I just removed the console from my 2001 XJ8, based on instructions here in the forum. Based on my experience, I expanded the instructions to make some aspects more explicit:

1) Pull up J-gate surround.
2) Remove the four 7mm's (2 bolts, 2 nuts)
3) Disconnect cruise and sport mode switches.
4) Pull the switch bezel out.
5) Pull up the wood around the shifter (put it in Neutral) from the rear first and slide down and backwards.
If not Vanden Plas, go to step 8.
6) Remove rear tray veneer (Vanden Plas). Use an angled trim pry tool, carefully push down between veneer and rear leather, carefully pry up. Or perhaps make special tool by bending ~ ¼” strip at end of narrow putty knife, by 15 degrees or so…. Careful – it’s easy for tool to slip and scratch veneer! Panel held by two small studs which fit into plastic retainers. They damage easily, as well !
7) Remove two screws w/washers, and remove rear console tray (Vanden Plas). Move up and out of the way to rear. Or unplug wires and remove entirely.
8) Remove center console lid and console insert (4 black screws)
9) Release two plastic catches holding console rear vent unit, from inside the console. These are at the top of the vent unit. Release catches by sticking two fingers simultaneously onto top of catches, and pressing down, while pushing unit rearward. Once catches are released, you may have to push on center of unit from the front towards the rear, to get it to entirely pop out.
10) With vent unit out, remove two fasteners holding down rear of console, just inside rear of console. Could be nuts onto studs, or could be black Phillips head screws.
11) Remove center vent wood fascia. It is held on by four clips. Use angle pick or bend ~ 1/8” at end of small nail to 90 degrees to make a pry tool. Insert at 11 oclock and 1 oclock positions above console frame, where there are small spaces where parts come together. Tug moderately on fascia. Bottom of fascia will start to come out. As space opens at sides of fascia, slide tool up each side a ways, and tug. Upper clips will loosen, and entire fascia will come out. Be careful not to scratch it.
12) Remove the 2 torx 30 bolts now revealed.
13) Remove center console or slide rearward enough to clear whatever you need to do. Note there is wiring to keep track of and unhook as necessary.

Now can remove screw retaining audio and climate controls, or get at shifter, or other things.

 

Thanks Boomer, just had to look into a cigar/cigarette lighter issue. Your instructions worked excellently. I have to include this so it can be faster to search. How to REMOVE CENTER CONSOLE FROM 1999 JAGUAR XJ8 VANDEN PLAS.

 

Much appreciated Jay
My XJR is in need of some welding so the carpets have to come out, your instructions are FAR better than those in the Jaguar workshop manual !
Cheers,

Paul

 

Very well prepared instructions, and I really like the way you handled the Vanden Plas differences.
Even if it IS twenty-two years ago.