How to headlight repair stype FAQ
#121
04-04-2012, 03:46 PM
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#122
04-05-2012, 04:14 AM
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#123
04-05-2012, 08:14 AM
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Location: Damon /Houston, Texas
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Thank you so much for coming up with this repair for the headlights! The dealer wanted $3000 to replace both headlight assemblies. Luckily a another forum member was at the dealer when I was there and showed me your post, pictures, and the youtube video.
I do not normally do my own auto repair. I am handy with a drill and screwdriver though. It took me ten minutes and a package of screws for $1.26 from the hardward store to fix my headlights following your instructions. I did drill a small pilot hole and then screwed in the screw.
Obviously Jaguar management does not understand that they would retain more customers by offering known fixes than gouging you for repairs. I love my car, but will probably never buy another Jaguar.
By the way, on the same trip they wanted $6000 to repair the climate control (Total of $10K on a 2004 car...). Jeff at Jaguar Climate Control did that repair for me for $299 including shipping. All I had to do was take the unit out and put it back in above the glove compartment. So for $300.26, great internet help, and less than an hour total, a non-automotive savy female repaired both problems! And thank you Cliff for advising me of both fixes!
I do not normally do my own auto repair. I am handy with a drill and screwdriver though. It took me ten minutes and a package of screws for $1.26 from the hardward store to fix my headlights following your instructions. I did drill a small pilot hole and then screwed in the screw.
Obviously Jaguar management does not understand that they would retain more customers by offering known fixes than gouging you for repairs. I love my car, but will probably never buy another Jaguar.
By the way, on the same trip they wanted $6000 to repair the climate control (Total of $10K on a 2004 car...). Jeff at Jaguar Climate Control did that repair for me for $299 including shipping. All I had to do was take the unit out and put it back in above the glove compartment. So for $300.26, great internet help, and less than an hour total, a non-automotive savy female repaired both problems! And thank you Cliff for advising me of both fixes!
I learn alot here and have a few of my own Jags to keep up. Plus I sell refurbed parts too to supplement my less than stellar pay at the dealer which has just managed to go down yr after yr while the cost of living has skyrocketed. We do talk to people about it here, but it also depends on the customer and advisor, Then theres always the "you fixed it and I want it warrantied also" that attitude will always get you a new parts quote, especially if you havent been a regular customer. You might be surprised how many in the public start crying "lawyer lawyer lawyer" at the smallest issue. We do alot of repairs and work with alot of customer as much as possible, but cheaper is not always better. Take for instance upper shock mounts made of urethane. I used to use these but not anymore as they just havent shown to hold up long term and in many cases alot less than factory parts. yes they cost less, but not when you have to do them again and then use the factory parts the second repair...
#124
04-06-2012, 07:06 AM
Veteran Member
Brutal,
could you address how the products listed on this website would be utilized to effect the repairs to the headlamps? It looks like it has a softer resting point than an ordinary screw would have?
Thanks
http://www.motorcarsltd.com/jaguar-s...mp-repair-kit/
could you address how the products listed on this website would be utilized to effect the repairs to the headlamps? It looks like it has a softer resting point than an ordinary screw would have?
Thanks
http://www.motorcarsltd.com/jaguar-s...mp-repair-kit/
#125
04-06-2012, 07:53 AM
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^^^ they replace the factory plastic post assembly inside the headlight. problem with those is they include only 1 post for HID and all the needed pieces for halogen. even though you need to replace all the pieces in HID too if youre gonna go inside them. plus expensive. I buy off ebay from 2 people. either 1 in Aus or Polland. never had an issue with them and I pay the same for the 1 piece from motorcars except I get a FULL kit. Dont get me wrong I love Motorcars but I shop at the cheapest grocery store too
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#126
04-06-2012, 09:16 AM
Veteran Member
^^^ they replace the factory plastic post assembly inside the headlight. problem with those is they include only 1 post for HID and all the needed pieces for halogen. even though you need to replace all the pieces in HID too if youre gonna go inside them. plus expensive. I buy off ebay from 2 people. either 1 in Aus or Polland. never had an issue with them and I pay the same for the 1 piece from motorcars except I get a FULL kit. Dont get me wrong I love Motorcars but I shop at the cheapest grocery store too
Have an eBay link for the kits from eastern Europe?
#127
04-06-2012, 11:21 AM
Senior Member
Brutal, this may be a really dumb question, if so please forgive. My '05 STR came from California via eBay, and arrived with the driver-side Brutal fix already in place. I assume it's only a matter of time before the other side needs the fix.
My question - is there anything to gain (or lose) by going ahead and fixing the other headlight before it begins to droop?
My question - is there anything to gain (or lose) by going ahead and fixing the other headlight before it begins to droop?
#128
04-06-2012, 11:34 AM
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eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
here ya go Staats that both sides and both s and x type for anyone iterested in those as well. he ships postal and you have to sign for them to make sure you get them.
it takes about 10-15 days shipping but Ive never had issue.
@ Robin, no not dump and very good question. I would do them now if not broken. its like death. you arent dead now, but one day
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
here ya go Staats that both sides and both s and x type for anyone iterested in those as well. he ships postal and you have to sign for them to make sure you get them.
it takes about 10-15 days shipping but Ive never had issue.
@ Robin, no not dump and very good question. I would do them now if not broken. its like death. you arent dead now, but one day
#129
04-07-2012, 11:50 PM
Senior Member
Brutal, if you're still there, one last question...
I see that the kit from Poland allows a complete repair of the headlight adjuster. Does that mean for about $105 I could make both adjusters almost as good as new? If so, how do I find out whether to order the Normal or Xenon for my '05 STR?
I see that the kit from Poland allows a complete repair of the headlight adjuster. Does that mean for about $105 I could make both adjusters almost as good as new? If so, how do I find out whether to order the Normal or Xenon for my '05 STR?
#132
06-22-2012, 04:06 PM
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#133
06-26-2012, 03:32 PM
My right headlight is a bit droopy while the left is ok. From what I'm reading here, doing the screw fix will still allow the lights to self-level by giving them a good pivot point. Am I correct in that assumption? If so, I might be drilling into them soon.
A thought though - Using a sheet metal screw is all good and well, but would grinding the sharp tip down to a round tip help the longevity of the fix? Just wondering before I rip into it.
A thought though - Using a sheet metal screw is all good and well, but would grinding the sharp tip down to a round tip help the longevity of the fix? Just wondering before I rip into it.
#134
10-22-2012, 10:32 AM
Senior Member
Hi all, headlights are now drooping down and went to try the fix on utube and when trying to move them, seemed firm so thinking do not need the screw and something else. Also, here is a pic of the two adjustment locations for leveling the lights. Just want to confirm what I am showing is correct.
And now the stupid question, on my 2000 do I have a self leveling system also? Like later models. Thanks.
And now the stupid question, on my 2000 do I have a self leveling system also? Like later models. Thanks.
#135
10-22-2012, 11:12 AM
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Damon /Houston, Texas
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hi all, headlights are now drooping down and went to try the fix on utube and when trying to move them, seemed firm so thinking do not need the screw and something else. Also, here is a pic of the two adjustment locations for leveling the lights. Just want to confirm what i am showing is correct.
And now the stupid question, on my 2000 do i have a self leveling system also? Like later models. Thanks.
And now the stupid question, on my 2000 do i have a self leveling system also? Like later models. Thanks.
#136
10-22-2012, 04:57 PM
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
here ya go Staats that both sides and both s and x type for anyone iterested in those as well. he ships postal and you have to sign for them to make sure you get them.
it takes about 10-15 days shipping but Ive never had issue.
@ Robin, no not dump and very good question. I would do them now if not broken. its like death. you arent dead now, but one day
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
here ya go Staats that both sides and both s and x type for anyone iterested in those as well. he ships postal and you have to sign for them to make sure you get them.
it takes about 10-15 days shipping but Ive never had issue.
@ Robin, no not dump and very good question. I would do them now if not broken. its like death. you arent dead now, but one day
#137
10-22-2012, 09:53 PM
Senior Member
Thanks Brutal. so I do put that screw in which will adjust the lights to not point down? Thanks very much for your help.
#138
11-10-2012, 03:31 PM
State Inspection/MOT test.
Brutal,
I carried out the screw fix on RH headlamp (left was fine) the screw cured the droop, after a couple of days the self leveling stopped working, then strangly started working again.
I am wondering if you can adjust the height by undoing the screw?
the lights self level at the moment, but I think they may be a bit high and I'm getting the car MOT tested on Monday.
Regards
Stan
I carried out the screw fix on RH headlamp (left was fine) the screw cured the droop, after a couple of days the self leveling stopped working, then strangly started working again.
I am wondering if you can adjust the height by undoing the screw?
the lights self level at the moment, but I think they may be a bit high and I'm getting the car MOT tested on Monday.
Regards
Stan
#139
11-11-2012, 12:04 PM
More on headlamps
Brutal,
You seem the person that knows a lot about headlights,
On another thread I read that when headlamps point down they need re-programming at the dealers???
Have you heard this before?
stan
You seem the person that knows a lot about headlights,
On another thread I read that when headlamps point down they need re-programming at the dealers???
Have you heard this before?
stan
for those of you with broken headlights, heres the fast and good fix that works. If your headlights are broken and point down like grandma's t...well you know. Take 2 screws and install through clear lense behind rubber. See pic, the idea is to pin the assembly back to take place of the pin that broke inside. A screw about and 1" long works best if only the top post is broke, if totally broke top and bottom as the 1's I fixed in the pics, youll need longer..about an 1 1/2". Some have a chrome piece you screw into till it touches, these had a white piece with recessed hole that the screw went into and held. If you dont get the idea from this and the pics...well maybe you shouldnt try, but its better than buying new...
Last edited by Norri; 11-11-2012 at 12:09 PM. Reason: pics removed from quote
#140
11-11-2012, 12:31 PM
Veteran Member