WhenMuffinsAtak

Hello all, I'm a car noob and I want to change the headlights on my mother's Jaguar Vanden plas and I need help. I have the owners manual and maintenance guide right here with me and I must say they ARE confusing me. So where to come besides the TFP for help lol.

Here are some questions I have, but I'd really like the whole procedure outlined.

First off, I'll right up what it has on headlamps in this manual.


Bulb Renewal

It is important that only Jaguar bulbs of the type specified in the bulb chart on page 72 are used when renewing bulbs.

Before renewing bulbs, switch off the ignition and light switches.


Headlamp - Bulb Renewal

Open the hood.

Identify the position of the bulb assembly on the rear of the headlamp unit.

Low beam headlamp is outboard.

High beam headlamp is inboard.

Caution:The bulb is a halogen type and will be damaged if touched by hand or contaminated with oil or grease. It is important to use clean gloves or cloth when handling a bulb which is to be used again. A contaminated bulb may be cleaned with methylated spirit before refitting.

Press the plastic spring clips and remove the bulb holder from the headlamp assembly. Pull the bulb from the bulb holder.

Always use the correct bulb for the application, as specified on page 72.

Fit a new bulb to the bulbholder, it will only correctly fit in one position. Fit the bulbholder to the headlamp, it will only correctly fit in one position, and engage the spring clips.

Close the hood.

Here's what it says on page 72. I'm skipping all the ones that obviously don't relate to the problem.

Bulb Chart

Fog lamp-Front. 12V 51W Halogen HB4 long life.

Headlamp. 12V 55W Halogen H7 long life.

Those are the only two that seem that they could be what I'm talking about.

Here are my questions now.

First off, does it have to be a Jaguar light? If it doesn't I'm probably going to use them anyway because my mother is stubborn.

Second, where can I get these lights?

Third, what does the manual mean when it says "Identify the position of the bulb assembly on the rear of the headlamp unit."?

Fourth, do all the bulbs need to be replaced at the same time, or just the ones that are dim or out?

Ask me any questions you need answered about this, maybe I'll be able to put up some pictures so you guys can better understand and help me. Any help is much appreciated.

cj2112

1. no it doesn't have to be a Jaguar brand lightbulb, although if you prefer to pay 3 times as much then you waould at your local auto parts store than you can use a Jaguar bulb.

2. Your local auto parts store will have them in stock.

3. It means open the hood, look at the back of the headlight, and find where the wires go into the headlight.

4. The bulb manufacturers recommend that you replace them in sets, but this is so that they sell more, you only need to replace the defective bulbs.


here is a picture of an H7 bulb that your Jag uses for it's headlights



be sure not to touch the glass part when installing it, the oils from your fingers will cause the glass to break when it gets hot.

WhenMuffinsAtak

Which alternative bulbs will work in place of them?

cj2112

any bulb labeled as an H7 bulb will work just fine. if you go to the local auto parts store and tell them you need an H7 bulb they'll hook you up, they might even show you how to install it if they're not busy.

WhenMuffinsAtak

Thanks a TON

Liquor Dealer

It's just a damn Ford now so run by Walmart and pick up an H7.

Just a damn Ford! Sure takes a lot of class outa' my Jag doesn't it.

__________________
Life isn't always a bowl of cherries, sometimes it's more like a jar of Jalapenos --- what you say or do today might burn your ass tomorrow!!!

MSD

At Auto Zone, they'll show you how to replace the bulb, maybe even do it for you (don't neglect to tip them a couple of bucks if they do.) At the two that I go to, there are always employees out in the parking lot helping someone they just sold parts to.