There really is no need to replace the mechanics, just the microswitch.
Once you have the latch assembly in your hand swapping the microswitch is simple.

 

Where do I get a new microswitch?

 

In the How-TO section
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...oswitch-52579/

 

It is easiest to fit the correct dealer item, comes pre-wired and is a guaranteed fit.
Part number and instructions in my pdf link, post #15

 

I thought I would provide an update. Found and bought the microswitch from a dealer on-line for $25 including shipping. Replaced mine this morning in about 2 hours. Not bad for a novice mechanic. It works perfectly. Went from $1200 from the dealer to $600 at the jag place, to $200 for the latch, to finally $25. Thanks to all on this post for the help and the videos really made it a lot easier.

 

$1200 - $25 = ...carry the 9... crap. Anyway,

 

Dumb questions:
1. You noted that battery needs to be a full strength - how do I gage whether it's a full-strength or not? I guess a trip to Autozone is in order?

2. When I touch the (-) terminal to the (+) terminal, the ignition does need to be in the 'ON' position, correct?

3, While I am done touching both terminals against each other - do I need to keep them in contact while I put ignition back to the 'OFF' position?

 

After removing the door latch what is the procedure to test the micro switches in the door latch and find the bad one for replacement?

 

Jag51, if post this as a new thread. It's not gonna get too much traffic way down here.

Do you have the latch out? Can't you just measure continuity?

 

Yes I have the J Gate latch out but only finger worked the switches and sprayed them with contact cleaner. I'll put the continuity tester on the mounted parking brake switch while working the shifter, I'll then test the other switches on the side. After driving vehicle and letting sit for an hour I return and turn the key, the dash board lights up fine, plenty of power supplied by brand new battery but the engine dose not turn over. I use the back up start method using the plunger in the J Gate and removing key and then reinserting it, the car starts. Could be a internal tranny switch or shift cable requires adjustment? Tranny shift box bolts are tight against the tranny. I'm starting with the parking brake micro switch. All lights activate on the J Gate. Beeping audible heard when moving shifter slightly to the left while in park position. All brake bulbs and sockets have been cleaned and work great along with the top brake light, brake switch functions with click sound along with cruise control working perfectly, pushing break pedal I can see that the solenoid under the J Gate is activating. Key ignition could be going south?

 

The non-start event doesn't happen all the time, nor does it ever happen in my garage. But only after driving the vehicle for a while and turning it off and returning after an hour too restart does it not turn over but the dash lights all light up normally with no faults showing.

 

When I say the car doesn't start I mean the engine does not turn over but everything else can power up. Starter or starter solenoid problem? I'm picking up a new ignition relay today for $8.00 and will plug that in and observe if problem goes away? Vehicle has brand new battery and it has been fully tested underload and all cells test perfect, while under load with lights, blower, and rear defog activated battery is showing over 13 volts. Alternator output is 14 volts. I use a Solar B-A7 battery tester and all tests show green light for super healthy battery without and with load applied.

 

Jaguar51, gosh I'm confused. Is it the j gate (shifter), or the door latch you are working On?

I think you asked about door latch above.

John

 

I'm speaking about the J Gate micro switches. Six months ago I removed the drivers side door latch and fitted in the bottom "door ajar" micro switch in hopes of it solving my door cycling lock problem but it didn't, Jaguar dealership told me the entire latch needs to be replaced at a cost of $860.00. I'll get a replacement latch online and DIY it for sure and save a few dollars. I find that the "bottom door latch micro switch" is only for notifying you that you door is either open or closed via the red illuminated light on the cluster/instrument panel. The two other micro switches within the door latch do something entirely different. So I have a few gremlins and I'm gradually learning more about my XK8 as I keep fixing things on it. For me this XK8 of mine is just another hobby.

 

Check the gap on the plugs. Most techs/ people don't check it anymore before installing them. Wrong Gap will definitely make it sluggish