Electrical failure on the move

[ManxNeil]

Interesting time this evening when I suddenly lost most of my electrics when driving.

Though the engine and power were unaffected, as were the headlights (both high and dipped beams) and the main instrument pack in front of me, everything else, internal and external, failed, including rear lights, brake lights, indicators, the inner 'sidelights' and the electric windows.

All the interior lights, illuminated switches on the centre consol, the clock, the brake lights and the front parking lamps started flashing in sync. On bringing the car to a halt it sounded as though the heater motor was also coming on and off in sync with the the errant lights and switches. The fault display was variously flagging failures of the front right and left indicators and repeaters. On selecting either indicator the arrow light and audible tone went frantic but the indicators themselves remained off.

On switching the engine off and then turning it back on again all was back to normal, only for the problem to recur a few minutes/miles down the road. I repeated this course of action a couple of times before I was able to get home.

A look on other websites indicates that poor earths might be responsible - not uncommon on the 350 - but a friend reports similar, but not identical, symptoms when the alternator on his X308 failed. In the first instance I'll be looking in those directions but has anyone else experienced similar?

[J44EAG]

Not had this personally.

I was going to suggest the ground points. Several in the rear wheel well and behind the headlights. Check for corrosion and treat as needed if bad.

I would suggest you have the car diagnosed at an independent Jaguar specialist as soon as possible. Not nice to be living with that kind of fault lurking in the background.

Please let us know what you find.

Mike

[ptjs1]

Neil,

I'm not sure about the lights "flashing",but I have seen lights "pulsing" on an x308 when the as alternator rectifier was failing.

Check that the battery voltage is sitting at about 14v when the engine is running.

Paul

[robv12]

ah, so another member had had this!!!. and there was me thinking it was just me, had this on a diesel 350, all earths cleaned , checked remade and after then after a couple of 1000 miles back it comes. Prestige Jaguar had the car for a week as their runabout hooked up to a laptop, they diagnosed a dodgy engine earth strap which has been cleaned, remade and tested, so far 3000 miles in all is still ok

[ManxNeil]

Thanks, gentlemen.

I've left the car at the local Jag garage with a full description of the symptoms. It's noticeable that when I was driving into the garage this morning with the lights off, all was well. I've asked them to pay special attention to the earth straps and ground points but there is also the on-going (and long-standing) issue of condensation within my fairly new headlamp units and I wonder if that could be a factor.

My friend with the X308 did, in fact, describe the lights as "pulsing" as you did, Paul, but mine were definitely flashing on and off. I'm hopeful that a poor earth will be the answer but shall post any developments.

[J44EAG]

I`ve heard of a rather lesser problem with HID lights and that is of minor flickering when in used. Indeed I have a very, very slight issue with my NS dip beam in that respect. Apparently this is down to the headlight burner/lamp coming to the end of its life.

Good luck with the car and please let us know how it pans out.

Mike