Chrome flaking from headlight
#1
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The chrome inside the headlight housing on my 2002 XKR is flaking very badly (just the driver's side - although the passenger side has seen better days too).
What's the best solution for this? Can they be fixed? Looking around, the price of new units is ridiculous!
What's the best solution for this? Can they be fixed? Looking around, the price of new units is ridiculous!
#2
#3
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Here are the part numbers for the lens/reflector only:
LJA4651BA LH with powerwasher
LJA4650BA RH with powerwasher
LJA4651AA LH no powerwasher
LJA4650AA RH no powerwasher
It is a common problem. While you have it out, you might want to consider performing this service bulietin instruction to add vents to reduce the condensation which damages the silvering:
LJA4651BA LH with powerwasher
LJA4650BA RH with powerwasher
LJA4651AA LH no powerwasher
LJA4650AA RH no powerwasher
It is a common problem. While you have it out, you might want to consider performing this service bulietin instruction to add vents to reduce the condensation which damages the silvering:
#5
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
This thread should help you remove the entire headlight assembly (there are three fasteners):
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ight=headlight
I had no trouble at all, but the bolt underneath is a bit difficult to reach, and I have heard some people report it sometimes might get siezed from corrosion.
Once the headlamp assembly is out, gently pry up the tabs separating the lens housing and the body of the headlight (I think there are 2 or 3 on each long side and one on each end). The lens and the housing will then separate, it will be helped automatically by the rubber gasket pressure. Replace the lens with the new gasket it comes with.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ight=headlight
I had no trouble at all, but the bolt underneath is a bit difficult to reach, and I have heard some people report it sometimes might get siezed from corrosion.
Once the headlamp assembly is out, gently pry up the tabs separating the lens housing and the body of the headlight (I think there are 2 or 3 on each long side and one on each end). The lens and the housing will then separate, it will be helped automatically by the rubber gasket pressure. Replace the lens with the new gasket it comes with.
Last edited by WhiteXKR; 02-06-2011 at 04:20 PM. Reason: fixed link
#6
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thanks. I'm still coming to terms with the cost (and indeed disappointed that the chrome is flaking in the first place)
I've seen sone headlight "lenses" on ebay: they are xenon ones. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I have no idea what xenon lights are - I'm guessing they are different types of bulbs? So as well as the lenses, would I need something else?
I've seen sone headlight "lenses" on ebay: they are xenon ones. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I have no idea what xenon lights are - I'm guessing they are different types of bulbs? So as well as the lenses, would I need something else?
#7
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thanks. I'm still coming to terms with the cost (and indeed disappointed that the chrome is flaking in the first place)
I've seen sone headlight "lenses" on ebay: they are xenon ones. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I have no idea what xenon lights are - I'm guessing they are different types of bulbs? So as well as the lenses, would I need something else?
I've seen sone headlight "lenses" on ebay: they are xenon ones. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I have no idea what xenon lights are - I'm guessing they are different types of bulbs? So as well as the lenses, would I need something else?
Trending Topics
#10
#11
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I prefer them, the chrome on the early type lenses is rubbish and you can't clean them, unlike the black. It does not affect the lights performance at all.
![Name: IMG_2739.jpg
Views: 398
Size: 85.4 KB](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xk8-xkr-x100-17/174237d1501291745-chrome-flaking-headlight-img_2739.jpg)
![Name: IMG_2802.jpg
Views: 423
Size: 54.5 KB](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xk8-xkr-x100-17/174238d1501291745-chrome-flaking-headlight-img_2802.jpg)
![Name: PARAXKa-1.jpg
Views: 494
Size: 94.0 KB](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xk8-xkr-x100-17/174239d1501291745-chrome-flaking-headlight-paraxka-1.jpg)
The following users liked this post:
WhiteXKR (02-07-2011)
#13
#14
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
A lot of hassle.
I would buy the later glass and simply do a HID conversion, about 1/4 of the price.
If you buy a HID Kit, make sure it is a slimline as it will fit neatly inside the lamp unit, also when you do your search, DON'T mention Jaguar, instead search for H1, this is the type of bulb you will need, exactly the same kit but £40 ($60) cheaper
#16
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thanks ... but now I'm confused ![Confused](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
Are we saying that the units I linked to on ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT will fit my car, and that they are a straight swap for what I have?
And that additionally, if I wished, I could slot in some xenon HID (indeed are xenon and HID the same thing?) lights? If so, could someone pint me to exactly what I'd need to do that, something that doesn't require any special skills, butchery and soldering?
Thanks for your patience!
![Confused](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
Are we saying that the units I linked to on ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT will fit my car, and that they are a straight swap for what I have?
And that additionally, if I wished, I could slot in some xenon HID (indeed are xenon and HID the same thing?) lights? If so, could someone pint me to exactly what I'd need to do that, something that doesn't require any special skills, butchery and soldering?
Thanks for your patience!
#17
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thanks ... but now I'm confused ![Confused](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
Are we saying that the units I linked to on ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT will fit my car, and that they are a straight swap for what I have?
And that additionally, if I wished, I could slot in some xenon HID (indeed are xenon and HID the same thing?) lights? If so, could someone pint me to exactly what I'd need to do that, something that doesn't require any special skills, butchery and soldering?
Thanks for your patience!
![Confused](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
Are we saying that the units I linked to on ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT will fit my car, and that they are a straight swap for what I have?
And that additionally, if I wished, I could slot in some xenon HID (indeed are xenon and HID the same thing?) lights? If so, could someone pint me to exactly what I'd need to do that, something that doesn't require any special skills, butchery and soldering?
Thanks for your patience!
Yes to all of the above......Yes they will fit and swap.....Yes Xenon and HID are the same..... And yes click HERE ...... They look a nice kit, a bit more expensive than some but a UK seller and would be better for you if you have any issues, also ask for a 6000K anything more and you will look like a chav.
Simple to fit, the biggest thing you will have to do is remove the headlight from the car, it can be done in situ but it is a serious PITA
Unless you fancy a drive to Norfolk and I will fit them for you
#18
#19
#20
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Well it looks like I may have got lucky. I won a pair of headlights for £92 on ebay. They are the black ones. I'd have preferred chrome, but maybe the black are more durable.
Been quoted 2 hours by the local independent Jag man, at £55 an hour...but he did warn it could be considerably longer if the bolts are seized.
Does this job require someone who knows his way around an XK, or could any competent mechanic have a go?
Been quoted 2 hours by the local independent Jag man, at £55 an hour...but he did warn it could be considerably longer if the bolts are seized.
Does this job require someone who knows his way around an XK, or could any competent mechanic have a go?