Hi all
i have acquired a 1999 XK8 and its in restricted performance mode with amber light on...where the best place to start?? coil packs??

 

Step 1: Google Elm 327. That is, the best place to start is by buying an inexpensive code reader and application for your laptop or tablet. (Or a dedicated code reader for a few bucks more.) I'm an amateur mechanic, but have found my code reader to be exceptionally accurate in diagnosing problems.

 

+1 on getting a code reader and letting us know what fault codes show


How old is the battery? An aging or weak battery can lead you all over the place with error codes. Recommend getting it load tested and replace if necessary. Most batteries are good for about 3 years


As this is one of your first posts - recommend visiting our New member section and posting an intro - in return you will receive a warm welcome and useful tips for forum navigation
New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

+1,need codes to diagnose. Check battery to make sure is has 12.5v, electronics can do weird things if it gets lower.

Do you know the history of the car, has the engine been overheated?

Don't throw parts at it. Try to give us all the info you can there are some very knowledgeable members here and know the steps to take to diagnose.

And welcome to the forum.

 

cheers
i live in france, what reader would people recomend?

 

If you use a smart phone or have a tablet you can download Torque from your online play store for free or you can upgrade with a small fee to the full version. You will also need a Bluetooth OBDII reader and one that works well is ELM 327. This application will allow you to read your codes and fuel trims along with many other points on your car. Go to Torque and you can read all about it first.

As for your car troubles you need to read the OBDII codes to give you direction on what is going on. It was also suggested that you check the battery voltage. This is important! We all have found that our Jaguars are sensitive to low voltage and will throw codes and amber lights when voltage is not what it is looking for giving a false problem. Have the battery and connections checked first then read your codes.

 

As the money involved is near inconsequential, start with a cheap ELM327. I believe the newer models come with both Bluetooth and Wifi, so they should work with both Android and Apple devices. Check eBay for the device (Some are less then $10 here in the US). I use Torque Pro on an Android device. The pay version is just a few $.

To be clear, even if this device is in theory compatible with all 3 hardware protocols for our cars, the software side will only show the standard codes, as codified in OBDII. This is a GREAT start that can get you most everything for emissions purposes, but none of the more advanced Jaguar-specific codes will be available in a friendly manner.

ALSO, unless you are triple sure, check the secondary chain tensioners. The early cars had plastic units that eventually would fail and let the chain skip a tooth or two and allow contact between valves and pistons. Open up a valve cover and convince yourself you have the upgraded metal units, not the original plastic ones (or even hybrid second generation). Seriously, just do it, the risk is real. Take pictures if unsure, and someone here can help you identify them.

Bonne chance, keep us posted.

 

ok will do, the battery is good , i did whip out a plug and it looked a bit old so may get new plugs as well. is there any way of testing a coil pack?

 

If you get the codes you can tell which cylinders are misfiring. Then you can switch coils from bad to good and see if the misfire follows.
As I mention before do you know if the car overheated? If it did you may have dropped valve seats causing the misfire.
It could have a failing tensioner causing a misfire.

Stop buying parts and get a code reader. You might be waisting your money.

 

car did not overheat, i will get a code reader first, the elm327 reads the codes ok?? i just looked on ebay at it said it only works on cars from 2002 year

 

Hi hampshireborn69,
ELM327 will read the codes: mine came from Amazon UK (about £5) and works just fine.

Follow all the above recommendations, and make sure you get either a combined bluetooth/WiFi unit or one that will work with your phone. I believe the iPhone is tetchy with bluetooth, so it's WiFi if Apple is your thing.

You have the best tool in your toolbox by joining this forum. The code reader will likely be your second.

Good luck with the new Cat.

Mike

 

cheers i have ordered one....just a waiting game now

 

Just seen your post in the stickies. I'm not jealous

If the cat has sat for 18 months then the advice re the battery is very relevant. Do get it load-tested while you're waiting: it may start up fine, but...

Mike

 

i had to put a new battery on it before i got it out of the garage..it did start first time though...your a jersey man ,iam over there in 2 weeks for a few days,nice place.

 

a jolly lot of faults found,
P0300
P0302
P0303
P0304
P1316
P0327
P0332
P0353
PO354

 

Update...thought i would clear codes and see what happens and it came up with 5 faults
P1642
P0327 Knock sensor 1 circ low bank 1 or single sensor
P0332 knock sensor 2 circ low bank 2
P0353 ignition coil c primary/secondary circ
P0354 ignition coil d
God where do i start??

 

1. add Model and Year details to your forum signature - is it AJ26 or AJ27; 4.0 ltr or 4.2 ltr
2. refer the the appropriate Jaguar DTC list for code 'possible causes'

When you've identified an ignition coil issue on a particular cylinder, switch coils with one that isn't showing a code and see if the code moves with the coil. This helps narrow it down to the coil itself or the harness.

Graham

 

i moved coils and the problem followed so a couple of coils are knackered. knock sensors look a bit of an pain to change.
i also added 4.0 to my forum signature thankyou

 

is it possible the misfire due to knackerd coils make the knock sensors have an error?

 

Probably not. You likely have more than one issue.

This document:
http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto...J27%201999.pdf

from member Gus' website will explain the codes for your car.

Suggest you deal with the duff A-bank coils and then take stock. I'm not certain, but you may be able to replace the knock sensors without removing the inlet manifold. More savvy members will chime in here.

Knock sensors don't seem to like coolant: as they're both complaining, is there any evidence of spills or leaky hoses?


Mike