Headlight level seems weird
 

Had to replace the d/s headlight ballast the other day. All went well and it was a simple job just replacing the ballast once the headlight unit was out. Replaced unit without touching anything else.

However, when I turn the lights on now they both fire up, but the p/s then moves up a little bit (using garage door as guage) but the d/s moves down considerably. I'll try to get a pic uploaded, but the difference from 3 feet away on the garage door is probably 7 or 8 inches.

Is this right? I can't say I ever checked before, but it just seems a little too different. Could i have done anything in taking the unit out that has messed up the auto levelling system?

Thought someone else would have gone outside to check before now.......!

When the ignition is switched on, both my headlamps rise to maximum elevation and then both lower to the appropriate level. No difference in movement between LH and RH.

Graham

So because my d/s goes down several inches and the p/a goes up an inch, are you saying you think there is something wrong with my auto levelling mech? Could i have knocked the sensor in the wishbone when i had the wheel off (and cleaned around the area whilst i had the chance?). Also, do I have to 'intitialise' the system as I had the headlight unit out as some would suggest? I'm not sure whether you're saying what's happening is ok or not. Apologies if I'm being dim here.

Sorry Jules - I didn't make that clear.

My headlights rise and fall together. One side doesn't lift whilst the other lowers. The behaviour of yours seems unusual.

Have you rechecked all connections?

Graham

Hopefully I've been able to upload a vid & pic to show what I'm seeing:

Attachment 159597

I believe that the system has to be reset after the ballast is replaced.
It may be possible to do this via a battery disconnect/reset, worth trying, but it may be necessary to get it initialised via the dealer/ind IDS system!

See "NOTE" section on attached pic - from JTIS:

My beams are parallel throughout the leveling process. Not down at the RH like this.

Graham

The only reference to 'initialising' I can find in JTIS is 'the headlamps must be switched on for 30 seconds before carrying out this procedure to allow the headlamp bulb to warm up'.

The instructions then go directly to adjust:

Attachment 24995

Have you found anything further?

Graham

I'll be having the wheel off again today to check sensor connections, then I'll try Stumpy's suggestion of battery disconnect and see if that sorts things. I really don't want to be taking it to a dealer/ind just for this if I can help it.

There always seems to be something (usually irritatingly small stuff) to sort doesn't there - or at least there does with my cat! :icon_evil:

Make sure you have the radio code before disconnecting the battery.

I have improved the picture quality on my post above. To make it easier to read the "NOTE:" section.

Graham
I got the info from JTIS: 417-01 : Exterior Lighting\Description and Operation\Exterior Lighting\Front Lamps
then scroll down to the High Intensity Dishcharge (HID) Lamps section.
That is where I copied the info for my post above.

Derek,

I've followed each of the procedures for removal and replacement of Ballast, Leveling Motor and Headlamp Assembly. All lead to the same procedure for adjustment:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/a...rd-ballast-jpg

Other than waiting 30 seconds for warm up, there's no other reference to 'initialisation'.

The 'Description & Operation' section seems to be making it sound more complex than that.

Graham

I think this link to a YouTube clip works, of what happens when i turn the low beam on.


Haven't had chance to do any further work on it today but will have a look again tomorrow.

Thanks guys for the responses so far.

ules,

The YouTube link works.

That's definitely not right. Apart from the beam height difference, they aren't leveling.

Graham

Does the headlight continue to auto level if you change from flat to incline, or vise versa? That would eliminate any 'leveling motor' issues.

I'd just adjust the vertical for now to match the driver side, see if it stays there. Are you sure your headlight was installed properly (seated correctly) when you changed the ballast?

I'm thinking that:

A. the little bracket inside the headlamp assembly that eventually breaks, is now about to break.

B. The lights might need to be calibrated using IDS.

As far as I know the headlight was seated correctly when i put it back in; the top and bottom bolts went in place fine, with the side one simply needing tightening once the unit was slotted in. Not sure what could go wrong on that front without it being really obvious when you go to secure everything up.

Heima: What little bracket are you referring to? Re calibrating, is this the same as 'initialising' the headlights?

Resolved!
 

Did a battery disconnect/reconnect to see if that reset anything, but nothing changed. Then did the adjustment as per Graham's post, turned ignition off, then on again and everything seems to work properly - with the headlights raising up to a point then both lowering a little.

All's well with the world now..... for today anyhow! :icon_beerchug:

I apologize Redeye. It seems I have 'S Type' on the brain.
I think I need to keep my nose out of other Jag model forums and my mouth shut when there.
Just ignore me for now. Except for the apology. I am sorry about misleading you.

We want to see YouTube evidence for this success. Propping the RH front wheel on a brick will lead to disqualification. :icon_lol:

Good result. :icon_clapclap:

Graham