Jaguar XJ, check brake lights warning.

[rash_decision]

Hi, my 2001 XJ gives me a warning to check the rear/brake lights when I press the brake pedal. I've checked the bulbs, and even changed them all with genuine Jaguar bulbs, including the high level brake light, to no avail!! All the wiring around the lamp clusters look fine with no obvious signs of damage or corroded terminals, any ideas folk???

[TurricanII]

I got the same, along with some abs fault messages, until I bought a new battery. HTH

[rash_decision]

Did you buy a new battery as a matter of course, did the old one go flat or did someone diagnose the warning lights as a failing battery??

[TurricanII]

I left the car on the drive and only drove it at weekends, and last year's winter killed the battery. It was the original 2002 battery mind you. I have a battery conditioner now so I leave the car 'plugged in' when not in use as per another thread on here! Not had a single warning since the battery change.

[rash_decision]

I'll probably give that a try. I'm sure I've got the radio code amongst the car's paperwork.

[groomi]

As others have said, it's likely to be the battery, but also remember to check the numberplate lights - I've had one of these bulbs cause the message to come up in the past.

[Straight6DOHC]

Rash Decision, you didn't say if your brake lights work when you press the footbrake? This may be duff information....but....I've got a bulb failure flash when my left indicator is used and the indicators flash at double speed. However, all bulbs are working. I once read that even if all lights work, change the bulbs anyway. You've changed the bulbs and that hasn't hepled you're problem. Another solution for my problem and maybe yours is that the bulb failure module might need replacing. This could be your problem if your brake lights work but the failure light is coming on in the dash.

[rash_decision]

Yes all the bulbs are working. Where would I find the bulb failure module? Is there any way to check this, i.e. pulling a couple of bulbs out elsewhere!??

[TurricanII]

Don't forget to make sure your key can open the boot by inserting it into the lock rather than relying on the electronic boot release. Mid-battery change is not the best time to find that you can't open the boot because you have a sticky lock and the battery is disconnected so you can't open with a button!

[Straight6DOHC]

rash_decision said:

Yes all the bulbs are working. Where would I find the bulb failure module? Is there any way to check this, i.e. pulling a couple of bulbs out elsewhere!??

Sorry mate, I aint found it either....but if I do, you'll be the first to know. I'll make a few enquiries to find out.

[Straight6DOHC]

OK, I've managed to find info about the bulb failure modules (BFM). Can you tell me if the warning light on the dash is the orange picture of the bulb with a cross through it, to the left side of the gauges (nearer the top)? If so, that's the same warning I get when I indicate left.
The info I've found is a little bit sketchy as I'm not sure if there are two or four BFMs. Here's what I found: 'there are two BFM's, front is LNA 2240AA and rear LNA2245AB

there are two of each module on the car located at the front behind the headlights, i would go for the front ones first, the rears are in the boot' That info concerned my indicator problem. I'd guess your brake light problem would concerne the BFM(s) in the boot area.
I might also add that the person who recieved the above info to his indicator double flash actually solved the problem when he found a loose multi-plug connection through the drivers footwell sidewall.

Let us know how you get on. I'll search the JDHT parts manual for the placement of those modules and get back.

[Straight6DOHC]

Unfortunately I can't give an exact location of the modules as the parts manual doesn't show that. It only shows a pictire of the rear and front BMFs. As these cars don't have Haynes type manuals the best thing I've found is to get yourself a JDHT manual for the X300 on CD ROM. Anyway from the pic, the Lamp Control Module LNA2245AB (rear) looks like a flatish rectangular shape with two clips and two sockets (at the top or bottom? - depends which way the module sits) for multi plugs. I guess it might be near the battery?
Good luck.

Edited by Straight6DOHC on Saturday 12th September 10:57

I just searched lamp module x300 on the 'bay and got a nice pic of a rear BFM. Try doing the same. I think that's a new one for sale but if BFM is your problem, try one of the good Jag breakers out there.

Edited by Straight6DOHC on Saturday 12th September 11:03