I have a 1988 xj-40 and need to change the headlight, can’t get to the screws for the lights. Old guy could use a little help. Thanks for the info.

 

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to XJ40 forum. Members here with the same model will be able to help.

Graham

 

Depending on what headlight setup you have, removing the grille might give you better access?

Larry

 

Thank you Graham for putting me in my proper place. Lawrence, I have the 4 bulb without the large cover and I thought that I might have to pull the grill, it looks that way anyway cannot see any screws from the front. Thanks once again

 

Graham, the Haynes manual might show how to to remove the headlights. I have the rectangular style so I can't help.

You can download the manual here and BTW removing the grille isn't that complicated.

https://www.jaguarclub.com/wp-conten...al-Haynes1.pdf

Larry

 

It's times like these that show me how badly underserved the xj40 body is. I have been researching this in hopes of giving a good suggestion, but even at the Jaguar heritage site I can't tell if that car uses sealed beams or halogen inserts. It doesnt show the body color trim panels at all. I wish I could offer more help. Please keep us informed so we can all know.
Best wishes, Jerry

 

I found this on Jaguarforum.com-


Afternoon,

One of my twin (quad?) round headlights got a nasty stone-chip and required replacement. I thought this was going to be an easy job until I attempted to do it!

I am sure others' will have worked this out for themselves in seconds, but for all the other numpties out there like me, here is my guide on how to do it:

1. Remove the 4x Phillips screws in the top of the chrome grille that hold in the centre panels (with the vertical chrome veins). These are accessible from the outside, without opening the bonnet. Once the screws are out the panels hinge forward and can be lifted out.

2. Now you can access the 4x 8mm bolts that hold in the outer chrome grille, these are located 2 at either side (near the headlight clusters).

3. With the bonnet open, you will see 2x Phillips screws holding in a 2”x12” black plastic strip directly above the lights. You will need a ‘stubby’ screwdriver to get at these.

4. Next you need to loosen the 4x Phillips screws that hold in the colour-coded headlamp surround - here's how:

4a. 2 of these are underneath the black plastic strip you have just removed, and again require the use of a ‘stubby’.

4b. The 3rd one is on the inner side of the car, below where the 8mm bolts were that secured the outer chrome grille.

4c. The 4th screw is a fiddly one, and is (as far as I could make out) only accessible from underneath the car. You can just about see it from the front of the car - it is located in the bottom outside corner, with the screw head pointing downwards. I laid on my back and shone a torch upwards, and with a long Phillips screwdriver could just reach it to undo it by a couple of turns (this may be initially obscewered by the rubber seal at the bottom of the surround).

4d. With all these 4 screws removed you can carefully pull out the surround, but take care as it is fragile and there is a large rubber seal at the bottom of it which can catch on the bumper.

5. With the 2 headlights now fully visible you can loosen the 3x small screws that hold in the chrome surround, and then rotate the unit until it will pull off forward. Be careful though, as these screws are prone to rusting so make sure you have plenty of WD40 available and a well-fitting screwdriver so not to mash up the screwhead (as I heard some other people did [img]data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7[/img] )

6. Pull back the rubber sleeve on the bulb connections and then you can unplug/and exchange the unit.

7. Follow the instructions in reverse to put everything back. I found action ‘4c’ and ‘4d’ the most difficult due to the awful position of the screw.

Hope this helps someone, as it would have helped me! [img]data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7[/img]

jmm



I dont have this set up, so I cant say if its helpful. Hope it is....
Jerry

 

Thank you Jerry that sounds like the combination that I needed and thanks for the detailed instructions long live the forum thanks putter