headlights not working properly

1995 JAGUAR XJS
117,000 MILES • 4.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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UNCLE GUMBYT
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  • 2 POSTS
headlights come on when the ignition switch is off. sometimes you can turn ignition switch on and hit the dimmer switch on to bright and the lights will go off other times when the lights come with switch off the bright light indicator lights up. sometimes the lights will come on and go off by themselves.
Aug 26, 2020 at 1:15 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

I have to be honest. It sounds like the switch may be bad. I need to know if you have daytime running lights or not to select the correct wiring schematic. I have already looked through both and there are differences with relays and so on.

Let me know.

Joe
Aug 26, 2020 at 2:21 PM
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UNCLE GUMBYT
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  • 2 POSTS
No I don't have daytime running lights, but I do have an alternator going bad. could that be part of the problem? Rich
Aug 28, 2020 at 4:27 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

I have to be honest, low voltage can cause a lot of strange things to happen. Have you checked the alternator to see if it is providing enough voltage? Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

It sounds more like a switch issue, but confirm the alternator is still doing enough.

Let me know.

Joe
Aug 28, 2020 at 3:31 PM