How to Remove the Trim Piece Surrounding the Shifter on a Jaguar XK8

This video shows how to remove the piece of trim around the shift lever (called the J gate) on a Jaguar XK8.

[@alanmccoll9350]

Sam - I do not know if you still have your XK, but I keep finding your videos showing how to correct those small problems that occur with my 2006 XKR - Window side adjustment, passenger seat headrest and temperature display bulbs. You have done a great job explaining the repair process. Thank you.

[@sam1174]

Thanks Alan. I sold my 2003 XK8 a few years ago. Now I have a 2010 XKR.

[@RichardSUK]

Many thanks for the video Sam. It was really helpful when I decided to change the radio in my 1997 XK8 Convertible this week. However, although my car looks identical to the XK8 in your video, with my trim it is impossible to fit the two silver strips with the flanges facing downwards as the aperture in the wood seems to be much smaller than yours and the strips will not lie flat. They have to be installed with the flanges facing upwards which seems to be fine.

[@nathanlozada5469]

Thank you - this helped me install the chrome trim piece accessory!

[@randytalaski9626]

I appreciate the video

[@samsen201]

Please prove to me that I am wrong as I am pretty sure the bracket angles should be up. I found mine in that way and there is no way to close it with angles down or to force and break the wood trim. BTW my left lower snap on clip is always the one that make it hard to open this, just like yours and probably there is a trick to deal with that one that we don't know yet. Thanks for sharing this.

[@desireefontane5144]

Way cool I will get it done with out tearing it up. thanks

[@anitamcgrath4517]

The video is great BUT the brackets do have the right angel edge up and then every thing fit fine

[@richardsutton01]

I found the same 3 years ago as mentioned above. On my XK8 the flanges have to face upwards or it won't go back together. I suspect that the aperture on Sam's car has been widened to allow the strips to fit with the flanges facing downwards. Perhaps a previous owner didn't realise that he/she was trying to fit them the wrong way?

[@jeffreyprice773]

Just push a feeler gauge down, works evertime.

[@sam1174]

I had a hotel key. I didn't have a feeler gauge handy. :-) ...but good advice.

[@sam1174]

Plus, hotel keys are free. Feeler gauges aren't!

[@doublebasserrazzmuss2408]

Hello. I have a 2001 XKR. I realized most of my Interior lights don't work, window up/down, turn/headlights, steering wheel, ect. Is there a shifter number/letter under the bezel I need to replace? Thank you for your time.

[@billrector]

The previous owner seems to have broken one or more of the tabs as the trim does not fit flush. Anyone find a way to repair this problem?

[@sam1174]

I see two for sale on eBay right now. Search for "jaguar xk8 shifter plastic trim" and scroll way down. One is $59 and the other one is $159. That's on the US eBay sight. The UK sight might have more.