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The seller says they fit the XJ but he isn't exactly correct. It's not a direct replacement for the OEM lamp but it's close enough and I had to use black electrical tape to secure the lamp into the socket. Installation is pretty easy:
1. Remove the OEM puddle lamp by pulling straight down. It's just a snap fit and comes out easily. Unplug the wiring from the back to make it easier to work on the lamp assembly.
2. Remove the OEM lens from the housing by lifting the 2 clips on the sides to expose the bulb.
3. The Growler puddle lamp has 2 thin electrical connectors. Slide each one in between the ends of the bulb and into the hole of the metal spring bulb holder. Don't remove the bulb and make sure it makes good contact with the bulb holder and the Growler connectors.
4. Line up the Growler lamp as best as you can with the socket and use black electrical tape to secure that lamp assembly to the socket.
5. Plug the assembly back in and then wedge it back into the bottom of the door.
6. Repeat for the other doors, and then enjoy a cold one.
Stuart
Last edited by Stuart S; Jul 27, 2016 at 10:27 PM.
Hey Stuart, can you provide a pic of how you secured your lamp with the black electrical tape? I have a 2011 XJL, and I would like to order some.. but I wanna get an idea of what I'm getting into.. did you do all four doors? Also did you install the illuminated door foot sills or they came already installed?
Thanks !!
Last edited by NateLWB XJ; Aug 23, 2016 at 03:17 AM.
Hey Stuart, can you provide a pic of how you secured your lamp with the black electrical tape? I have a 2011 XJL, and I would like to order some.. but I wanna get an idea of what I'm getting into.. did you do all four doors? Also did you install the illuminated door foot sills or they came already installed?
Thanks !!
Yes, I did all 4 doors. Here's a lamp I pulled out with the black electrical tape around the OEM socket and the top edge of the red aftermarket lamp:
Another view:
I didn't want to unplug or untape it and have to redo it, but it's very obvious what needs to be done and how to fix it in order to keep those two parts together with electrical tape. It's an easy, press-fit back up into the hole in the door bottom.
I bought the front illuminated door sills on eBay, used. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the rears for my SWB yet, but I'm still looking. Installation is very easy. Just pull the old ones up from a corner, and continue until it's all off. The wiring is already there, ready to be plugged in. Fronts are the same for SWB and LWB, but the rears are different. From what I've read, installing the rears is a bit more difficult.
The illuminated Leaper and sills don't show up during the day, but they are pretty cool at night! Lots of comments!
If this was helpful, please press at the bottom right.
Stuart
Last edited by Stuart S; Aug 23, 2016 at 03:17 PM.
FYI, those lights are intended for an XJ8, I had them on my XJ8 VDP and they were a direct snap in with each of the two wires simply pushed into the door wire socket. They are very nice touch. Nice to see that you can mod for the XJ.
There are 2 ways to do everything: (1) the hard way, or (2) the easy way. Why not do it the easy way with the Growler puddle lights I used? They're inexpensive and easy to install with no body modifications.
I think you're looking for a unicorn - something that doesn't exist.
I've see cars with OEM puddle lamps built into the bottom of the side mirrors, but they were designed that way from the outset. If that OEM lamp does not project a logo, it would appear to be easy for a aftermarket manufacturer to design a logo projection lamp to replace the OEM flood light of the same dimensions that would fit the same space and use the existing wiring.
Although anything's possible given enough time and money, I've never seen any aftermarket projector puddle lamps made for XJ mirrors. That's because there's (1) insufficient space inside an XJ electric adjustable/folding side view mirror to make a projection light device that would fit and (2) no easy way to hook up to power that is on the door switch circuit. Also, the greater distance to the ground would make it more difficult to cast a sharp image on the ground. Even if such a device were available, it would cost much more than the $12.88 (now $16.88) Growler puddle lamps that I bought and be much more difficult to install. Why would anyone buy it when another device is available that is less expensive and easier to install? To manufacture such a device would be on a fool's errand.
And I see that you just joined the Forum. You'll find lots of information and helpful members here. Learn to use the Search function, because the X351 (new XJ) is over 5 years old and many questions have already been asked and answered. To make it easier for Forum members to respond to your questions, I suggest you add the year, model (SWB or LWB), and engine of your XJ and any other details to your signature line. To do so, click UserCP in the left side of the black bar at the top of the page, and then under Your Control Panel go down to Settings & Options and click on Edit Signature. The road of life is short, so enjoy every mile driving a Jaguar!
My 2015 Mustang convertible projects a pony on the ground, from the mirrors. Everyone who sees it thinks it's a neat touch; personally I can take it or leave it, so not planning any modifications to my XJL but I can see where it would have appeal.
Stuart. Great write up.
Just ordered these, hopefully will receive in 2 weeks or less. The seller has relisted at the following link if anyone else is interested.
Growler Puddle Lamps
at the bottom right.
