So of course things happen when the poor car knows it's on its last legs. I have a MY2017 F-Type S convertible (just ordered a MY2021 F-Type R convertible). I drive the car pretty much every day around 50+ miles so plenty of charging going on. Last summer I tried to get in the car one day and boom, 100% dead. Could not open the car or anything, had to use my magical metal secret key to get in (actually the Jaguar Roadside guy showed me that). Took quite a bit but eventually we got it jump started and they took it (running) on a flat bed back to the dealer. They replaced the battery at the time, tested the car for any power draws and couldn't find any -- chalked it up to probably a bad battery.

Earlier this week, same thing. Go to get in the car and it is 100% dead. Had to get roadside to come again and took quite a bit to get it started, but again we got it and I drove it up to the dealer. They replaced the battery again, did some software updates (that apparently were giving them issues -- had to try 6+ times, then infotainment wouldn't turn on, etc.) but eventually it got done. Great, went to pick up the car all nice and clean. It was beautiful out two days ago, go to put the top down and... nothing. No sounds, no warnings, just a button that doesn't do anything. I fiddled with it a LOT and got it to go down and up once, but then couldn't do it again. Dealer says they are seeing a "communications issue" for the top. Top was working perfectly before it went in to them, now they have no idea and want to keep it for a while, possibly order parts from UK, etc. Any thoughts on this? Battery issue is one thing (since it should be fine until new one arrives) but the top is super annoying.

 

Amidst all the reports of issues caused by installing batteries that are not FULLY charged, and other issues with our cars' electronic corruption during low voltage events, have you tried disconnecting the battery via the ground stud in the trunk? Give it 5 minutes then reconnect, post back if that helps.

There was also a report that the Body Control Module (under the passenger side dash) can be reset by disconnecting its plugs, perhaps give that a try.

 

Also put a charger on it overnight - this should be required when installing a new battery.

 

Hi;

When I bought my 206 XK8 in 2015 it had the wiring for a CTEK trickle battery charger already attached to the battery terminals. The charging unit is kept just outside the vehicle but with a wire that connects to the battery wires in the trunk. Initially I closed the trunk while charging the battery but the weight of trunk on the rubber gasket was interfering with the charging process so I put a little piece of plastic beside the wire where it crossed over the gasket thereby taking the pressure off of the wire from the weight of the trunk. At first I was hesitant to have it hooked up all the time but when I did not use it the battery invariably ran out of juice. I have used the battery charger for 5 years at this point in time and it has saved me a lot of grief. There was never anything wrong with the battery and fortunately I did not go out and buy another one - they tested it and said it was able to hold a charge just fine. Note: I don't mean to endorse the CTEK brand as there may be better units out there.

 

I had a top issue that I swore it could not be the battery because it happened after a 90 minute drive with a <1 year old battery that had previously given me no problems. Guess what? It was the battery. I love my F Type but there is something goofy with the electrical system in Jags. I am a trickle charger believer now. Whenever there is any problem with a system driven by electricity, it seems it is always the battery. At least batteries are not as expensive as other parts.