2005 XKR Conv.

Thought I'd share a fix that finally got rid of the 'Check REAR LIGHTS' message every time I hit the brake pedal.

I had a brake/tail light on the rear passenger side fail. I went to Advanced Auto and they provided a bulb that worked when braking. However, every time I hit the brakes the 'CHECK REAR LIGHTS' message would display.

Checked all lights, read a bunch of posts and eventually called a local dealership in Naperville, IL. They weren't sure, but suggested I try the bulb they had as it was slightly different than the one I installed.

I installed the new bulb earlier today and so far, the message no longer is displaying.

A couple of things to note; The contacts on the bottom were slight different in shape (Adv Auto on left, Dealership on right) and there was some type of grayish material in the bulb at the base of the inside. I added the image of the box from the dealership in case that helps.

Just happy the message is gone!

 

Probably a different (out of range) current draw on the aftermarket bulb. The car measures the current flow to determine if the bulb is connected and good.

 

Thanks for researching and providing a potential solution to ID the rear lights issue. I just had my first opportunity to drive my recently purchased XKR 2005 Conv and noticed the message display. Since voltage drop is proportional to current, its possible when brakes are applied the black box could read an under or over current reading draw which does not fall within specs. As soon as I free up a little time I'll investigate and make an assessment. Have you had and issues with both headrest from functioning? It appears the gears are slipping and I'm not getting movement. For now all other systems are functional. Again, thank you for the postings.

 

The headrest issue is a common problem. The motor cable sheath needs to have 12mm removed from it, then believe it or not the system will function properly. Search "cable sheath headrest repair" here on the forum and you can read through the numerous threads involving the three or four different methods folks have come up with to fix this issue. I opted for the heat-shrink tube method back in February 2012 and it worked like a charm even though I had my doubts....

 

Too bad no one has developed a no fault, two 'element', all in one LED replacement bulb.
By the way, two element brake light bulbs are overpriced if the box says Jaguar. Oops, forgot, it's a Jag.
Anyway, I bought a pair of the Jag bulbs due to a burned out brake filament in one of my brake lamp bulbs. For good measure I replaced both sides at the same time. I haven't seen my fault indicator light go on for a real long time.
RB

 

I think my old Volvo would throw a check lights message if there were two different wattage bulbs installed. The lights would work but I guess they were not drawing the amount of current the system expected.

 

I had this issue several months ago and it appears the metal panel they plug into, or the contacts, were dirty. I hosed it all down with CDC electrical spray and haven't had trouble since. Check you have the right bulbs, then do this.