Well, it finally rained like crazy about 3 weeks from picking up my pre-owned 2003 XK8, and the condensation has remained in both headlamps now for 2 days. I am a little skittish about just pulling things apart, so if someone who has already solved this problem can give me some instructions on how to clear this up, once and for all, I would appreciate it! Thanks.

Matt

BTW, I did manage to remove the clear housing atop the headlamp unit on each side, and noticed that it wasn't sealed well, the gasket was dried, and even a clip or two damaged on each one. Perhaps this is the culprit? I am leaving it off overnight, so we'll see what they are like in the AM.

 

Do you still have factory warranty??

If so, they can fix it.

If not, I'll tell you how to fix it.

 

Thanks Envy, but the apparent 'breaking of the seal' on that top housing has evacuated all traces of moisture. I've been in several downpours since then and neither light has shown any further condensation problems. I'm curious how you would've corrected it. Care to share?

sorry I didn't get back with you sooner, I didn't toggle the email notification on this thread on my reply.

And yes, i do have an extended dealer warranty since it was a certified vehicle.

 

Looking at the front of the car, pop the hood.

Look thru the space between the hood and bumper at the inner part of the head light. You'll see a plastic "stub". Drill it out to ventilate the headlamp. If you can, blow out the condensation with an air gun or just leave parked in the sun for a few hours.

If you are unsure of the location of the "stub", let me know.

 

Thanks Envy!

 

I drilled a hole is the spot I thought was right. Then washed the car and even MORE water is in the capsule now. How does the complete headlight capsule come out? Big job?

 

Not a real big job. You just have to crawl up inside the bumper. There are about 3 bolts that hold the whole unit in place. Been a while but I do not remember that it was a big deal once you find all the bolts holding it in place. Of course my memory is not what it once was, as other things.

P L E A S E do not try to wipe the silvered surface. It will wipe completely off. Then you will have to clean it all off and tell everyone that is how it came.

 

i dont remember removing bolts when i did mine, but i do remember removing push pins. its quite easy, the hardest part was trying to take out the headlights capsule without damaging the surrounding part.

 

good day everyone, i have condensation inside the left highbeam and after reading some of things posted, would you suggest just having it replaced or going to the garage.

 

First recommendation new guy, is to check the FAQ thread at the top of this forum (xk8/R section) there is a detailed instruction on how to add a little vent to the lamp, if yours doesn't have one already. Or, just partially open the clear lid, it clears much faster that way. I've heard the replacement lenses will do this often too, so unless you want to spend $$$ for headlamps that may not totally correct the problem, feel free.

 

I have Condensation in my passanger side headlamp. Can i take of the headlight off and find the leak?

 

Removing headlights to clear them of condensation is the last resort. First I suggest removing the clear oval inspection cover and letting them dry out. Check the cover for a good rubber seal and that none of the fastening tabs are broken or missing. You can buy new inspection covers for about $10-12.

If that doesn't solve the problem then, I suggest removing the bucket assy. I have done this a few times and it is much easier to do by removing the front bumper or fascia. At the very least I would pull the wheels, and remove the fender liners. If this sounds like too big of a job, then maybe you need to find an indy who will do it for you.

Either way, it is much easier to get the bucket out, at least the first time, when you have clear access to the three bolts holding it in place.

Here is a thread on how to find the three bolts holding the assy in place. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ight=headlight

Dont even think about buying new headlights.... minimum of $750 and most dealers want $1200 each. Be prepared to pay at least $350-400 for used, and there is no guarantee they are not leaking also. (most of the used ones I looked at, were accident victims w/ broken lens tabs)

 

good advice gordo!

 

What do the stub look like and where is it located on back?
Thanks!

 

I think I added to a similar thread a while a go on this topic. I went the lens replacement route on the passenger side. Not all years have just the lens available my '98 did. On the driver side I followed directions found in this forum and just opened the clear plastic access cover on top of the headlight. After about a day all condensation was gone. Put access cover back on but left the motor side open 1/8 inch. put some black duct tape around the other 3 sides. Been almost a year with Blizzards and Hurricanes and no condensation. Jack

 

On my XK8 I have vents in the covers, but it doesn't keep the condensation from building up or staying in there. The easiest way is just to take the cover off and leave them off until the weather improves.

 

This is a really old thread and I thought it was addressed about a year ago but here are some old TSBs

bob gauff

 

Would turning on the headlights help by increasing the temperature inside the lamp assembly and absorbing the moisture?

 

No. You already have condensation. Heating it up will turn it into vapor and once it cools back down again it will turn back into condensation. You need to vent the unit.