…or are they “plug and play”?

My new-to-me 2008 XKR with 20k miles is exhibiting a few classic maladies - the suspension ball joint boots are all totally shot and the right side headlight points down to the ground after no sign of an initializing dance.

The latter is the subject of this question. I’ve read through dozens of helpful posts and plan to remove the unit and check for any physical issues with the linkages. No dash warning lights are on, which lead me to conclude that the fault is within the headlamp unit as I’ve read that the electronics don’t expect a feedback signal after commanding the appropriate movement. A quick peek through the side access cover however reveals the wiring insulation to be in dreadful shape with many bare wire sections visible. I really don’t think I have the skill or patience to painstakingly replace every wire. The price of a new replacement headlamp unit is eye-watering, but I’m honestly tempted to bite the bullet and consider the cost as part of the (already overpaid, lol) acquisition cost.

So, can I simply replace the nonfunctional unit with a new one and expect it to work, or will I need to make an appointment with a dealer or competent Indy to program the replacement to the car?

Thanks for any insight!

 

I've replaced several assemblies and modules with no calibration required. You may have to adjust the beam pattern but that's done with external gear adjustments.

 

I replaced both with new. Plug and play. Manually adjust beam as stated above.

 

An update on my status, which I consider resolved (for now!).

1) I removed the right headlamp from the car and examined it for any internal mechanical issues - did not find any. Moved some of the wires around just in case the failing insulation was shorting them out and reinstalled the headlamp - no change - still pointing down. Tried a static adjustment of the aim but found insufficient range to adjust.

2) Received my new fancy-schmanzy Autel MP808 scanner - I had been wanting a good multi-marque scanner for a while as I only had a basic OBD2 reader previously - and the Jaguar acquisition pushed me over the edge to buy it. Ran diagnostics and found literally dozens of codes from all sorts of modules, including the headlamp ones. After recovering from a mini heart attack I consulted the forums again that drove me to test the battery - sure enough, date coded 5 years old, 12.25V when connected, 12.3V when disconnected, and "marginal" when load tested with my basic analog 100A battery tester. So I replaced that with a fresh (date coded June 2022) Duralast H8 AGM and cleared the codes. Alas there was no change to the right headlamp. So ultimately the battery was a digression but well worth it to take care of before it really started to go south. BTW, no issues R&R'ing the battery - followed some very good suggestions found here including laying down a couple of 2x4 pieces to help slide out/in the battery, etc.

3) Purchased a new right headlamp unit. Best price I found online for part number C2P21142 was ~$2,600 from Harper Jaguar, but when I tried to place the order they stated that these units were on national backorder with no ETA. Then I found that Welsh Enterprises had a couple of older headlamps part number C2P13189 priced at $1,900 that seemed fine for my VIN, so I ordered and received one. Sure enough it was date coded from 2007, so an NOS unit. Installed it and it works fine - so now I have headlamps that work as intended! The only slight concern is the age of the "new" unit - wires seem fine but I would imagine would start to have the same insulation issues. Hopefully will be trouble-free for at least a few years. BTW I peeked inside my (working) left side headlamp and found that the insulation was in even worse shape, so presumably that's not long for the world either and I need to start looking for a replacement (doesn't look like Welsh has NOS left side units, unfortunately).

Hopefully this wrap-up helps someone else down the road.

 

The brittle insulation issue’s due to the excessive heat inside the assembly so you should have no problem with this and the less you use your headlights the longer they will last.

 

RIDE HEIGHT SENSOR!!!
My son's 'new' 2007 XKR had this problem, Adaptive Headlights aimed WAY too low, no matter what.
Someone in here, I can't specifically remember whom, said to check his Ride Height Sensor. Sure enough, the front one was all bent, ****-eyed and totally out of any plausible alignment. Ten minutes of bending brackets, realigning links and adjusting and POOF! Perfectly operating Adaptive Headlights!
Of course yours may just be faulty (or disconnected).
The thread about this is in the forum somewhere, not too long ago.

 

I experienced this. If the RHS isn't disconnected (unmounted) when doing front end suspension work, it may be positioned backward or bent out of shape. This confuses the positioning sensor and the light may not complete it's dance. Mea culpa, etc. If someone does suspension work and the light get weird, this is a first look. In my case, live data from the RHS was fixed in the 85% range rather than the normal variable 50% or so. I almost bought a new light controller before a careful look at the RHS sent me in the right direction. Tip: for me it was easier to unbolt the unit rather than unclip it. YMMV, etc.

 

Appreciate the comments, but the ride height sensor is not the issue in my case. My problem was solved by replacing the headlamp unit and most likely due to shorted wiring inside.

 

Thanks for the resolution update.

 

Hi,
On my 07 XKR the front RHS connector arm is broken and I can't find the part number or where I can get it, also does the RHS have anything to do with the CATS system?

Thanks in advance

 

Are you referring to the mounting tabs on the headlamp assembly? They're molded as part of the entire unit, not replaceable.

 

Hi,
No I'm asking about the ride height sensor on the rt side suspension.

 

Miles,

Re: the '07 models: Assuming we're talking about the sensor that is clipped to the RF and LR lateral control arms, no, those are ride height sensors and are not input to the early 2-stage CATS systems.

You can find the details of the early two-stage CATS system starting on page 355 (sect 204-05) in the 4.2 era service manual. JLR significantly upgraded the CATS system to more sensors and active management for the 5.0 XK and XKR. However, I don't know when that major upgrade precisely occurred for the 4.2 XKR, if it occurred at all, as the 4.2 XKR evolved to the 5.0.

In either case, the ride height sensor and it's interaction with the lighting system is a completely different system and is described starting on pg 2835 of the 4.2 era manual, in section 417-01.

The part number are XR826513 for the front. Here's the source at Jag Classic: https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic...13-sensor.html If anyone ever needs the rear, it XR826514.

Good luck. They seem to be in stock at various dealers.

 

Thank you for that info, very helpful.