mount them to my existing steering wheel.

The switches fit by mounting to the wheel's internal metal frame and then poke out of the side thru' the plastic cowling. Jag don't know if my steering wheel has these mounting points without removing it first.

I don't want to take the car in, paying them £110 / hour to investigate whether I need a new steering wheel or not! Because if I do need to have a replacement wheel, it's going to cost £250 + VAT, then they've got to fit it! Can you see where I'm going here, this could get very expensive!

My questions to you good people are these:

1. Does anyone know if a std S-Type steering wheel has the internal mounting points for the crusie control buttons?
2. Or, does anyone have a std steering wheel in pieces anywhere so they can check?
3. Or, does anyone have a cruise control wheel they don't want (leather colour dependent)?
4. Or, does anyone know a good specialist Jag centre who can help? I've tried a few places I've found on the internet and they've not know either.

I believe the Jag Owners Club and Jag Enthusiast's Club have forums, is anyone here a member? I'd like to ask them the question, but you have to be a member to post and I don't want to join two clubs to ask a question!

This strikes me as such a simple question, I can't believe no-one knows the answer! Mind you, I shouldn't be surprised, it took me months to find a dealer who knew how to get the built in car-phone working as well!!

Thanks all for your time and if anyone can shed any light on this, I'd appreciate your comments.

Many thanks,

Mark

simpo two

87,083 posts

272 months

Tuesday 18th January 2005
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I had a similar dilemma with mine, but regarding a CD changer. To find out which one I needed, the Parts Manager at HR Owen asked me to take the car in for a 'quick look'. A technician was on my case for 45 minutes, found the answer, and I wasn't charged a penny. Excellent.

Have you asked your dealer if they would mind taking a similar 'quick look'? If you hint that you might buy the part, that may help.

I'm learning that wiring on these beasts is not only very complex, but changes often. I understand there are two basic looms, the normal one and the SE one. If yours is the latter, you have a better chance of success I think.

356Speedster

Original Poster:

2,293 posts

238 months

Tuesday 18th January 2005
quotequote all
I have tried the subtle hint, but it didn't work. In fact, all they wanted to do was order me a new steering wheel. Thanks boys.

I think I'll find another dealership to try the "can you take a quick look" approach.

From the research I've done (thru' a friend at the then Jaguar F1 team), I've found that all S-Types have the wiring in place for cruise, but it's the steering wheel innards that's the problem.

Incase I should fail to get a dealer to give the car a once over, can anyone recommend a good Jag specialist who may be able to help?

Thanks,

Mark

triple7

4,015 posts

244 months

Thursday 20th January 2005
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Go geta steering wheel off a bent car from a scrappy, you tight git!

G



>> Edited by triple7 on Thursday 20th January 18:49

356Speedster

Original Poster:

2,293 posts

238 months

Friday 21st January 2005
quotequote all
I would if I could find someone that had one!! If anyone knows a good Jaguar breaker or specialist, pls let me know - I live in the midlands, so there must be something around!!

Cheers,

Mark

Tony427

2,873 posts

240 months

Friday 4th February 2005
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Buy an autotrader, or get on their website and look in the "breaker and salvage" section. Theres a number of jag specialist breakers in the midlands listed there.

Cheers,

Tony