Greetings fellow forum members. I have to replace the 5HP24 gear selector (aka rotary) switch on my 2001 XK8. Removing the switch from the side of the ZF is easy enough but before I do that, I am looking for confirmation on "exactly" how to access the plug end of the switch. reading many posts here seems to indicate that this plug end is located "between the firewall and throttle body closer to the driver's side" (left hand drive)..The wiring cable on the replacement switch is only 22" long so not sure how it can actually make it into the engine bay at all? After climbing all over the rear of the engine compartment I can see nothing resembling this switch connector plug. Can anyone who has actually done this please tell me exactly what has to be done to locate and remove the old gearbox rotary switch plug? Many thanks in advance.

Steve (Risctaker)

 

The connector should be mounted to the 'connector-mount-bracket' on top of the gearbox.

The O2 sensors and the other gearbox harness connector should all be there unless someone left them off or the mount tabs broke?

 

Thanks for the reply. In your experience is the "top of the gearbox" accessible? The exhaust piping seems to be making access to many components difficult if not impossible. I will be laying on the ground with the car up on stands and trying to get my arms up on top of the gearbox. Doable?

 

The short harness in routed along the side and top of the gearbox and is held with steel clips. (two clips I think)
It might have a 'zip-tie' but I think only the O2 sensor leads do?

The connector mount bracket is right behind/below the throttle assy.

 

Thanks again! So is the approach to access that connector plug from under the car (reaching up and over the gearbox) or under the bonnet at the firewall near the back and under the throttle body? Sorry for the continued questions. I need to have my nose rubbed in the answer before I dive into this. My issue is that I can't see the connector anywhere I look.

 

Hi Motorcarman. I've sent you a PM. Thanks Steve
UPDATE to Motorcarman. Since I sent you the PM, I spent more time under the hood (bonnet) as well as under the car and there is no way on this earth that my hand(s) will fit between the exhaust plumbing and the body work to access the selector switch cable mountied on top of the gearbox. I would really enjoy hearing from any other forum members that have manages\d to accomplish this in the past without literally dropping the tranny.

 

I usually am replacing or repairing a gearbox when I access the switch and harness.
Maybe I disconnect the exhaust pipes or RH cataverter to just access the switch or RH O2 sensors?

I guess it would come to me when I stand under the car and look at the switch assy?

The connector is easy when you get the intake pipe (MAFS to throttle) off.

 

Thanks again Motorcarman! I'll take that approach with removing the MAS to TB intake and see what that does.