Secrets of the Jaguar xk8 Ep36 'HEADLIGHT SPECIAL Pt 1, Removal & what goes wrong.

[@ofmanynicknames]

Your entire channel is an absolute godsend to the DIY XK8/R owner. I was dealing with my own condensation problem and watched this video in preparation for removing the offending headlamp. Then I discovered that the access panel on the unit had been left half-open by the previous owner! One wash later and the headlight remains bone dry inside. Sometimes the easiest fixes turn out to work.

[@bacchus1234567]

Thank you, John! Your video made this easy! The headlight needed TLC and instead of getting frustrated I watched your video! I watch your channel every time I have questions, so thank you again!

[@DukeGledhill]

This video was instrumental in my 2005 passing its MOT so thank you very much John. My ballast had gone so using this video I was able to extract (I had the same broken underneath bit), switch the ballast (which you don't have, but just 6 rusty screws held it in place), break the washers (oops, my fault) and getting it all working again... just home from passing MOT, very happy :D

[@ToTheGarage]

Good work Duke👍

[@mr.c1845]

Hi John. I just had to replace a HID ballast on my LHS (Water damage) . I don't have the luxury of a drive and had to do it on the road. I managed to to it without removing the wheel, and through the small hatch. I found that removing the front reflector and peering through it helped with locating the T40 torx. I also had the extra pain of having the power wash, that I didn't even know I had, as neither side has worked after the 6th wind screen wash, so I assumed I didn't have them. It was harder putting it back and getting the headlight assembly back in, than taking it off. I have taken the whole unit apart & given it a good draining & cleaning as it was like a swimming pool in mine. ;-) I really couldn't have done it without your excellent instruction. So thank you very much; its much appreciated & keep up the good work.

[@ToTheGarage]

Thanks for the kind words MR. C I like your tip about viewing through the reflector hole👍

[@rayreinhard1077]

John, I just changed the Low Beam HID bulbs on my 2005 XKR without removing the wheels or the entire headlight assembly. The procedure is described in the 2003 XK8 Workshop Manual under "Exterior Lighting - Low Beam Headlamp BulbVehicles With: High Intensity Discharge Headlamps" I also want to note that one can find the replacement bulbs (D1S -- 6000K, Part # C2N1716) at prices much lower than those charged by SNG Barratt for "genuine Jaguar" (£179 each) or aftermarket (£98 each). The OEM bulbs in my car were Osram (Sylvania) but equivalent bulbs are also manufactured by Hella and Philips. I picked up a PAIR of Hella bulbs on eBay for about $85 including tax.

[@bernardpullon4632]

This is going to be so helpful when I get home to my new baby (2000 XKR), I've seen the photos and her headlights are in exactly this state. I'm on the edge of my seat to see how you dealt with the corrosion on the reflectors etc. Thanks again John, you're on a 'mission from God' as far as I'm concerned.

[@ToTheGarage]

Good luck!

[@bernardpullon4632]

@@ToTheGarage I see you went for the replacement option, fair enough. Great info on what to look out for. I watched a fascinating video of somebody in a foreign language recoat them with all sorts of chemicals, can't see myself doing that, I'd probably get arrested as a terrorist if I started shopping for all them.

[@Rgh71fish]

Absolutely loving your detailed videos. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Still very tempted to get out of my vette and into one of these, even despite the lack of a manual. What a gorgeous car!

[@ToTheGarage]

Thanks for Watching Robin. Add the refinement to the looks on the Jag and thats what you have to balance against the Aggression and Full on Americana of the Vette's.

[@Rgh71fish]

@@ToTheGarage John, one issue I have with the old vette is that some parts are no longer in production and have to be sourced from wrecks, which are getting to be few and far between. How does this compare with early XK's? Are there parts that will need replacing which arent made anymore or can't be found without tons of effort? This will be a big point in my decision making process, as my plan is to find a cheap one which I can maintain and improve on my own. Thanks for your time, as always.

[@ToTheGarage]

Hi Robin Others will be better placed to advise you of parts availability in the states but in the uk. Most things are available with a few exceptions. Some minor interior trim items are difficult and the gun metal coloured window trims and seals are hard to get and VERY expensive. I think it’s probably a similar situation to that of the vette. In the uk vette parts would all be a challenge! Check out the U.S. version of the SNG Barrat web site. That will give you the best indication of parts prices and availability. In fairness the parts situation is possibly improving as the xk8 enters its classic phase. Anyone else able to compare vette and Xk8 parts availability

[@Rgh71fish]

@@ToTheGarage thanks for your response, John. I am not so worried about cosmetic items as I am the mechanical end of things. As long as everything is available that the car needs to keep it mechanically and electronically sound, I will be content. I'll look into the website you stated and check the US forums as well. Thanks again so much for this!

[@tims5287]

Great video. I bought a used XK8 and it arrived with a headlamp full of condensation and a lot of water droplets. After watching your video and noting some pitfalls - cracking some of the screw mounts that are in the headlamp assembly, we (my wife and I) tried a much simpler and non-disassembly method. We put a warm lamp on the outside of the headlamp and opened the access hole and inserted a hair dryer. We moved the outside lamp occasionally over the area that needed attention and "Voila!" in a couple hours all the water was gone! We suggest you try this method before you get into massive work and potentially damaging the old, brittle plastic.

[@ToTheGarage]

Well done Tim S and Mrs S👍

[@francoisbonnin4396]

I’m waiting...I have already broken one clip trying to remove the glass. But now I know there are 7 of them 😎 Thank you John 👍

[@ToTheGarage]

You are far from the first to have broken the clips Francois. The solution is coming up in the next part 👍

[@daygon128]

Awesome John! It took me forever to figure out how to remove my headlights in the XK8 coupe. The bolts underneath are extremely hard to get to. I took the car on a road trip and the passenger side glass lens flew off! Ended up replacing the lens and it's sealed well but now the other side has condensation so I'm excited for part 3!

[@defjenjag5220]

This is useful, the headlamp rubbers have gone on my XK8 and I was just wondering how to get at them, and then John posts this 😁

[@ToTheGarage]

I only recently discovered my psychic powers. Previously I was just guessing what folk wanted to see.😉

[@bruceboucher2134]

Hi John Good video I took the front off in the and did some front corrosion protection whilst replacing both front lenses. Mine had lost the reflection and the new ones look superb @ £147 each. My problem is no garage so have watch the weather. You will go down in XK8 history for all the effort put into maintaining these cars. I have put my Reg plate on the bonnet (plastic stick on) looks great and past the MoT.

[@ToTheGarage]

I will be doing some experiments on moving my number plate soon. The stick on is an option🤔 Very jealous of those who do not have to fit a front plate in their territory

[@BuckyGsGWDeermouse]

Wonderful video and a wealth of information. All these videos have (or will) saved me a bushel of time if not a bushel of money. There are so many things that on many cars would be so straight forward that on the Jag you just have to know or else spend a huge amount of time trying to figure it out, which you may do before giving up and taking it to the shop. ;-)

[@josephguastella8037]

I have to get a look at mine ... my jet washers stop working was hopefully you had something about them on this video... Thank you again for the videos helps alot

[@48sydney]

The misting up for me was a big issue in UK, but in dryer countries I don't have the problem even in winter. But leaving the inspection cover off for a 30 minute drive in warm weather with the headlights on seems to dry them out, then replace the inspection cover correctly. The damp climate in UK is the problem.

[@garyvanremortel5218]

Indeed, a trilogy in four parts I would hope...This reminds me very little of the time we were building hardware for the UDLP (now BAE) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and found it easier for water from pressure washing decontamination to get into things than to get back out again. Make sure all of the seal faying surfaces are clean and smooth, the EPDM gasketing unmolested and slather some DC4 High Vacuum Grease on them prior to reinstallation and you should be good to go. UDLP initially used Petroleum Jelly and that didn't fare so well. If you have the power headlamp washers, you will need to squeeze their end tabs to release. To rebuild that thread insert boss, try some Permatex 84145 Plastic Weld compound. It bonds well with the ABS housing.

[@ToTheGarage]

If I decide to repair restore the old lamp I will get some Permatex 84145 to try out Gary. I may do something else with it though🤔. Pondering it at the moment.

[@garyvanremortel5218]

@@ToTheGarage Make sure it's fresh, as it has a short shelf life (less than a year) and is harder to work with when it gets too viscous.

[@Redeye196513]

Great tutorial John. Will be interested to see the other vids on this as I've had terrible problems with condensation in my drivers side headlight ever since I got my XKR in 2012. Had it out a few times, replaced or repaired all gaskets, had the lens off, drilled the hole, but still I get loads in the winter. After lots of rain it also gets inside - without driving it that is! I've had to replace the expensive ballast three times to date as its ended up frazzled by the water leaking down to the unit under the headlight.

[@crazycol2005]

Absolutely top notch videos. John, for the rest of us XK8 enthusiasts your videos are invaluable and can I express a huge thank you from us all. The detail and your painstaking explanations are fantastic and we all owe you a debt of gratitude. Whilst we love our big cats they can be a challenge to keep on the road any your videos save us hours of pain and big bills. It must be a challenge for you making the videos but you get my vote over Spielberg any day. Colin

[@williamhanlon8159]

John just a thought.You may be able to fix that broken plastic fitting with thermoplastic as long as that area will not exceed it's softening temperature.It varies by manufacturer from 56C to 80C.I used to repair a professional carpet cleaning machine and it's working great.

[@ToTheGarage]

William Hanlon Hi William. Yes I will be doing a bit of plastic welding on it and trying out some experimental fixes on the silvered element. Having the spare old one makes me more confident !👍😁

[@AndyK.1]

I find the best thing to do is drill a large hole in the bottom. 10mm. This will prevent large amounts of water being held inside and help vapour be drawn out. It’s the best way as cars get old. It’s very effective. Jag even gave up trying to seal them on the x308.

[@ToTheGarage]

Hi Andy. Its not the fix I will share in pt 3, but I would not disagree ref the hole. Jaguars own half fix was basically just another hole🤣

[@timshannon999]

Great video as always John. You didn’t show the struggle to remove the wheel - they’re so heavy I worry about getting them back on again 🤣. Look forward to next edition. Cheers, Tim

[@flyurway]

I removed both headlights today. Still under 70K so the car hasn't had a ton of miles, never seen cold let alone snow, sure enough, both bottom ferrules were broken loose. One unit had been out once and the screw was never even tightened along with the nut on the side. Made it easy to remove but some pretty half ass wrenching by someone. The other side I just took the whole bracket off and took it to the bench. Much easier when the bumper cover is off. I epoxied the shit out of them and I'll never-seize the screws. We'll see how it goes, I'm optimistic. Too bad when you spend the kind of money these demand when new that they build shit like this so half assed!!

[@ToTheGarage]

Its certainly an example of built for manufacture rather than for service. Some VW golfs need the front of the car to come off for a headlamp bulb.

[@MitchGrooms]

Great video John, BTW I got Miss Redd back and everything seems to be fine, I will make a video later about this.

[@ToTheGarage]

Fantastic news Mitch. So pleased for you mate. Looking forward to seeing yourself and Miss Redd on the little screen together again soon👍👍

[@711honved]

At 9.02 you mentioned a tap at the bottom. I thought you'd solved our condensation problems! Now why didn't Jaguar provide a tap to run off the litres of water that mysteriously appears in our headlamps! A nice piece of forensic lamp removal John!

[@delaware137]

Hi John, My XK8 is missing the bolt that you are removing at 5:27. Do you know the specifics on this bolt so that I can order a replacement. (I would examine the one on the opposite side, but the head is stripped)

[@davesimpson5662]

I was going to attempt to remove my headlamp but having watched the video I have realized that I don't have the skill or the tools. Excellent videos though.

[@MESECKJUNK]

love the star wars opening text

[@ToTheGarage]

Its not just me that can't help making that association then Kip😁👍

[@nickrose7592]

so looking forward to this series.

[@viraf21]

Great informative video. Thanks again.

[@bonniehainge3843]

Hi John, how do you remove the reversing bulb unit and condensation 2007 XK8 please. Enjoyed your detailed Headlight removal. Cheers Brian

[@jagvette1]

Hey John as your probably aware by now I am new to your wonderful channel (what a kiss ass I am :)) and I want to make a comment that may already have been mentioned but there are so many comments I couldn't wade my way through them so IF I am repeating I do apologize, with the bulb NEVER touch it with your hands the grease in your skin causes the bulb to burn hot in that area and burn out quickly, on the plus side IF you do touch it pour yourself a large gin (add tonic later) and clean the bulb with the gin, you could use alcohol swab but where is the fun in that :)

[@harryscott1445]

Hi John, Jaguar certainly did not do us any favours here! I'm with Andy ...if in doubt.....drill it out!!

[@garyvanremortel5218]

Ted Nugent famously said, when in doubt, I whip it out...

[@MADISON241000]

great video john... where is part 2 and 3? cmon? lol....my headlight has a dead bee in it.....not very attractive....i was thinking about the outside lens after being cleaned....to either spray on a uv clearcoat or/both ..use a 3m clear wrap on them? what you think? good or bad...

[@garyvanremortel5218]

3M Xpel is the way to go, since they are glass, not plastic, lenses.

[@kavcoatman5392]

Can you tell me what bolts the secure the headlight in place? Mine was completely corroded and I now have cable ties currently holding it there.

[@tims5287]

Any idea why my multi-disc changer isn't working? I hit the tape button and nothing happens. The radio and cassette work fine. Is it the switch or something more sinister? How can I check without complete disassembly?

[@altered_imagers]

Could a new lense be fitted without removing the lamp casing from the car?

[@jaglover]

I have a similar issue on my 2006 XKR. Dealer wanted about 3 grand to replace the headlight and said they had to remove the bumper. Is that true for 2006 XKR or is this the same procedure? Looks like a fairly easy DIY.

[@ToTheGarage]

Its essentially the same task, and in fairness the instructions to the dealer even for my car would be to remove the bumper. But £3000! Ouch

[@jaglover]

@@ToTheGarage thanks John. Yup 1700 US plus the labor when I am pretty sure it just needs a new bulb. I told them to hold off and look into doing it myself instead. At the very least I have to replace the bulb. If it's more I have your instructions to thank for at least saving on the labor. Also I have seen other people say the same from their dealer for HID assemblies and they weren't jags either. Seems like a common thread

[@BlackheathTownhouse]

The reason they want to remove the bumper is that if your headlights have washers (unlike the ones in this video) the mechanism protrudes below the headlight (and below the bumper) making it difficult to get out without damaging it. For me it was easier to risk breaking the washers, rather than go to the trouble of dropping the bumper, as I don't use them anyway.

[@lukewalsh9003]

Hi John, recently I bought my first XK. While driving it home I noticed, whilst under heavy breaking, a distinctive weighty clunk from the steering column followed by a reverse clunk once the break had been released. It sounded like the whole column was moving inside the steering column. I took it back and got my money back. Unfortunately the car might have been fine with a simple fix. Are there some signs to look for in crashed XKs? I noticed around the top of the windscreen a slight paint spray on the rubber. Also the bottom part of the front windscreen strut didn't quite marry up to the side bumper. Anyway thank you for all your videos!! Luke

[@ToTheGarage]

interesting one Luke. was it an xk(aluminium car) or xk8/R (steel bodied car)?

[@lukewalsh9003]

@@ToTheGarage Hi John, it was a 2000 xkr 4.0 ltr. It was quite a hefty movement. The steering wheel didn't move but further down the column. I have read that they made the column gaiter out of plastic?? I'm no machanic ha ha The dealer said he had the column removed and regreased for £80 and that solved the issue. Thank you for the speedy response!

[@MaBSTOARTS]

Can you make a video on how to remove and replace the front bumper and fenders of the 2006 Jaguar XK8 Convertible?

[@michaelzolla4512]

Hello John without going through a lot of questions on this video what did you do about your headlight washers I didn't see a pump or anything when you pull the housing out that's what I'm having trouble with

[@ToTheGarage]

Mine is a 'sport' model and so has no headlamp washers. Just chrome blanks where they should be.

[@moodiblues2]

My 2002 XK8 has water in the headlight spaces too.

[@viraf21]

Thanks for this video. I want to remove my UK driver's side headlamp. Does anyone know if the process will be the same or is there anything else I need to do? Thanks.

[@ToTheGarage]

Same Viraf. Check this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKncnph_YtSMo9U

[@joergflato3558]

German TÜV said, the headlight leveling sensor on my XK8 needs to be adjusted. Did you ever talk about this equipment part in one of your video clips?

[@ToTheGarage]

Sorry I have not. My excuse is good though😁 My car does not have automatic headlight levelling. It is a requirement for cars with HID lamps. Where fitted its a potentiometer and lever on one of the front lower suspension arms.

[@SMSJ223]

Hi John & thank you for all your superb videos helping us all out. Just a thought, do you think drilling a tiny drain/air hole in the lowest part of the unit would fix this problem with condensation? Plus allowing any moisture to escape it should allow the headlight to also breath especially none constant temperature which I think is the cause of this problem to start with.

[@ConstantinSPurcea]

Harry, considering you’ve owned XK8s for ages, would you know if the headlights are adjustable if say one wants to register a RHD UK car in an European country. Usually with most cars I’d have to buy different headlights all together but I know some cars have adjustable headlights?!

[@48sydney]

John may give the details I hope, as I am also interested in this topic. I heard there were some plates inside the headlight that can be changed to make the headlights more acceptable when driving on the right, but I dont know the details.

[@ToTheGarage]

Hi Constantin. John Here. There is no adjuster knob to adapt the lights unfortunately. However it is possible to change a component in the lamp unit in order to convert them. This link takes you to an example page on ebaywww.ebay.co.uk/itm/153588460960 The issue is that you have to open up the lamp and disassemble the projector assembly to swap these for the ones that are in there. Its not very difficult but is best part of a days work to do. plus you have to find someone selling the masks as Jaguar do not sell them. Hope this helps. Best regards, John

[@martinnewton6891]

John, can you tell me, where did the carbon fibre radiator top come from please

[@ToTheGarage]

Hi Martin. Its a wrap. I bought some Carbon fibre effect film on line and wrapped it myself. Check it out kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIqYdGSkjcelpNE

[@martinnewton6891]

To The Garage Thanks John, thought it might have been, just thought I’d ask the question as never seen before. FairPlay for doing it, looks an absolute nightmare on the video.

[@edwardpaulino2780]

Do you have any info on a 1998 xk8 accelerator sensor

[@bruceboucher2134]

Oh yes, show off with your new lift, so so jealous 🤓

[@ToTheGarage]

I know Im so proud of having saved up for it and then taking the plunge.

[@flyurway]

@@ToTheGarage Hey, when you think about it, they really aren't that expensive. I've seen those scissor types like you have starting around $1200 if I remember right. Even a decent full size 5000# twin post can be had for around $1600. The worst part is having ceiling room in your garage.

[@infin8mas]

I had the condensation problem. I removed the access panels for a few days until it was completely dried out ,re-installed access panels and the problem didnt return, going on a year and a half now.

[@ToTheGarage]

If they dry out completely, then you will stay condensation free unless a) the access hatch leaks. b) you jet wash the gap below the headlights. c) you drive in Really foul weather such that water makes its way in through the vent in the bottom of the lamp

[@infin8mas]

@@ToTheGarage No, I live in Vancouver and drive year round through the monsoon season/winter , pressure washing throughout the year without a problem. I expected the moisture to have returned by now and repeat the process but surprisingly has not.

[@flyurway]

I've yet to understand the concept behind this self leveling crap. What it the point? Self leveling to what reference? Is it always active when the car is running/lights on? It doesn't make any sense. I wouldn't want it "adjusting" just because I'm going up or down hills.

[@ToTheGarage]

Andork Kuomo It’s so that if you put a heavy load in the boot it compensates. Far more useful on an estate car and particularly cars that tow. There are rules now that cars with HID lamps must have it and I’m guessing that the use of projector lamps on our cars (rare at the time) may have necessitated it in some regions. Projector lamps give an unbelievably crisp cut off line meaning that half am is the difference between no problem an blindingly dazzling some one.👍

[@flyurway]

@@ToTheGarage Figures it has to be some government mandate dictating every little thing. I was getting sick of those "brown" halogen hi-beams we have so yesterday I was in there replacing them with LED's (which is kind of what brought me to this video last night as it's a p.i.t.a., as you well know, getting them in through those ridiculous little hand holes ... but I actually did it!). So interestingly, right after I left that comment last night I went back out 'to the garage' (lol) and finally got them in and took it for a test ride. So as I was checking the aiming against a large white building (a hangar, worked great) I was kind of surprised as I could finally actually see the levelers doing their thing as I crept back and forth checking the beam patterns. As for the LED's, WOW! What a difference! They're whiter than the HID's by a decent margin and a whole bunch brighter, can't believe what I can see going down the road now. Will also certainly win any hi-beam contest against any oncoming traffic that doesn't want to dim theirs! And they were only $40 for the pair too.

[@johnlivingston9217]

@@flyurway info on the LED’s conversion please.

[@raybatista2065]

Hey hey I own a 1998xk8 I was wondering how I can convey to right handed steer I think I looks cool plus I like to be different can you send a detailed list of what I need in parts and were I can get right hand steer I would appreciate. It or if can send what I need and I'll send you the payment over PayPal

[@ToTheGarage]

Hi Ray. Although technically possible. It is uneconomic to modify these cars from LHD to RHD as too many parts have to be changed. On some cars its just the peddle box and steering rack, On these the Handbrake is on the wrong side the whole dashboard needs changing as does the heater and air-conditioning. the wiper assembly, headlamps. main loom. the list goes on. Its a lot cheaper to import a UK spec car and mod the headlights markers and indicators to meet U.S. spec.

[@markrutledge66]

I have a 98 XJR could anybody tell me if you have ever covered how to change the fuel pump

[@ToTheGarage]

Hi Mark. Personally I have never owned that model so I cant advise. But plenty of our subscriber friends own both an XK and XJ model. So How about it folks? can anyone advise Mark Please?

[@terrymcgrady5711]

How do I search topic😢