I'm having a problem with my '99 XJ8. The key will go into the ignition but will not turn far enough for Acc nor further to Start. The odometer lights up but no other lights come on the dash. I suspect the switch is bad. My question is how does one access the ignition switch for testing/removal/replacement? A video would be extremely helpful (I could not find one on YouTube), but fortunately, I can follow written instructions pretty well.
Any guidance will be greatly appreciated . If I can't replace this simple switch, I may have to pay to have the car towed 30 miles for repair.

 

Rock the steering column and jiggle the gear shift while rotating the key and see what you get

 

OMG, Lady Penelope, you are great! I do believe that the jiggling of the steering column is what fixed (albeit probably temporarily) my key problem. A little jiggling was all it took. Again, many, many thanks!!!

 

Error

 

Put your ear up to the key barrel and listen for a click as you move the gear shift handle but don't rotate key . If it fails to actuate the keylock solenoid every time it would point to the not - in - park switch .

If you can't find the whole switch with pigtail you can just read the numbers off the microswitch only as they are a common item . It's red button actuating length or throw is critical as they come in different lengths . a good hometown electronics store will have them on the shelf


https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...eutral-176311/

https://www.jaguarclassicparts.com/u...trol-automatic

 

Lady Penelope -
That you for your responses. I will certainly try to listen for the keylock solenoid being actuated (or not). Also, thank you for including the links for additional information and pictures of the microswitch, and the exploded view of the gear change control with all parts identified.
Thank you!

 

Spray some WD40 into your keyhole and see if that helps loosen things up. The lock barrel itself is easy to remove once you've taken the shroud and stuff away, but hopefully it won't come to that.