XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 ) 1997 - 2003

98 VDP with intermittent airbag light

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Old 03-30-2013, 07:27 PM
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Default 98 VDP with intermittent airbag light

I will go weeks with no airbag light. Generally if it is under 50 degress F
outside, it will stay out. On warmer days around 80 degrees F it comes on
immediately. I changed the clock spring and the problem continues. I have
checked the various yellow connectors under the drivers seat and the column. Using JTIS, I can't find a good troubleshooting guide.

Rather than just guess, how do I troubleshoot the system? I am considering
upgrading my OBD II reader to one that can read the Jaguar specific codes.

The light is usually out when I have time to work on the car. Is there a safe
way to split the system to find if the fault is on the passenger side or the driver side.

All the controls through the steering column work. Radio, tilt, Cruise etc.
 
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Old 03-31-2013, 11:55 AM
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There is not really any point in discussing farther until you read the DTCs in the SRS module.

bob gauff
 
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Old 03-31-2013, 01:04 PM
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+1 on what Bob said.

the start of any MIL investigation should be reading and interpreting the codes. SRS system is complex with number of connections and possible areas of fault codes. your experience shows that replacing the "clock spring" did not do it but cost money. my experience has shown that if SRS MIL comes on without an apparent reason, many times its the seat belt buckles giving off the code due to wear. however, i would revert to getting the codes first and THEN chasing down the problem.
 
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Old 03-31-2013, 09:14 PM
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Thanks, I will save up my pennies to get a better OBD II reader with Jaguar specific systems. My current reader does all the drive train and performance stuff well, but
is useless for this. The seatbelt light doesn't come on when it is unlatched on either
front seat and both seats occuppied. The airbag light is still off most of the time.
 
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Old 04-01-2013, 08:45 PM
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The DTC Guide will direct you once you get the DTC(s)

bob gauff
 
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Old 07-05-2013, 09:46 PM
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I bought the Auto Enginuity OBD2 reader with the Jaguar Enhancement.
$500 worth. It showed a fault with the drivers side airbag wiring. I have
had a new clockspring on order from Hampton Jaguar and after a few
months, I am told they can't get one. I tried another used Ebay one.
That fixed my cruise control and the steering wheel radio volume. The
airbag light stays out as long as I don't drive the car. I can drive 2 miles
and the light comes on. There are no SRS codes even when the light is
on. It goes out every time I turn the key off and back on.

I took all the yellow connectors apart and sprayed them with contact cleaner.

I still suspect the clockspring has an intermittent connection to the airbag.

The first used clockspring killed the cruise control and the radio volume, and the airbag light came on immediately AND set drivers side airbag
codes.
The second used one fixed the cruise control and radio volume, and keeps
the airbag light off for 2 miles and sets no codes.

Making progress, but not done yet.
 
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Old 07-08-2013, 12:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Lear45
I bought the Auto Enginuity OBD2 reader with the Jaguar Enhancement.
$500 worth. It showed a fault with the drivers side airbag wiring. I have
had a new clockspring on order from Hampton Jaguar and after a few
months, I am told they can't get one. I tried another used Ebay one.
That fixed my cruise control and the steering wheel radio volume. The
airbag light stays out as long as I don't drive the car. I can drive 2 miles
and the light comes on. There are no SRS codes even when the light is
on. It goes out every time I turn the key off and back on.

I took all the yellow connectors apart and sprayed them with contact cleaner.

I still suspect the clockspring has an intermittent connection to the airbag.

The first used clockspring killed the cruise control and the radio volume, and the airbag light came on immediately AND set drivers side airbag
codes.
The second used one fixed the cruise control and radio volume, and keeps
the airbag light off for 2 miles and sets no codes.

Making progress, but not done yet.
I believe you need to reset your SRS system. Not sure of the type of the diagnostic tool you have, but usually that is something thats done on a professional level (of tool)
 
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Old 07-09-2013, 06:43 PM
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The SRS does not set any codes with the latest installed used clock spring. I can drive
to work and back and not get a light. Other days it comes on within a minute. This is the 2nd used replacement I installed. The Auto Enginuity Scan tool with the Jaguar enhancements showed a fault before I changed the clockspring. There is no fault or fault history showing now. (Nothing to clear).
I have had 2 Jag dealers tell me they can't get a new clock spring. At least this clockspring fixed my cruise and radio volume. Next project will be learning how to
fix clock springs instead of replacing them.
 
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