Hello, I have a 2003 XKR I just recently purchased about 2 months ago. The other day (about a week ago) I noticed the low beam headlight on my drivers side is out. It was working fine when I got the car, and the passenger side works normally. I did not see any messages ("lamp out" or anything similar) in the information panel on the dash. I went and purchased a new lamp @ the auto parts store and changed it out to no avail. I have the HID headlights (lamp is the D1S 35Watt type). The guy @ the auto parts store said it may be the ballast went bad. Could this be the case ? Any other possibilities ? If so, how hard is that to change ? Is it something I can tackle on my own (I'm pretty handy) or is it best left to the dealer ? Also, if so does anyone know a good place to order a ballast from ? Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Vinnie

 

I had the same issue on my '03. It was indeed the ballast that failed, however, it was covered under the warranty so the dealer made the repair.

 

no warranty here unfortunately......anyone do a dyi ? I am not opposed to doing the work but I also don't want to create a larger problem. Any help or ideas ???

 

It sounds like the ballast probably gave out. Before you purchase a new one make sure its not a wiring issue by unplugging the ballast and checking to see that it is actually getting power.

I retrofitted my XK8 which came from the factory with halogen bulbs to HID a few months back. Here is the thread on the install:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ight=headlight

The prices of HID have come way down and you could probably save a lot of money by getting a good quality aftermarket system instead of trying to hunt down a factory ballast.
I used a full kit from DDM tuning, I've used them on many different vehicles and always had excellent results. It took a little bit of modification to the slots for the bulb in the projector housing but overall was very easy.

 

vagearhead, i like your idea. i did manage to find what i think is the correct factory ballast on ebay but they run about $200. It looks like you can get a complete aftermarket replacement kit for about $100, sounds much better. Does the new (aftermarket) ballast fit into the same location as the original (inside the headlamp module) or is there a better place to mount it ?

Also, and this may be a stupid question - the JTIS says when taking out the headlamp module to "apply appropriate protective tape" around it, I assume so as to not hit/damage the paint when you take it out. Is this really necessary ? If so is there a specific "special" tape to use that will not stick to the car afterwards or is good ol' blue masking tape ok ? I know this sounds silly but the XKR is a new toy for me and I'm still a little paranoid about it...

-V

 

My low beams don't work, despite replacing lamps. Occasionally the lights will work then as soon as I use my turn indicators the lights go dark. Do I have an electrical problem within my steering column/turn indicator? Anyone else have this problem? And can anyone tell me how to take apart my steering wheel without blowing my head off from the airbag? Thanks

 

DrBMarks: You might get better response if you start a new thread. A Moderator could answer that.