As noted in previous posts the saga of the headlight powerwash started with loss of the little shiny reflector, my trying to fit a new reflector on, and finally my accidentally dislodging the powerwash unit (in the process breaking the stupid little plastic piece in the front that engages the reflector). So I ordered a replacement powerwash unit from SNG (by the way their pricing and quick service is great and forum members should take advantage).

So I did some research around the forum and in the JTIS manual about replacing the powerwash unit. Seemed like all you needed to do was remove or partially remove the wheel well liner to get access to the headlight bolts, remove the headlight, attach the powerwash, and then reinstall. In my younger day I would have jumped right into this buy being older and wiser (and lazier) I thought twice about it since getting to things in this car (and most modern cars) is often trickier than it looks and there is always the risk of breaking something else in the process.

So I bit the bullet and brought the car to my new favorite local Jaguar specialist (Just Jaguar in the San Fernando Valley--they literally only work on Jaguars of all years). Boy am I glad I decided to do so. The guy working on the car was expert and he had all the right tools and lifts to access awkward areas. Still it took him about 1.5 hours and during that time I heard several instances of muttering and cursing. It is difficult enough just getting the headlight removed. Apparently the culprit is the upper bolt and what the mechanic opined as a design flaw. The upper bracket that the bolt goes into is slotted facing the rear of the car and he pointed out that if only the slot had pointed forward it would have been a piece of cake to loosen the bolt and slide the headlight out. So those of you considering fiddling with the headlights might want to consider engineering a modified bracket at the same time.

But the worse part is that he said you sort of have to get the powerwash attached to the headlight with the headlight partially in the car. I don't know the specifics but he basically said it helped if you had 3 hands.

I am glad I ended up paying someone else to do this but if anyone here wants to do headlights/powerwash themselves I elect that person to take good photos or videos of the process to provide a DIY for other brave souls.

Doug

 

OK Doug, you convinced me. I thought it "Never rained in southern California "????
One of those things were you say after, it shouldn't be this hard.


Wayne

 

I ripped my power wash system out altogether. Removed the pump and connector, plugged the power wash port in the fluid tank, removed the hoses and units at the bottom of each headlamp. Threw the offending equipment on the floor and felt good about it being removed from the car.

I needed new headlamps, and ordered units without powerwash, so the little reflector piece is permanently in place.



.

 

Coupe, that sounded a little violent. Did you try this at home before that fit??


Wayne

 

Rains here plenty at times, just not lately. I never used the powerwash feature and almost never even use the windshield washers. Doing either would make a mess and I just prefer wiping down the windshield myself it it needs it.

Obviously the much cheaper way to go would have been just to chuck the powerwash and glue the little reflector thingy to the headlight. But as **** as I am I wanted to keep the car as much original as possible so the cost to do so in this case ended up about $300--ouch!

Doug

 

No...power wash is widely regarded as a useless feature, very few of the systems seem to still be working. And if it's not working - and I don't need it - out it all comes. No reason to be carrying it around!


.

 

I'm in agreement as mine has not worked from day one and I saw the hand writing on the wall when I couldn't hear a pump.
"FORGET ABOUT IT"!!!!


Wayne

 

Agree--having a headlamp wash feature in southern California is a bit like having daylight running lights in southern California. Mostly useless.

Doug

 

well mine works and I find it quite funny every year when I get my state inspection I'm sure to turn the headlights on first and then test my windsheild wipers so that the inspector get a good squirt from the headlight washer. Just sick that way I guess.

 

Hahaha! I pulled the fuse on mine when I got tired of it squirting all over the hood, but may have to plug it back in come inspection time.