The XK8/XKR's Trunk/Boot lights are set up to automatically shut-off after a certain length of time and the Bulbs that came in them are not very bright, so I put in a little larger size Bulb and over a short period of time, melted the little Plastic Bulb-Holders...Ordered a couple new ones and decided to put in LED Bulbs instead of Halogen.....They will not turn-on! So, I shut the Boot Lid to start the timer again and they still would not work....I had to go back to the little dim Halogen Bulbs to get lights that work.....

Does anyone know what I need to do? I use the Trunk/Boot a great deal in my Business to show products to Clients and really need more Light.....What's the secret?

Billy Clyde in Houston

 

The polarity of the LED wire hook up is go or no go and not for the incandescent ( and later halogen ) bulbs originally in the base , may have to swap wires positions as they go into the original base

 

If I recall the boot bulbs are symmetric so you should be able to just turn them around.

 

Thanks! Lady Penelope - but WHAT?

I'm not smart enough to figure that out! Do you have a simple answer?

Billy Clyde

 

Mr. Fulton,
Do you mean it is as simple as turning the Bulb over so the opposite ends are placed in the sockets?

Billy Clyde

 

Yep, simple as that.

LEDs have a polarity and current will only flow through them in one direction (that pesky diode part).

 

I didn't believe it.....but it's true!!!! Actually had to turn both of them around..... My Luck! but thanks to you and Lady Penelope, after I figured out what She was saying, I Have Boot Lights that are Bright!

Billy Clyde in Houston

 

Lady Penelope,

My Thanks to you and my apologies also, for not being smart enough to understand what you were trying to tell me! I actually had to turn both Bulbs around....I was so surprised when the first one lite-up....well I'll tell you later! and was extremely surprised when the second one fired-up!! I thought sure I had bought a pig in a poke !!!

Billy Clyde in Houston

 

Billy can you post a link to the bulbs you used?

 

Mr. Rothwell....What a happy day I've had in my Boot/Trunk! After years of wishing for LED's for my Boot, I've discovered a set that casts a pretty white bright light! They came from HID Nation...The same place I got my H-1 HID Bulbs for my Low Beams!!! They are #6418 or 36MM...They have 4 LED's on one side and that side should be installed toward the inside of the Trunk,,,,when they "lite" up this beautiful white light shows through-out the Boot and in bright and beautiful white light goes everywhere! These same Bulbs can be used for the inside ceiling light to light the inside of the coupe....Just make sure the little LED's are facing the interior.....($9.99pair)

Remember, if at first you don't succeed...turn it around! Thanks for the help everyone...!

Billy Clyde in Houston!

 

No apology necessary as LED's are different then what is use to . The #6418 or 36MM bulb you listed are a better solution for the open hood / bonnet lights to shine on the engine and under car glow lights I will be putting on M'Lady Penelope . I will need the same brighter lights in my trunk and larger 4 door XJ6 cabin in my post retirement profession as a mobile cell phone repairman .

Thank You , Parker

 

While describing these LED Bulbs, I indicated that they had (4) LED's on one side and none on the other (a one way bulb)... They actually have (6) !!!LEDS....

 

Apparently, I have fallen into a trap, Parker! and Lady Penelope is your Jaguar........You fooled me!

Billy Clyde

 

She likes watching the British show Downton Abbey with Lady Mary in it . She'll flash her lights , honk her horn , make weird noises , and call her " Your Hinny ness " and I thought it as me .