Headlight Misting

[bcz]

Hi.

I have a misting problem with one of my headlights on a 2002 coupe. Can anybody advise what is the likely cause and how to cure it?

Thanks.....bob c

[XK8UK]

Hi bcz,

Must admit I thought that this had been cured by your year, but there is an approved modification from Jaguar that is supposed to stop this, it is basically a pair of plastic tee peices and bends that are fitted into the side of the headlight housing. Think that the parts cost about £2.50 per light, there is a TSB out for it.

[GrandTourer]

Hi bcz

I have the same problem on my nearside light cluster. I have looked this up in one of the Jaguar manuals and there is a standard procedure written up. I have bought the parts (Ibought them for both lights although the offside one seems to clear quickly).
It seems a simple enough procedure, but does require removal of the headlamp unit. I am just waiting for slightly warmer weather.

Karl

[MyQuest]

It's interesting to note that mainly left hand units seems to suffer with this. My 99 XK8's always mists up after washing - never the right one. Guess I'll have to buy the TSB kit.
Michael

[bcz]

Many thanks for the fix. For information it is the passenger side headlamp that mists up. The driver's side is OK.

Using a hairdryer directed inside the unit through the top cover gives a temporary fix.

bcz

[StuartK]

Hi Chaps
My 97 XK8 suffers from this and am interested to hear from anyone who has fitted the kit, is it easy enough to do?
Regards
Stuart K

[GrandTourer]

As said earlier in a post, it was my near side light which suffered quite badly and permanently for about 3 weeks. I did dry it out partially by running the engine and switch on the headlights; this generates quite a lot of heat. But the misting returned.
When I looked at removing the headlight I found it a real pain as it is very awkward to get to it, at least I found it so.
Decided to take it to my dealer, who have always been very good. they found that my headlights, my car is a MY2000, did not have the blind 'spigot' which you are supposed to drill out and fit the T-piece. So they drilled a whole into the body to vent it (they said they had to do this many times before and it does not always work well). It seems to have worked quite well for my car and I have not had any misting problem since. Best part was they did not charge me for it either, customer service is excellent at Guy Salmon, Coventry.
So I now have 2 spare £ 2.50 each T-pieces - but will keep them for possible future use

[roy2jags]

Hi All,
re-visiting this old thread, during the recent bad weather I have found a condensation problem on my 1997 XK8 Coupe which is the first time in nearly two years, though last winter the car sat in the garage only coming out in better weather. This winter its been outside for several weeks and driven. The off side lamp is much worse than the nearside complete with a puddle of water laying on the high beam section and beneath the reflector.
I have cleared most of the condensation with the hair dryer and removed most of the puddle using a strip of chamois leather carefully poked in with a thin rod being sure not to scratch the chrome surface. The units have the pipe stub so am thinking about the T piece mod.
I have two questions and would be pleased to receive any advice:
1. what is the procedure to remove the light unit, is it a DIY job?
2. Is it likely that I have a water ingress problem or is it purely condensation.
Roy G.