How to Replace Jaguar Tail Lights

You can replace Jaguar tail lights on your own for a low cost and in as little as ten minutes.
Written by Matthew Lynaugh
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
background
Replacing Jaguar tail lights typically costs between $50-$100 per light, depending on the model and specific replacements needed. These replacements are fairly straight-forward and minimally time consuming. If you choose to do them yourself, costs may be low enough where you can avoid going through insurance.
Jaguar tail lights play a vital role in maintaining your safety, as well as the safety of drivers around you. A dead bulb or busted lens can not only endanger those on the road, it can result in a ticket as well. Whether you drive a Jaguar
XE
or
XF
, it is important to know how to repair your tail lights to save time and money, and to keep the roads safe.
Car insurance
comparison app
Jerry
is here to answer any tail light questions Jaguar owners might have. We’ll go over the tail light replacement steps, give you an idea of expected cost, and how to save on
Jaguar insurance costs
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How to replace a Jaguar tail light

Cost: $50 to $100
Time: 10 to 20 minutes
Tools needed: Safety glasses, gloves/cloth, replacement parts 
Difficulty: Easy
The first step to replacing your Jaguar’s broken tail light is identifying the location of the problem. If you are a little more car-savvy, understanding the cause of the problem can help you identify any larger issues.
If you happen to notice a burnt bulb on your own—or thanks to the keen eye of law enforcement. You may need to investigate to get to the root of the problem if the cause cannot be determined.
If both tail lights are out, a fuse replacement may be necessary. If only one tail light is out and the brake lights still work, however, it may be as simple as replacing a burnt-out bulb. 
You can always bring your Jaguar to a repair shop if you’re not sure what the problem is—a certified mechanic can help you determine more complex technical malfunctions. 
Once you’re confident that you know which part needs to be replaced, it’s time to dig up the handy owner’s manual. Once you’ve dusted that off, look up the part number and make sure to order the correct part based on your Jaguar’s model, year,
trim level
, and engine type
Gather your replacement parts, tools, and safety gear and follow these simplified steps to replace a Jaguar tail light: 
  • Open the trunk and identify the two circular panels on each side. Open those to see the tail lights. The trunk’s carpet can also be pulled back for improving visibility.
  • On the XE, untwist the white knob that has a metal coil, and then press down on the white tab. On the XF, find the three bolts holding the lights in place and remove them.
  • Remove the loose tail light from outside the car and locate the light sockets. Twist them to disconnect, and screw in new bulbs. Be sure to handle new bulbs with cloth to avoid any finger oil and prints.
  • Reassemble the tail light assembly by following these steps in reverse order.
If all you needed to do was replace your Jaguar tail light bulb, pat yourself on the back—you did it! 
If your light assembly is broken, however, a little more work will have to get done. Start by removing the entire assembly. Next, check to see if the new assembly includes bulbs. If it doesn’t, transfer the bulbs from the old assembly, or buy new bulbs if necessary. 
Key Takeaway: Replacing a Jaguar tail light is a very manageable task—just make sure you order the correct parts for your specific model. 

Common reasons for Jaguar tail light malfunctions

Sometimes you know you have a broken tail light the instant it happens. Usually, a collision or backing up into a pole is to blame. If the bulb fizzles out more sneakily, you may be driving without one unknowingly for a while. Here are some common causes when the reason is less obvious:
  • Blown bulb: Sometimes it really is that simple. Light bulbs lose power over time until they eventually go completely out. 
  • Faulty light socket: The socket is what attaches to the bulb to give it power, and as time progresses, they can corrode and become damaged.
  • Blown fuse: Too much electricity to the fuse box can cause any fuse to blow. When this happens, replace the fuse with a new one of the same amperage.
  • Wiring issue: The most complicated problem of them all—the wiring from your battery to the tail light may be compromised. If you suspect this is the case, it is always best to have a qualified professional take a look to find out why these
    electrical components aren't working
    .
MORE: How to clean foggy head lights

Does car insurance cover broken tail lights?

Car insurance may cover your Jaguar’s broken tail light—but avoiding insurance for this repair may be more beneficial.
Insurance for a broken tail light will depend on if your policy includes collision and/or comprehensive coverage.
Collision insurance
helps pay for repairs in accidents caused by another vehicle or object, such as a tree or pole.
Comprehensive insurance
covers damages that do not fall under the former, such as vandalism and hitting an animal.
You must keep in mind that your
deductible
will have to be paid before your insurance coverage kicks in. The relatively low cost of a broken tail light repair is why we say insurance may not be the best route.
Filing an insurance claim
can also leave you a sitting duck for a rate hike, so take the time to calculate if paying out of pocket is not your best option to pay for
tail light replacement costs
.

How to find affordable Jaguar insurance

Jaguar owners can expect to pay approximately $2,300 a year on average on car insurance without taking the many factors, such as your exact model and driving history, into account. 
That’s is a pretty big number, and
Jerry
is here to help you lower it. Jerry is a car insurance comparison and brokerage app designed to help you save on your
Jaguar insurance costs
.
 Just enter your information, and Jerry will analyze policies from over 50 of the top-name providers to find the most affordable
car insurance
quotes. Jerry will even shop for you as your renewal approaches, and can help cancel your existing policy.
Jerry has the math to back it up, too. On average, Jerry customers save $887 per year! 
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FAQs

The exact cost will be determined by the model, replacement parts, and who is doing the repair. If you choose to do it yourself, expect to pay around $50 to $100 if you need a new bulb and casing. Just one bulb will be significantly less, though.
Yes, replacing tail lights is one of the simplest car maintenance tasks—no experience necessary. It is also one of the most beneficial because it can save you money, having to go through insurance, and even avoid being ticketed.
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