Xf headaches
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 15
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Xf headaches
listing tons of problems im having with my car.
1. headlights seem to be shorting out light bulbs every week if not twice a week. not fun when they are 10 to 15 bucks a pop.
2.moderate shaking in steering after reaching 55mph.
3. extreme camber on front tires(maxium life of tires 2 months)
4. squeaky brakes at low speeds but brakes are not worn or glazed over.
5. leaking oil(oil leak seems to be coming from the top of the oil filter, very slow leak but still a pain when my engine bay gets covered in oil)
6.ABS and ESP/BAS light have been on for a month now and ive done some research on it but have been scared out of troubleshooting from high cost parts that did not prevail for other crossfire owners.
7.this week coming home from my second job i was driving and my car random shut down on me and would not restart until i recieved a jump from a coworker. my second job is at autozone so i scanned my battery, alternator, and starter the next day at work and everything scanned good, its almost like the problem disapppeared beacuse it hasnt happened agian but that worries me with my crossfires inconvenient time for breaking down
8. searching for replacement parts for my xfire, Rear rim, front bumper, 2 new headlights, 2 new fog lights.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON FIXING THESE PROBLEMS OR HAVE INCOUNTERED THE SAME ONES YOURSELF.
xfmadns- rapid city,sd
1. headlights seem to be shorting out light bulbs every week if not twice a week. not fun when they are 10 to 15 bucks a pop.
2.moderate shaking in steering after reaching 55mph.
3. extreme camber on front tires(maxium life of tires 2 months)
4. squeaky brakes at low speeds but brakes are not worn or glazed over.
5. leaking oil(oil leak seems to be coming from the top of the oil filter, very slow leak but still a pain when my engine bay gets covered in oil)
6.ABS and ESP/BAS light have been on for a month now and ive done some research on it but have been scared out of troubleshooting from high cost parts that did not prevail for other crossfire owners.
7.this week coming home from my second job i was driving and my car random shut down on me and would not restart until i recieved a jump from a coworker. my second job is at autozone so i scanned my battery, alternator, and starter the next day at work and everything scanned good, its almost like the problem disapppeared beacuse it hasnt happened agian but that worries me with my crossfires inconvenient time for breaking down
8. searching for replacement parts for my xfire, Rear rim, front bumper, 2 new headlights, 2 new fog lights.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON FIXING THESE PROBLEMS OR HAVE INCOUNTERED THE SAME ONES YOURSELF.
xfmadns- rapid city,sd
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 9,595
Likes: 26
From: Kellyville, Ok
Re: Xf headaches
listing tons of problems im having with my car.
1. headlights seem to be shorting out light bulbs every week if not twice a week. not fun when they are 10 to 15 bucks a pop.
2.moderate shaking in steering after reaching 55mph.
3. extreme camber on front tires(maxium life of tires 2 months)
4. squeaky brakes at low speeds but brakes are not worn or glazed over.
5. leaking oil(oil leak seems to be coming from the top of the oil filter, very slow leak but still a pain when my engine bay gets covered in oil)
6.ABS and ESP/BAS light have been on for a month now and ive done some research on it but have been scared out of troubleshooting from high cost parts that did not prevail for other crossfire owners.
7.this week coming home from my second job i was driving and my car random shut down on me and would not restart until i recieved a jump from a coworker. my second job is at autozone so i scanned my battery, alternator, and starter the next day at work and everything scanned good, its almost like the problem disapppeared beacuse it hasnt happened agian but that worries me with my crossfires inconvenient time for breaking down
8. searching for replacement parts for my xfire, Rear rim, front bumper, 2 new headlights, 2 new fog lights.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON FIXING THESE PROBLEMS OR HAVE INCOUNTERED THE SAME ONES YOURSELF.
xfmadns- rapid city,sd
1. headlights seem to be shorting out light bulbs every week if not twice a week. not fun when they are 10 to 15 bucks a pop.
2.moderate shaking in steering after reaching 55mph.
3. extreme camber on front tires(maxium life of tires 2 months)
4. squeaky brakes at low speeds but brakes are not worn or glazed over.
5. leaking oil(oil leak seems to be coming from the top of the oil filter, very slow leak but still a pain when my engine bay gets covered in oil)
6.ABS and ESP/BAS light have been on for a month now and ive done some research on it but have been scared out of troubleshooting from high cost parts that did not prevail for other crossfire owners.
7.this week coming home from my second job i was driving and my car random shut down on me and would not restart until i recieved a jump from a coworker. my second job is at autozone so i scanned my battery, alternator, and starter the next day at work and everything scanned good, its almost like the problem disapppeared beacuse it hasnt happened agian but that worries me with my crossfires inconvenient time for breaking down
8. searching for replacement parts for my xfire, Rear rim, front bumper, 2 new headlights, 2 new fog lights.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON FIXING THESE PROBLEMS OR HAVE INCOUNTERED THE SAME ONES YOURSELF.
xfmadns- rapid city,sd
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 705
Likes: 4
From: Kansas, USA
Re: Xf headaches
Horse - since we do not know all you've done, some of these questions might seem rudimentary, so please don't take them as an insult. Just trying to get as much info as possible so the other experts on this site can chime in.
Thanks - RL
Thanks - RL
listing tons of problems im having with my car.
1. headlights seem to be shorting out light bulbs every week if not twice a week. not fun when they are 10 to 15 bucks a pop.
What is the make and model of the bulbs you are using?
Making sure you don't touch them with your bare hands?
Have you checked for corrosion at the connector and are you using the grease for bulb connections?
2.moderate shaking in steering after reaching 55mph.
Have you had the alignment checked?
Have you changed the steering dampener?
3. extreme camber on front tires(maxium life of tires 2 months)
Again, alignment?
4. squeaky brakes at low speeds but brakes are not worn or glazed over.
Not sure on this one
5. leaking oil(oil leak seems to be coming from the top of the oil filter, very slow leak but still a pain when my engine bay gets covered in oil)
Possible that the o-rings on the filter were not seated properly when it was last changed?
6.ABS and ESP/BAS light have been on for a month now and ive done some research on it but have been scared out of troubleshooting from high cost parts that did not prevail for other crossfire owners.
The ESP/BAS light might be able to be cleared by turning the steering wheel to the full left position, then to the full right position, then to center while the car is running. Have you tried that?
7.this week coming home from my second job i was driving and my car random shut down on me and would not restart until i recieved a jump from a coworker. my second job is at autozone so i scanned my battery, alternator, and starter the next day at work and everything scanned good, its almost like the problem disapppeared beacuse it hasnt happened agian but that worries me with my crossfires inconvenient time for breaking down
This might be the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS). Several threads on it and not too hard to replace. The part is about $50 bucks and be sure to buy the BOSCH part - not an off brand. While you are working this, you might as well do the re-soldering of the RCM to make sure that doesn't creep up on you. Also, check and clean your battery terminals - these cars are very voltage sensitive and a slightly loose cable or a little corrosion can cause strange problems.
8. searching for replacement parts for my xfire, Rear rim, front bumper, 2 new headlights, 2 new fog lights.
I used Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market and had good luck finding some replacement fog lights. You might find what you need there.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON FIXING THESE PROBLEMS OR HAVE INCOUNTERED THE SAME ONES YOURSELF.
xfmadns- rapid city,sd
1. headlights seem to be shorting out light bulbs every week if not twice a week. not fun when they are 10 to 15 bucks a pop.
What is the make and model of the bulbs you are using?
Making sure you don't touch them with your bare hands?
Have you checked for corrosion at the connector and are you using the grease for bulb connections?
2.moderate shaking in steering after reaching 55mph.
Have you had the alignment checked?
Have you changed the steering dampener?
3. extreme camber on front tires(maxium life of tires 2 months)
Again, alignment?
4. squeaky brakes at low speeds but brakes are not worn or glazed over.
Not sure on this one
5. leaking oil(oil leak seems to be coming from the top of the oil filter, very slow leak but still a pain when my engine bay gets covered in oil)
Possible that the o-rings on the filter were not seated properly when it was last changed?
6.ABS and ESP/BAS light have been on for a month now and ive done some research on it but have been scared out of troubleshooting from high cost parts that did not prevail for other crossfire owners.
The ESP/BAS light might be able to be cleared by turning the steering wheel to the full left position, then to the full right position, then to center while the car is running. Have you tried that?
7.this week coming home from my second job i was driving and my car random shut down on me and would not restart until i recieved a jump from a coworker. my second job is at autozone so i scanned my battery, alternator, and starter the next day at work and everything scanned good, its almost like the problem disapppeared beacuse it hasnt happened agian but that worries me with my crossfires inconvenient time for breaking down
This might be the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS). Several threads on it and not too hard to replace. The part is about $50 bucks and be sure to buy the BOSCH part - not an off brand. While you are working this, you might as well do the re-soldering of the RCM to make sure that doesn't creep up on you. Also, check and clean your battery terminals - these cars are very voltage sensitive and a slightly loose cable or a little corrosion can cause strange problems.
8. searching for replacement parts for my xfire, Rear rim, front bumper, 2 new headlights, 2 new fog lights.
I used Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market and had good luck finding some replacement fog lights. You might find what you need there.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON FIXING THESE PROBLEMS OR HAVE INCOUNTERED THE SAME ONES YOURSELF.
xfmadns- rapid city,sd
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,015
Likes: 14
From: MOFN, AL, 70 miles from George
Re: Xf headaches
Is your car lowered? Front camber is not adjustable and should be ~ 1-1.5 deg negative (not sure of actual spec).
If your headlights are not cracked or otherwise damaged, just cloudy, it is pretty simple to recondition them. Many threads on this.
Oil issue can be resolved by changing the filter only-no need for a $65 oil swap too (assuming the oil is recent). New o-rings will be included with the filter. Mann, Purolator (fleece) or Mobil 1. Many threads on this too.
How old is the battery? Is it a white Valeo? Replace it. The sensitivity to voltage mentioned above is a legend here. Many have had their battery tested "good" and only fixed the issues with a new one. Go figure...
If your headlights are not cracked or otherwise damaged, just cloudy, it is pretty simple to recondition them. Many threads on this.
Oil issue can be resolved by changing the filter only-no need for a $65 oil swap too (assuming the oil is recent). New o-rings will be included with the filter. Mann, Purolator (fleece) or Mobil 1. Many threads on this too.
How old is the battery? Is it a white Valeo? Replace it. The sensitivity to voltage mentioned above is a legend here. Many have had their battery tested "good" and only fixed the issues with a new one. Go figure...
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 25,432
Likes: 647
From: Ontario
Re: Xf headaches
listing tons of problems im having with my car.
1. headlights seem to be shorting out light bulbs every week if not twice a week. not fun when they are 10 to 15 bucks a pop.
2.moderate shaking in steering after reaching 55mph.
3. extreme camber on front tires(maxium life of tires 2 months)
4. squeaky brakes at low speeds but brakes are not worn or glazed over.
5. leaking oil(oil leak seems to be coming from the top of the oil filter, very slow leak but still a pain when my engine bay gets covered in oil)
6.ABS and ESP/BAS light have been on for a month now and ive done some research on it but have been scared out of troubleshooting from high cost parts that did not prevail for other crossfire owners.
7.this week coming home from my second job i was driving and my car random shut down on me and would not restart until i recieved a jump from a coworker. my second job is at autozone so i scanned my battery, alternator, and starter the next day at work and everything scanned good, its almost like the problem disapppeared beacuse it hasnt happened agian but that worries me with my crossfires inconvenient time for breaking down
8. searching for replacement parts for my xfire, Rear rim, front bumper, 2 new headlights, 2 new fog lights.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON FIXING THESE PROBLEMS OR HAVE INCOUNTERED THE SAME ONES YOURSELF.
xfmadns- rapid city,sd
1. headlights seem to be shorting out light bulbs every week if not twice a week. not fun when they are 10 to 15 bucks a pop.
2.moderate shaking in steering after reaching 55mph.
3. extreme camber on front tires(maxium life of tires 2 months)
4. squeaky brakes at low speeds but brakes are not worn or glazed over.
5. leaking oil(oil leak seems to be coming from the top of the oil filter, very slow leak but still a pain when my engine bay gets covered in oil)
6.ABS and ESP/BAS light have been on for a month now and ive done some research on it but have been scared out of troubleshooting from high cost parts that did not prevail for other crossfire owners.
7.this week coming home from my second job i was driving and my car random shut down on me and would not restart until i recieved a jump from a coworker. my second job is at autozone so i scanned my battery, alternator, and starter the next day at work and everything scanned good, its almost like the problem disapppeared beacuse it hasnt happened agian but that worries me with my crossfires inconvenient time for breaking down
8. searching for replacement parts for my xfire, Rear rim, front bumper, 2 new headlights, 2 new fog lights.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON FIXING THESE PROBLEMS OR HAVE INCOUNTERED THE SAME ONES YOURSELF.
xfmadns- rapid city,sd
Turning the steering wheel lock to lock as stated will not solve the ESP/BAS light issue, normal driving does that very quickly.
It sounds like you need an alignment and probably the steering damper.
Bulbs do not short out, they work because they are dead shorts of positive to negative. Fluctuating voltage damages bulbs, high voltage will blow them in quick order. Touching the glass will make the glass break in time due to stress in the glass caused by the oils on your fingers. Maybe you should try another brand of bulb.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 9,595
Likes: 26
From: Kellyville, Ok
Re: Xf headaches
Bulbs do not short out, they work because they are dead shorts of positive to negative. Fluctuating voltage damages bulbs, high voltage will blow them in quick order. Touching the glass will make the glass break in time due to stress in the glass caused by the oils on your fingers. Maybe you should try another brand of bulb.
If the problem persist after that at least they are only 10-12 bucks for a pair of replacements till real problem is resolved?
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Using the H7 lightbulbs. The passenger light is cracked but I have the most problems with my drivers side lightbulbs. My highbeams have never worked since I bought the car. The battery is only a year old and still extremely clean. The only "mod" I have done to my XF is side exit straight pipes and 275/30/19 rear tires. The car is bot lowered but have ruined several front tires but the tire will b full tread except for the inside 2 to 4 inches of the tires .I've trued turning the steering wheel lock to lock and back to center several times. To help troubleshoot the issue of the steering my steering seems to b extremely easy to the left but a noticeable difference when steering to the right. Car doesn't pull in any certain direction tho
Last edited by HORSIN'AROUNDXFIRE; Sep 13, 2012 at 05:29 PM.
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Ramona, California
Re: Xf headaches
Refering to #5 -the oil leak
I got this the first time I changed my oil
Fix: buy a oil filter cap socket tool and make sure your o rings are on right and oiled when you put them on.
Once I got that filter cap socket tool, I could crank it down really tight and have never had a leak since.
I got this the first time I changed my oil
Fix: buy a oil filter cap socket tool and make sure your o rings are on right and oiled when you put them on.
Once I got that filter cap socket tool, I could crank it down really tight and have never had a leak since.
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
From: MD
Re: Xf headaches
#5 id say do the oil change yourself, or a garage you trust that knows about these cars. seems like the cap wasnt installed correctly.
#6. check to see if you have brake lights, also check your cruise controll if those doent work its your brake light switch. same thing happened to mine. its located behind the brake pedal. the part is about $120 from the dealership, you might be able to find it on line and just a 30minute job, much less if you know your way around a car.
#7 does sound like the CPS. you should get a check engine light though. pretty common issue with our cars, again 30 minute job.
#6. check to see if you have brake lights, also check your cruise controll if those doent work its your brake light switch. same thing happened to mine. its located behind the brake pedal. the part is about $120 from the dealership, you might be able to find it on line and just a 30minute job, much less if you know your way around a car.
#7 does sound like the CPS. you should get a check engine light though. pretty common issue with our cars, again 30 minute job.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 9,595
Likes: 26
From: Kellyville, Ok
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 9
From: KC, Kansas
Re: Xf headaches
Some of the filter kits (brands) that are sold as for the XF have O-Rings that are too thin.....thus leak.
I don't think any of the German Fleece kits have this problem.
I would only trust a Chrysler or Mercedes dealership to do an alignment on these cars.
I don't think any of the German Fleece kits have this problem.
I would only trust a Chrysler or Mercedes dealership to do an alignment on these cars.
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2012
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Likes: 0
Re: Xf headaches
Don't wanna thread jack but can anyone tell me how to align the headlights? My driver side is aimed downward and the passenger side is aimed straightfoward like its supposed to be ..
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 9,595
Likes: 26
From: Kellyville, Ok
Re: Xf headaches
Check the bulb.. they have a small notch to sit / align in the housing socket.. 9/10 times this is the issue.. installed my HID lights.. and knew I took the time to seat correctly... just to find drivers shining 5 feet in front on the ground..
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