Hi Folks,

Just washed my 2000 XK8 and noticed the right head light lens fogged up on the inside. This I didn't like one bit. Any tips as how to avoid this problem other that masking over the lights when washing. Don't drive in the rain hardly ever so don't know if it will do that due to rain.

Thanks guys

 

There are quite a few threads on this if you want to do a forum search.

Jag also issued a service bulletin for it, have a look at this: http://www.jagrepair.com/images/TSB/XK8/417-05.pdf

 

I solved this issues on my 2001 XKR by drilling three 8mm holes in the clear plastic removable access panel on top of the headlamp assembly - I placed the holes at the rear of the panel to minimise any water ingress - since doing this over 5 yeas ago never had he problem back.
Steve

 

Condensation in both headlamps is a regular issue which Jaguar never satisfactorily resolved on the XK8/XKR. They introduced a Vent Kit which helps but doesn't eliminate the problem.

However, if only the RH headlamp got water inside and only after washing the car, it's likely the seal between the shell (item 1) and the lens (item 2) has failed:



The headlamp can be disassembled by lifting the plastic clips around the perimeter and pulling apart carefully.

The residue of old sealant can then be cleaned off and the headlamp reassembled using new clear waterproof sealant.

Graham

 

Worrasf, Would you mind posting a photo of your fix sometime? I'd like to try it but a photo would really help.

Thanks,

John

 

Had the same issues on the rear light cluster of my A6......after around 7-8 sets under warranty, trying silicone sealant and gel packs the only fix I found was drilling them

 

Hi John - sure. Will likely be the weekend but I'll take a few photos. In the meantime have attached a diagram of headlight with inspection cap. The 3 red arrows point to where to drill the holes.
Steve

 

Jaguar have issued 3 TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins) on headlamp misting in the XK8/XKR:

417-05 - Headlamp Misting.pdf

417-06 - Headlamp Misting.pdf

417-10 - Headlamp Misting.pdf

The first one covers installation of the Tee piece.

The problem was never satisfactorily resolved in the XK8 but doesn't appear to affect the later XK model.

Graham

 

While I have not tried the T-piece or silicone fixes I can report that since drilling the holes several years ago I have had zero misting/condensation in either headlight. Neither have I had an issue with water ingress through the holes.
Steve

 

Thanks for the clarification worrasf - nice simple easy cheap fix - job done!