2000 XK8
The Turn signal and Brake light on the right side of vehicle malfunction when both are ON at the same time. After about 5 flashes of the turn signal the malfunction is the brake light goes dim and the Turn signal will flash very quickly. It sounds like an overload of the circuit, but it's not immediate. It's as if something is heating up and triggers an over-current condition. I tried reading the various forums but could not find one with this reported issue. I tried to diagnose this myself and have done the following steps:
1) Replaced All Turn signal bulbs
2) Replaced all Brake light bulbs
3) Replaced the light module in the trunk with a used one off EBAY.




What I have started doing now to avoid being rear ended is to apply the brakes and slow to a speed that I can make my turn, then apply the turn signal and make the turn. Of course this doesn't fix my problem, but is keeping me out of the hospital for now. Has anyone had this experience or can point me to some other things to try? Independently the circuits work fine, but together it's too much for the system and it seems to overload. Thank you (in advance) for any ideas.
Chris M.

 

It is a common problem. Use the advance search function and search rear bulb failure in the XK8 forum. Many of us have added an additional ground wire. The problem is in the connector. Remove it and you will find one end distorted from heat. That is the end with the ground for all of the rear lights.
What you will see if you look at the female plug the ground tips are distorted, causing them not to make good contact with the male prongs.
Clean the connectors with a good wire brushing and then use a small screwdriver and needle nose pliers to restore the ground clips to the shape of the other clips. A little bit of dielectric grease to the contacts will help.

 

Vern, Thanks I will definitely take a look at that tonight. I'll update this thread after I check it out. Chris