Hi all
I'm having problems with the head lights on my 97 XK8.
Considering the price of them they should be both brilliant and brilliantly reliable, mine are neither.
Problem 1# the headlights are focused very low. I assume the auto levelling is not working. I have manually focused them to their highest position via the plastic knobs behind the headlights.
Problem 2# the left hand main beam bulb is intermittently not working. I have checked the globe of course and it is fine. I am getting no sensible results using a multimeter on the leads either by way of availability of 12V when on or a sensible earth. I have have tried to look for bad connections etc. where is the earth point for the l/h unit?
Problem 3# one headlight leaks water. I have attempted to seal the bungs and covers that allow access to it but it still leaks.
Problem 4# the inner lights on the headlight units (frosted glass inboard of the main beam) do not seem to illuminate at any time. I presume they are actually lights, not just for appearance.

Am I the only person in the world with hands to big to easily remove/replace the clear plastic access caps on top to change bulbs?

Is my wrist particularly inflexible as I have great trouble inserting bulbs into their sockets?

I'm amazed that I have to ask such basic questions about what lights are involved and what they do. I feel quite stupid but one must question how headlights can appear so complex

The car is almost unusable as is, the short days and masses of wildlife on the road after dark make good lighting essential here.

Please help, any thoughts gratefully received

Al

Ps I am still hopeful of getting on top of this beautiful but frustratingly temperamental car

 

Al,

It's always dangerous to make assumptions about different market specs but I didn't think Auto Leveling was available in '97 MY - unless this was different for Australia?

Do you not not have a 4-position headlamp leveling rotary switch (see item 24):



On UK spec vehicles, this controls the headlamp leveling motors.

Graham

 

This is my 2001 4.0 Litre:



The arrowed section inboard of the main beam is the front indicator.

Graham

 

Thank you Graham, your replies are most appreciated.
You are correct, my car does not have the manual rotary switch on the console. I therefore assumed it must be automatic. Yes, I know the dangers of 'assuming'
Ie they make an *** out of U and ME.
Interestingly my X 300 has the levelling servos behind the lights but they don't do anything, bit hard to understand. If they are not auto levelled it begs the question of why they seem so low on high beam.
Any thoughts on the very inner portion of the headlight ( looking through the clear outer glass one sees some frosted glass behind it inboard of the main beam? Does it have a bulb behind it.

I must confess that I'm am a little paranoid of any electrical problem as I had such difficulty till I replaced the ECU. I therefore tend to relate all problems to a computer glitch. Having said that, no other problems seem evident that could be attributed to the body computer.

Once again thank you for your interest
Al

 

Just saw your photo of indicator light
I was correct to feel stupid
Al

 

Al,

Four bulbs in the Headlamp Unit:

Three changed through the very awkward plastic cover:

1. Main Beam
2. Front Direction Indicator
3. Front Parking



4. Dip beam - changed through the wheel arch access panel:



Condensation is a regular issue but water in the headlamp Unit suggests a faulty seal between the lens section and the plastic housing.

Graham