Rear Dash break light

I did have the same problem, forum posts must have been down.

Thanks for the input on the rear view mirror. There is no mounting screw, and the metal piece is glued to the windshield. That plastic piece will not stay on, but does not appear to have any cracks, etc. The mirror did have to be fixed because it was leaking fluid a couple years back (it has the automatic "tint" feature). To your point, I bet it was never put back on correctly and that is why it keeps coming off every so often.

David Ashenfelter
97 XJ6

David, I don't know if it happened to you, but I haven't been able to read these forum posts until today, I kept getting an error message all through last week.

I am not familiar with the '97 XJ6 rear view mirror assembly, (my XJ-6 is a 1984). The tips I gave you were "generic" because all XJ since 1986 use the same mounting method for the Top Center Stop lamps, so they all can be repaired using the same 3M tape fix and they all end up staying in place forever! I upgraded my 1984 since it came without the top center stop lamp originally; For me, that Top Stop Lamp is an important safety item considering today's traffic conditions, so I installed one in the 1965 'S' type too because I drive it in traffic!

Question: is there any adjusting set-screw in the rear view mirror assembly as in domestic cars, which may be covered/hidden by the black plastic piece ? I assume the metal bracket is glued to the glass as in domestic cars ? If no set-screw, then perhaps the black plastic piece is a 'wedge' to create 'pressure' so that the mirror doesn't move. If so, could the black plastic piece be worn out or cracked? Another solution would be to check Salvage Yards in your area for a 1996-1997-1998 XJ-6 which may have a perfectly good mirror assembly similar to yours. Usually those parts have a specific method for removal, and if not done right, they're never the same after, for example the Rear View Mirror is one of those "Safety Items" that is supposed to break-off its mounting in case of an accident and contact with a person. Check the Service Manual (if you have one) for the R & R procedure of the rear view mirror.

sorry I couldn't be of more help with this item. regards.

Looks like a nice 'S' type. Good idea to use the masking tape and to look for marks left by the glue. Thanks again for the pointers.

Got another one for you: my rear view mirror slides off the mount frequently...I can't really get that black piece of plastic (which is more for cosmetics than anything) to stay on, and the mirror does not stay "fixed" to the metal piece (mount) on the windshield. Any input / suggestions for this?

David Ashenfelter
97 XJ6

Edited on 2006-11-28 18:27:36

you're welcome! I forgot to say: not only do you want to get it leveled but you need to get it centered too! The factory must have a "jig" that takes care of both, but we do-it-ourselvers don't! we have to do it by "eye" and tape measure. Check the glass for any marks left by the glue, those might help get it remounted right. Also, a couple of pieces of masking tape on the glass, on each side of the assembly's left and right "boundaries", should help get it centered. Here's a picture of the one I mounted in my 1965 'S' type for safety on the streets...(came off a salvage XJ-6). You can see the black side of the 3M tape.

you're welcome! I forgot to say: not only do you want to get it leveled but you need to get it centered too! The factory must have a "jig" that takes care of both, but we do-it-ourselvers don't! we have to do it by "eye". Check the glass for any marks left by the glue, those might help get it remounted right. Also, a couple of pieces of masking tape on the glass, on each side of the assembly's left and right "boundaries", should help get it centered. Here's the one I did in my '65 'S' type using the 3M tape.

Thank you very much for the detailed instructions! I appreciate it and will let you know how I do.

Dave Ashenfelter
97 XJ6

never mind regluing it, it never works for long. I use 3M Double Adhesive Automotive Tape. It's a Black and Gray tape, super-sticky on both sides for automotive mouldings, etc.

First Remove the two metal gluing pieces attached to the plastic assembly, they will not be reused. just pry them off downwards. Clean the left and right square attachment areas with rubbing alcohol to remove any grease, dirt, etc.

Cut two pieces of the 3M tape, exact width and length as the two square attachment areas at the assembly; Black sides of tape towards the glass, gray sides to the two attachment areas at the plastic assembly. Try not to touch the tape surfaces too much.

I have done this in two Jags. The second time I found it easier to leave the finisher cover correctly mounted on the assembly for purposes of 'eye leveling' the entire assembly, so it doesn't end up crooked by ?¢ degree, which is plenty degrees off to look wrong from behind. A second person looking from the outside and center will also be handy. You have to be on your knees on the rear seat, looking to the rear, holding the assembly with both hands, take a deep breath, relax and concentrate! Get a level reference line and slowly move towards the glass. Once you push it on to the glass it will be difficult to remove without damaging the tape and having to redo it again. While the assembly is off the glass, replace all the bulbs with new ones, might as well start fresh. Once satified with the position, push the entire assembly firmly towards the glass for best adhesion. A book used as a wedge, left overnight creating pressure, will make sure it never falls again.

Mine has stayed on for 7 years since using the 3M Molding Tape.

I think NAPA has the 3M tape, if not, contact 3M Corporation, Automotive Division, they're easy to find in google.com
Good luck!