Wet headlight blowing fuse
 

Symptoms: Water and no low beam driver's side;
2002 xk8 coupe 38K miles. Just bought it last week with a wet headlight. I've learned a lot reading the various threads re: headlight moisture, and am now trying to get to fixes without replacing parts that are ok.
I popped the clear cap off the driver's side light and sucked the water out using a small tube hooked to a shop vac and fed thru the parking light bulb hole; being careful not to rub off the silver coating.
The water was 1/2" deep behind the lens, with a high tide mark on the rear rubber cap [low beam] about 1 1/2" up.
So far: - Got it dry and checked all fuses.
- 10 amp fuse #8 left side engine compartment blown; replaced &
blew again. The fuse reads 12.5v on one leg and varying ohms
to ground on the other.
- Moved the D1S [HID] bulb & base to other side to test: OK.
- Checked bulb & main connecters for corrosion: Clean.
I asked the Jag Svc Mgr what else is below that water line as I now suspect the ballast but don't know how to test it. I also haven't accessed the other end of the braided wire that feeds the light. He suggested I put dialectic grease on all connectors and see what happens.
I got the grease, but would still like to know what other components got submerged and how to test them.
My next move is to remove the bumper cover and go digging & greasing, or just add some guppies to the light and take them for daytime rides!
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Jim

Correction: It's a 2004 xk8 coupe
[Hope I'm not breaking a rule. Just trying to be accurate]

you ballast is cooked,same thing happened to me,but you have to fix the leak first.check you still have the plastic run off which throws the water away from the headlight under the hood,drill couple of 1/4" holes s in the clear plastic on the top after drying the headlight out and see how it goes I have had no misting or water in mine for over a year

Do advice already given + add 2 or 3 silica bags (securely fastened) under the plastic cover. Replace every couple of weeks with new/dried out ones. Works a treat for me.

Thanks dodgerjames & redeye
Got a Porsche Valeo ballast & wire & motor on Ebay for $160., and resealed the lens.
Fixed!
FYI; Couldn't use the tilt motor. Motor was a match, but mounted in a white plastic frame that then mounted to the housing. Same twist-lock but a 1/4" longer shaft to
accommodate the thickness of the extra piece. Turns out the old motor is OK.
Still a good value, I think.
Thanks, also, to the guys who took the trouble to make vids & info on disassembly.
I only had to remove one wheel & liner to access the three bolts that join the nosepiece to upper fender and access the dreaded 3rd headlight bolt. The plastic bumper cover will flex down enough to see the bolt and approach thru the well with the wrench.

That's way beyond the usual condensation problem with these headlamps. The sealant between the glass and the shell must have failed badly letting in rain water.

The two parts can be separated:

Attachment 104918

Release the plastic clips around the perimeter (two shown arrowed in red) and carefully prise the lens section (2) away from the shell. If the sealant around the rear edge of the glass has failed, they should come apart quite easily. Clean off any residue and use a bead of waterproof sealant.

Graham

I had the problem and fixed it by pulling back the black trim around the glass and applying silicone sealant.