My dealership has determined that my ABS light fault is the result of my motors on both lights need replacing. They want to charge $8,600 for the repair.
Does anyone know if a better price would be available from another technician or a better option to save money? I'm willing to travel to save money if possible. I'm in Little Rock, Arkansas.

 

Welcome to the forums desiled,

I'm sorry to hear of your predicament.

Jaguar Dealers:
1. sell vehicles
2. service vehicles
3. fit new parts

They do not repair parts and their 'technicians' rarely have either the training or knowledge to do so. Headlamps are expensive (depends on type and VIN but could be over $2K each) and the Dealer really doesn't want the nuisance of this fault but, if you insist on proceeding, they are making certain there will be a substantial profit.

In the circumstances, I'd be looking for a Jaguar Independent. These specialists are more likely to diagnose a fault and see if a repair is possible before going for the 'nuclear' option of unit replacement. It could end up being the only solution but using an Independent specialist will certainly at least give you the reassurance of knowing there was no other way and more likely save you a lot of money.

Members in our US Western Region forum are probably the best place to start asking for shop recommendations.

Graham

 

desiled, the words above by GGG are wise words. I would find an independent Jaguar specialist and see what they say. Secondly, not doubting the dealership tech (well, yeah I am), but the motors in the headlights have nothing to do with your ABS system. That is like saying your motor not running right is causing your windows to not function properly. If you can, there should be a 5 (possibly 7) digit code somewhere in your paperwork that is going to look something like C1155 or possibly C1155-12 (a C followed by 4 or six numbers, possibly a few letters instead of numbers). This is a chassis code. This is a code the car gives to help give the tech a starting place for what the problem is. You get me that code, I can help you with your issue and atleast give you a reasurrance that the tech is on the right path.

Just prior to the light coming on, did you happen to run over something or hit a large pothole? If so, I would start with that side of the car being the problem.

If you have a friend or neighbor that likes to work on vehicles, ask them if they have a code reader and connect it to your car to see if you can pull up the code yourself. The problem with the C-Codes is not all readers can read them. So, you may end up with the reader saying all is good (ie, giving you a P1111 code).

 

I stated ABS in my earlier message, but I meant adaptive lighting system.

On the diagnosis paperwork, the dealer indicated "fault caused by internal high resistance in swivel motors on left and right headlamp", "scanned vehicle for codes. found bld64 - 87, bld65-87. checked C1LF08 for ignition power and ground. both are present. checked lin signal to swivel motor. found lin signal present. checked C1LF09 and checked same circuits. found all circuits are present with no short or open circuit. verified proper circuit to swivel motor. priced out headlamp assemblies for driver and passenger.

Any thoughts?

 

I don't have the X351 Workshop Manual (Chris may have it) but have checked the equivalent for my X150 with a similar lighting setup and the diagnostic sequence applied by the dealer looks logical.

However, failure of both headlamp swivel motors together is a remarkable coincidence of almost lottery winning proportions. Anything is possible but I'd certainly check and eliminate adaptive lighting control module before going for the massive expense of replacing both headlamps. I don't see anything in the procedure to absolutely confirm internal headlamp failure and it's a very big ticket for a hunch.

Graham

 

desiled, it is possible that hte dealership is correct with the update that you gave. Odds are, you had 1 motor fail (passenger side most likely and just never knew the light was failed until the second one failed.

Me personally, I would look on e-bay or a local auto parts recycler and see what it would cost you to get a newer set of headlights. Doing a quick look on e-bay and taking the first set I came across, the newer headlights are going to run you about $2000. I am sure you have a friend that likes working on cars. Replacing the headlights is pretty easy, but will require removing the front bumper cover from the car. You pay him a 24 pack of beer, I am sure you can get them swapped out in no time flat. Hell, worst case, talk to a local indie shop and see what they would charge you. You can probably get out of there for $500 in labor and tell them you will provide the new headlights (they will probably thank you for that). Both of those options are way cheaper than what the dealership is going to charge you. Even if there is some setup and the indie shop charges you $1000, still a lot of savings there.

 

Actually, I have found a set of new lights which includes the motors on ebay for $1,600 from China. My dilemma now is trying to find a reputable mechanic to install them. My main mechanic is pretty good but hard to chase and arrange an install. I also thought about contacting a collision center. A body and fender group should be able to install the lights just as well.

 

desiled, I would call the body guys. They are going to be more familiar with the bumper cover and headlights and they should be able to do it for not too much.

 

Since you need the motors only I would look for a set of damaged factory lights. Then rob the motors off those. The chinese parts are a crap shoot and I would look for used factory ones first.
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