Hello, I have a 2008 XJ8L that has the reverse lights dimly lit with the car running or not. The only time the lights go out is when the car is sleep. Is this normal?

If not , does anyone have any suggestions on where to start looking to fix the problem?

thanks.

 

I am guessing that there will be a switch somewhere on the J gate which is not working properly.

 

It won't be the J-gate switch, that's simply a data input to the J-gate module which in turn communicates the switch status amongst its data stream to all the other modules in the car.

The reversing lamps are switched by the Rear Electronic Module. The switching is done in the earth line, ie the line is connected to earth to switch the lamps on and left open circuit when they are off.

I suspect that you have a partial short circuit to earth in that return line, so check for frayed wires around the lamps and the REM, and for general water ingress in and around the trunk, and the lamp fittings.

 

I’m going to check that out. Thank you.

 

Is this something that has just started or done it since you had the car? If it is new then it is probably an earth fault. If it has done it since you had the car it could still be an earth fault or it could have led bulbs fitted, these can glow a little when they are off. That is because leds require much lower operating voltages than a normal bulb so what would be off for an incandescent bulb is a bit on for an led.

 

It has done this since I got it. Couldn’t see the lights on in the day time but noticed it that night I brought the car home. I’ll go check for led bulbs and report back.

 

JoeDredd, you are the man. Previous owner had installed LED bulbs. I installed incandescent bulbs and everything is as it should be. Thank you for all the ideas from everyone.

 

Glad you got it sorted nice and easy.