The 'Running light' or 'Parking light" on the right side of my '04 XJ8 has burned out. Its the little low-intensity light in the top section of my high-beam assembly. I was hoping for a rubber plug, or some such, to gain access to the bulb, but there doesn't seem to be any way to get at it, short of disassembling the right front portion of the car. Does anyone have a trick up their sleeve?

 

It can be done, but you'll have to go by feel, as there is no way to really see behind the headlamp assembly while in the car. You'll need to remove the cover over the high beam lamp/parking light area, release the clip, then slide the bulb socket rearward to access the bulb. You can look at it with a mirror to see what needs to be done. I replaced both of mine when I bought the car. The right side went easily enough. The left side would not go back into the housing. I tried everything I could think of to get it back in. I ended up turning on the lights, and after a bit, it slid home. The only thing I can think that happened is the heat from the bulb caused enough expansion of the socket support to align everything back up. Be ready to scuff your hands up a bit on this one.

Dave

 

The bulb for the parking light is held in a cylindrical plastic molding.
You have to squeeze a tab, which if I remember correctly is on the bottom of it, so that it will slide out from the back.
Its really fiddly but it can be done, and as the previous poster says be prepared for some skinned knuckles and a long time trying to get it aligned so that it'll go back in. definitely easier to put back with the light turned on.
It's one of those jobs that you'll be brilliant at by the end, then you'll never have to do it again..

 

Thanks, Guys; I'll put the tub of "Working Hands" on stand-by, and tackle the job in the morning.

 

Quite possibly my least favorite bulb to change on the car. Removal is mainly done by feel, but when you have the new bulb installed in the holder, you can look through the front lens with a flashlight for a bit of guidance while you feed the holder in from the rear. Attached are pictures of the holder while installed, and once removed from the housing. Hope these help, good luck.

 

Thanks to all; the job went very smoothly, and my knuckles are intact! The trick for me seemed to be (after contacting the Forum, and finding out what I was looking for) turning the light "on" while I was trying to line it up by watching thru the front lens as I wiggled the bulb assy. around.

 

I've just found one of mine pushed in just a bit too far making it impossible to get out! Grr still it means I now have to get my finger out and get the bumper painted so I can take the light out to fish the parking light out. Always something to do.

 

Okay then. I've followed the advice above and the pictures are great. I can feel the little tab which is on the top. I press down on the tab but no matter how much I jiggle it I cannot get it to come out. Help please.

 

Well it's bad news I am afraid. It sounds like it has been pushed in a bit too far and is now stuck just like mine was. You may and I stress may be able to get it out with the headlight in situ but this will need the use of the force, eyeballs in your finger tips, the stars to be correctly aligned and a ton of luck. I had my light on the table and it was still an almighty **** to get it out it would be quite difficult in the space in the engine bay. Some pointy things will be handy to help get it out.

 

Thanks Joe. I'll give it one more go tomorrow. I was thinking of taking the air filter enclosure out as it appears that I might be able to get my hand in there. If all else fails I might just say bugger it and leave as it is. Mine is a one previous owner car 2006 VDP. I have all the service records and I'm surprised just how many bulbs have been changed over the years. I've had cars in the past for 10 + years and never had to change a bulb but with Jags it's always something.

 

I cut a hole in the plastic box which is the headlamp housing retrieved the plastic tube

which had fallen to the side then made a black rubber patch which I glued on with silicone.

You guys 'over there' will have Dremels.

We have them here but $$$$$$$$$$$$ lol

 

NCJagman;
I'm pretty sure that the tab that you depress is on the bottom of the plastic cylinder holding the bulb not the top, so you need to pull the tab up towards you. Maybe this is why its not coming out for you

 

Hi all,

I had difficulty when I needed to change those bulbs in mine. They just didn't seem to want to come out. Loads of pulling and it just didn't want to come out. In the end I managed to pull the clip up and slightly pull the bulb holder up at the same time and then it just came out really easily.

Thanks,

Chris