My Series 2 XJC V12 has the optional amber fog lamps fitted to the car.

This morning before sunrise, I had to drive through about 100km of heavy fog and the things were useless putting out very little light.

So first question - has anyone put replaced the original bulbs and put high output LEDs into the amber housings. I assume they are H1 fittings.

Second question - when the light switch on the dash is moved to the fog lamp position, the rest of the headlights are extinguished, unlike more modern vehicles like my Range Rover where the headlights remain on when the fogs are activated. This dangerous as it is impossible to see with just the fogs. Has anyone rewired the lights so the headlights (low beam) remain on with the fogs? If so - what was done?

Thanks

Garry

 

Same complaint with my 1984 XJ-6.
Jaguars exported to America were designed like that. Even my 1965 S type does the same thing.

But I discovered that the European version of the Series 3 headlights switch allows both (fogs and headlights) to be switched ON at the same time.

So I found a 198O's European lights switch in UK (which connects identically, no rewiring or alterations to the wiring), and complaint resolved. The European headlights switch has more positions and combinations.

you can see the difference between the American and European switches (and the Series 2 and 3 XJ switches) in my website:
​​​​​​https://jagupgrades.webstarts.com

Generally, fog lights don't illuminate much forward, because the fog absorbs the light and creates a "smoke screen" in front of the car. They are used more to be seen than to see. Slow down when driving through fog !

 

Thanks for that, my switch is similar the the US switch. I will investigate getting a European switch.

Thanks

Garry

 

Jose, thanks for the link to your website. I'm a sucker for needless upgrades for my cars. We rarely see fog where I live. Will be on the lookout for a European switch for my S3 XJ6. I did that for my other car that has rear fogs but they are not enabled in the US and now have rear fogs (should I ever need them) for only $60.

 

you are both welcome !
in my car, I installed non-original, combination amber fog and white spot lamps with 55 watt bulbs, then powered the white spot lights with the rear fogs position of the Euro switch.
This means I can switch the outer headlamps, the inner bright headlamps, AND the spot lights ON, if I want lots of lights in the front of the car.

AND I can turn ON the fog lights simultaneously too!
the European headlights switch is magical !