hello i am a new member and have recently bought my first XJ8,
it does however have a problem,
when the headlights are switched on sometimes they work sometimes they dont, when they do work, the rear lights will not come on.
I have been informed that to rectify this all i need to do is remove the stalk connector and give it a good clean.
Has any one has the same problem and is this information known to be correct before i start taking apart the steering column.

any advice would be much appreciated.

 

Before you start removing items - you need to get a wire diagram.

The car has a lamp control module in the trunk that controls and monitors much of the lighting. The various switches are wired to the module.

I do not remember a thread like this - You don't want to be removing and opening up expensive parts without being sure it could cause the problem.

 

That the stalk connector is a PITA to remove and put back on...I would look at other options first. There are also two parts towards the front of the car that go bad and have the headlights switch off. Don't remember what they were called, but they are incased in black rectangular plastic cases.

 

hi all, took the stalk off last night, wasnt to bad actually, there is one loose green wire and one loose grey wire need re-soldering, im off the get a wiring manual today, bit of luck that might rectify the problem. thanks for your comments guys ill let you know how i get on.

 

I have been searching the internet for free XJ8 manuals. This is the website I found:
http://www.captainjaguarscathouse.co..._Reference.htm

It has separate Electrical Guides from 1998 to 2004 for every Jaguar model. Webpage is organized by Jaguar model, then by each year.
There is no signup. Just click on the title ie XJ8 1998 Electrical Guide (8.39 MB 158 pages) . Starts downloading immediately.
For your lighting problem see page 54 - 57 (Exterior Lighting) Fig. 09.1 thru Fig. 09.4

It seems to be the same electrical guide that is in the JTIS CD.

Jim Lombardi

 

"two parts towards the front of the car that go bad and have the headlights switch of...incased in black rectangular plastic cases."


These black rectangular boxes that cause lighting issues, would this also create an issue where outboard headlamps do not light up at all on high or low beam, but inboard headlamps light up as running lamps and on high beam? Also, are they under the hood? Thanks

 

The part I was thinking of is the wiper relays...has nothing to do with the headlights, but if your wipers mysteriously stop working you know what to check...

 

Hi, I'm having problems with the low beams on my 2004 XJ8 Vanden Plas. High beams are fine. Fuses are all ok. Drivers side low beam will come on for a while....then eventually go out. Have not replaced bulbs. Lighting relay? Balast? If so where is it?