My 1997 xk8 rear lights started doing strange things. When brakes applied other lights would glow or not work at all. I found the rear plug to the lights had melted the plastic on one of the tiny blades (ground) that separated the current path, and burned black the male and female metal connectors. This ground carries a lot of current so i cut the black ground wire and added a new larger wire from the body to the the flat galvanized plate that carries the ground current with drilled holes and screws. All seems to be well for now. But i know its a Jag. I hope this info helps somebody.

 

Hobo, good catch. As I recall Brutal first ID'd this manufacturing flaw a few years ago. ( gotta give credit where credit's due right?)

don't forget to do the other side, its just a matter of time and coulumbs before that goes too.

thanks for the warning though.

John

 

Sorry, Johnken i did not research first, just jumped right in looking for the answer. My apologies and thanks to Brutal for solving and posting first. Now if someone can tell me why my 1997 xk8 keeps blowing (occasionally) fuse #10 when shifting from drive to reverse. I use a resettable fuse now.

 

Oh no need to be sorry, I've been in that spot once or twice myself! I do admire that you caught it yourself mate.

I don't know what fuse 10 protects so I can't help you there yet. BTW, will the fuse be ok once reset while you are in reverse? IOW is it the act of moving to reverse, or the status of being in reverse that blows it?

Don't take this wrong but when did this start, might it have anything to do with your work on the ground plane? I doubt it but we've gotta ask so we can cross it off.

John

 

I've only had the car 4 months and i think the fuse was the reason the previous owner sold it. It is a ghost that appears less and less these days. Lately only when i engage the neutral micro switch after a long drive.