Hi again

Getting to grips with the many 'quirks' of my xj sovereign...!

When I put the side lights on, the rear main lights come on as well - or is this the brake light? Because when I press the brake this bulb just gets brighter and that's all. Is this right?!

Also - when the lights are off and I brake, the bulb defect light comes on. When the lights are on, the bulb defect light is on constantly unless I press the brake, at which point it goes off!

What's going on?!

Many thanks

Gavin

 

Come on guys, surely someone could point me in the right direction!

 

the reason why no one is replying might be because your inquiry is vague.

 

I was merely inquiring as to whether these things were normal, and if anyone else had experienced this.

As a person not blessed with a technical mind, vague is all I can muster - was hoping for some friendly pointers.

Thanks anyway.

 

Gavin

I don't think your original question is particularly vague, and even if it was you would generally expect to receive a warmer friendlier reply than you got.

For side lights there are 2 bulbs - a small single 5W in the lower row at the bottom of the cluster. Additionally there is a tail/brake light combined on the outside of the bottom row. You will see 2 filaments in that bulb. One is a 5w (for the sidelight) and one is 21W for the brake light. That bulb getting brighter when you press the brakes is normal.

First thing I would check is that the bulb is inserted correctly. The bulb has side pins that are offset and should only go in one way. I have seen instances on other cars where this type of bub has been forced in the wrong way and given similar strange to what you are seeing.

Let us know and we can go from there and resolve this issue.

 

I should have mentioned the other main cause or rear light issues is poor earth connections. The earths for the rear light units I think is on the side wall of the boot near the battery. There are a number of earth studs there. Remove the nuts and check for corrosion/dampness. Clean them and ensure they are tight.

 

Thank you very much for the advice. I'm glad you let me know about the two filaments, I spotted that one of the bulbs only had one in. Changed it around and sorted!

Many thanks again