The other night I was driving my 2005 XK8 home with the headlight switch in the auto position. The headlights went out suddenly, without warning, and would not come back on unless I turned the switch to the manual headlights on position. After I got home I tried again to get the headlights to work in the auto position after shutting down and restarting the car, with no luck. Last night I switched the headlights on in the auto position with no problem. Any thoughts?
Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Thu, 09/19/2013 - 17:50
There are three possible issues, one of which is likely to be the trouble with the Auto Headlamps. In order of probability they are:
1. Broken wire in the harness from the fascia to the column switch for the headlamps/turn signals. The in/out up/down of the column finally flexes and breaks a wire.
2. The headlamp/turn signal switch itself. Sometimes if the auto lamps are not working, wiggling the turn lever a bit will make them come on. Make sure it's dark so they SHOULD come on.
3. The sensor in the back of the rear view mirror. This usually takes a mirror to correct; unless there is a wire issue, maybe from some recent work in the area or windscreen replacement.
Good luck!