Hi folks,
I hope someone can help me.
I have a 2008 XK convertible which has failed its MOT today. One headlight is pointing down and can’t be adjusted up. Something about a levelling mechanism.
The garage phoned me to tell me I need a new headlight (£2000 from Barretts!)
I don’t understand why a headlight is required. Is the levelling mechanism in the headlight?
Can the headlight be repaired?

Has anyone had any experience of this?
Thanks in anticipation

 

There are motors in the headlight. Worth while checking that your levelling arm on the suspension is still intact (it's a plastic piece) as if that goes the car has no idea how flat it should make the light. Good luck.

 

Thanks for that.
Is it possible to get into the headlight?

 

It is, but you will need to split it apart. I'm not sure what's involved to replace the motors or if it's possible at all unfortunately. Hopefully someone else in the forum might be able to chime in.

 

FIRST THING though, check the ride height sensor(s) on the front suspension, if it's wonky it can usually be bent to straight.
ALSO, swap the modules on each headlight to the other side, see if the fault follows the module or stays with the headlight assembly. I've not heard of the actual housings going bad before, but modules are fairly common.

 

Thanks for that. I think that’s ok because I have run a scan with my iCarsoft and that doesn’t show any codes.
I have done a bit more searching and you can get into the light unit but can’t get the separate parts. Probably a bit complicated for me to repair it.
I think I will get a second hand one off the Bay. Still about £500 unfortunately.
Thanks for the help

 

A bad headlight module doesn't throw a code, so that won't help. Neither does a whack ride height sensor. No need to take apart a headlight to change the module, they are attached outside.
But go ahead, buy another headlight. A used module, if that's the problem, costs like £40.
Heads-up though, a used £500 headlight unit probably isn't adaptive since they are usually well over £1000, so you will have a larger debacle to deal with. OR, if adaptive, the module may not work.

 

My car has non adaptive headlights according to a parts search using my registration.Also, there is no wiggle when I start up. I have been told that the levelling mechanism in these is within the headlight, hence the decision to get an used replacement.
Hopefully Ive got this right otherwise I am going to look very stupid with my new headlight!

 

Guess I just assumed because Pointing Down is what happens when a module goes blooey.
Did you try the adjusting screws on the headlight housing? Probably too obviously a "Yes, I did that".

 

Yes, the garage tried that at the MOT.
There is a description of somebody separating the headlight and repairing it. You start by putting the unit in the oven to soften the resin!
Assuming the replacement unit does the trick I will have a go and report back !