I was on my way to work early today and was still dark enough outside where the auto headlights were on (auto setting). I noticed them going out and then on again. wtf? This repeated a few times. I moved the switch to the 'On' position but the flicker persisted. I then turned the headlights off and left the parking lights on. Turned the fog lights on and made it to work ok without any further problems. No dashboard buzzing noises or flickering within the cabin whatsoever. This was strictly the HID head lights.


It appeared that both were flickering at the very same time although I cannot be certain 100%.


Search shows the turn signal stalk, HID bulbs or ballast could be at fault.


What further controlled troubleshooting could I perform to further isolate exactly which element is at fault other than waiting for the flicker to happen at some inopportune time??


Thanx!

 

In my case, a change of lighting/turn signal switch cured my flickering.

I also had a symptom during the day when the switch was on "Auto", in that the sat-nav would momentarily switch to "Night-time" display. A new switch cured the problem, but it could be the HID ballasts of course. The logic behind my symptom was the faulty switch momentarily turned the lights on and this was picked up by the Satnav. Afterwards I thought how dangerous this flickering was, as here in the UK, flashing a light normally means to the other motorist "please proceed, I'll give way".

There is not real fault detection on the lights, you just have to replace and test. Switches are about £130 and used on other Jaguars too.

 

both main beam ballasts have the same fuse ( F16 in the power box on mine) Turn on the headlamps.

@ Fuse F16 confirm you have steady voltage. If not, you can test the input side of the main beam relay for steady voltage.

Assuming you do have steady voltage at the fuse and no issue with the relay, pull the main beam relay. That way if you hose something up in this next step, you're not feeding any power back to the control box.

Feed 12 volts (AND ONLY 12 volts!!) to the main beams @ F16. You can do this using a 12 volt power tool battery. Your car battery has a higher voltage. Not the way I would do it but you're looking for down and dirty so that should isolate your ballasts and lamps from the control unit and switches.

+1 on Fraser's bet on the switch though imo . Good luck and keep us updated please.

 

Any updates?

 

Thanx folks. The flickering, although bad that one day, did not return since last Friday. This happened during twilight (early in the morning, while the sun was peaking out) while the switch was set to auto. Typically do not drive under twilight condition. Of course I will post updates, I always do!

 

Had a similar issues on a customers X350, turns out the windshield had some road debris on the windshield which caused weird light reflections on the Rain/light sensor causing the lights to come on/off rapidly. Once washed (first time in 5 years i would assume) the issues never returned. Not saying this is your case but it is a possibility.