First off, my apologies if this has been answered... I checked previous posts and FAQ's without luck, but I may have missed it..

I have a Jaguar 2002 X-type (104,000 miles). Dealer tells me both Headlight (HID) assemblies need to be replaced to the tune of $1300 each (!) Part numbers are: C2S36904 and C2S36892. I asked if they could be replaced with their Halogen equivalents (approx $350 each). Answer was no. Was told the wiring was "different/not compatible". After digging around I have my doubts, but before I convince a mechanic to order the parts (not sure what the numbers are), can someone give me something more concrete to go on? Appreciate the help. From what I can see this is the place for this type of question. Thanks....

Greg

 

Greg, what is wrong with the headlights that you are being told that they need to be replaced. This may help lead to whether a simplier fix is available or not.

As for compatability, the halogen and HID headlights use the same wiring and the same plugs. So, one should be able to be plugged in for the other.

On a side note, if you do end up replacing the headlights, if you are just going to throw out the old headlight assemblies, could you send them to me instead? I would pay for shipping. I am looking at creating a better fix to the headlight issue that plagues the X-Types, but would like to get a headlight or two that I can play with on a table vice having to rip apart my car to experiment on.

 

Unfortunately, I don't "know" what is wrong. I can only tell you what the dealer is telling me. According to the sheet handed to me by the dealer rep, it says: "Both headlamps shorted/melted/needs headlamps $1304.05 each installed". As far as symptoms are concerned: the low beams (HID) do not turn on. Turning lights work. High beams work, but only while I pull on the directional. When I release it, high beams turn off. Fog lamps work. Front fog lamps turn off while high beams are on.

re: side note... sure. If they need to be replaced... someone might as well benefit...

 

resolution....

well, I took it to a mechanic. Very different answer. He actually took the time (2 hours) to figure out what was wrong. Turns out, it was a bad relay ($15). He also replaced one bulb ($110). As has been mentioned several times here in the forum, he also noticed the internal plastic parts should be replaced (at some point) Total Damages? $350 ...instead of $2600 (!!!)

 

Greg, once you started talking about melted pieces, I had a feeling that you were suffering from bad bulb bases. Thankfully you are getting away with only a $350 bill vice the $2600 one that you could have possibly been looking at. Good to hear that you got things figured out.

 

I would take the bill back to the dealer and point out their ineptness (if that's a word) to the service manager. And explain although they lost you as a customer maybe it would help them in keeping their other customers by actually knowing and understanding the products they sell versus going for the easy fast buck. Likely the sale guy you spoke to is heavily paid on commission.

 

Oh, I'll be talking to the dealer.... the mechanic told me it took him a while to figure out why one side came one and the other didn't (after replacing the relay). Apparently, the dealer "mechanic" never bothered to reconnect the driver side bulb after he spent his 60 seconds "diagnosing" the problem. My question to the dealer will be, "Who's reimbursing me for the extra half hour of labor you cost me?"

 

I have just recently bought a 2002 X-Type and I noticed that the low beams were the HID, I wanted to know if there is a good kit to change over the high beams and fog lights to matching HID lights. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks