1996 XK8

So it began a few days ago. When I went into reverse the 'bulb fail rear' light would go on temporarily then go off. This then happened consistently.

Then, tonight, I get the same message when I press the brake pedal. I have all lights, no problem there, just the message.

Then, few more minutes into my journey I notice that when I turn left (only, right is fine) the dash flash is really fast, but the actual indicator lights flash at normal speed.

After some testing, I realised that I have reverse light until I press the brake, when it goes out. Brake lights work as normal, except the dash warning.

Any ideas? Weak battery? Alternator? I'm not really sure where to start. My last car was a classic mini, which was probably powered by a hamster, so the wires in the XK8 baffle me.

Cheers guys.

 

I would suggest starting by giving the earth/ground connection at the affected lamp cluster a close inspection. It has a black wire. There is often corrosion in this area and some have soldered in a new wire directly from the cluster to earth/ground when a clean up has failed to improve matters much.

 

Hi Jacob,
I agree that this sounds very much like a por earth connection on the light cluster. This sort of problem can cause all sorts of very odd behaviour with the rear lights. I'm sure you have been behind someone and noticed how when they break, one break light might appear very dim and the indicator or reverse light might come on at the same time, or the brake light might start flashing weakly in time with the indicator. These are all classic symptoms of a poor earth connection from the light cluster to the body / chassis or main loom etc.

Hope this helps,

Andy

 

I've just re read my post and noticed all the typo's in it. It's been a long day!

 

Thanks for the replies. Not sure how to get at the light loom, I guess I'll have a poke about on the weekend and report back. I'll also see if I have similar problems when driving in the daytime (no lights). Cheers guys

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...esolved-35083/

 

Just a quick update. I had a fiddle with the lights this morning, Took connectors off and, investigate, put back, repeat. The same with the bulbs. Couldn't see any problems, in fact they looked remarkably clean considering the age. Jumped in the car and couldn't get any codes to reappear (yet!) so we shall see after a run later today.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, it does seem as though a dodgy ground somewhere is causing the issue. I'll probably add an extra ground anyway when I have the time.