On my steering wheel and on the center console there are buttons with telephone icons on them. No where in my owner's manual is there an explanation for these buttons. When I push them, I do not see a telephone magically appear, or does this only happen in the UK?

 

I believe they are long-ago leftovers from the proprietary Jaguar phone system from nearly twenty years ago. My wife's 2006 XK8 has the factory Bluetooth system and those old phone buttons serve no function. Bluetooth is fully automatic in her car once her iPhone has been properly paired....

 

I did install the telephone system in a few cars. It was an expensive option compared to just having a 'regular' cell phone.
The kit did come with a JAGUAR phone with the leaper on the case!!! They were CDMA or TDMA if I recall correctly.

Maybe people bought it for 'bragging-rights'.

bob

 

As a 2006 XK8 (Victory Edition?) you should have Bluetooth fitted as standard. Those buttons are used when pairing your cellphone with the car and then are used to answer an incoming call or to select phone mode and choose a phone number to call. There's a supplement to the handbook to cover all this at this link

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/a...e-handbook.pdf

In a later amendment supplement, it was recommended to use ##3#*# rather than ##1#*# that times out after 5 minutes

 

My car is not a Victory Edition, just has the buttons. When I push them with the CD playing, the tracks change on the CDs. I will try to see if the car recognizes my Android phone tomorrow. The cops are watching for anyone using a phone while driving now, plus, it is just not safe to be on a phone trying to talk and drive, especially here in S.W. Fla. Driving here is scary enough watching ALL the time. Thx for the info.

 

I believe that the telephone button on my car works in conjunction with the missile launcher and the ejection seat.
They are part of the British spy option package which wasn't offered across the pond for national security reasons.

 

I have the missile launcher option installed on my F-Type. I will have to get that upgraded onto the XK. Thanks for the info. Guess that is an necessity in Jersey??

 

The New Jersey option package includes the middle finger that automatically pops up in the windshield when someone cuts you off and an ATM to dispense toll money.

 

Using the phone is great but even better use is having your GPS on your phone like Waze and the directions are loud and clear thrue your radio system.

this is even more piratical and hands free.