I have a 1998 XJ8 with 92.000 miles. With the headlights on, when I engage the blinker the tail lights go out. Most of the time they will go on again after the blinker cancels. It occurs in any of the headlight positions, auto or manual. I really would appreciate a quick response as we are on vacation. thanks Dave

 

I looked at the connector and didn't see anything strange. But it could have melted on the inside. I ran it past a mechanic. He said he thought it was the switch on the steering column (left side turn signal). He said when he wiggled the switch he could get the tail lights to go on and off.

What do you guys think? The least expensive OES switch I could find is about $110. I can buy a used one for $60. I hate to buy the switch if it's a bad ground. Any way to check the ground???

The mechanic only diagnosed the problem as the switch wouldn't shipped until the middle of next week. Remember we are on vacation and will be home by then.

 

Finally got to searching and discovering the problem. No problem with the grounds in the trunk so I moved to the steering column. Found a disconnected green wire...resoldered it and my problem was solved. I guess when it was intermittent the wire was still making contact. I had bought another turn signal stalk on eBay that I thought would work. It looks the same but the wiring is different. Anyway an afternoon of work and the cars lights work as they should.