So.. I have a new Jaguar! It's a 2002 Vanden Plas Supercharged with 102k miles. It has basically been sitting for a little over a year. I test drove it and all was well. Bought it, now one day later it sweaks (belt sounding) when cold starting and the check engine light is on.
Any general advice for someone getting back into Jags, like how to find a good local mechanic? Thanks

 

Welcome.

A slack belt, due to old age, would be on top of my list.

Maybe that is enough to bring on the CEL, dunno.

The rest i will leave to those in your market.

 

Welcome to the forum Luke,

Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums. XJ8 VdP looks superb. My favourite spec and colour combination.

A squeaking belt on startup is often caused by having had coolant spilled on it. This causes a surface glaze and squeaking which is only fixed by replacing the belt. Other regular cause is a worn belt tensioner. For the CEL cause, the first step in troubleshooting is to have the codes read.

Follow this link XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 ) - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the X308 forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.

Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

You can also visit the US Lower Atlantic Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/usa-lower-atlantic-nc-sc-fl-ga-66/ to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome. Just find out what the code is that set off the light and you're on your way. Good luck.

 

Welcome aboard Luke.

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!

 

Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums Luke,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

Hey and thanks for the advice everybody. I've never had such a quick and welcoming reply.
I went to a flakey repair shop, left, then found a shop with what seems to be a knowledgeable owner. He also had a parts car of my dream jag (which got my instant respect)

 

Hey and thanks everybody! I've never had such a quick offering of help/welcome (and from people all over the globe.) All replies are truely appreciated.

This is my first Jaguar in the Charlotte area, having previously been an enthusiast/owner in the Charleston SC area (Sklimii's turf.) I went to a flakey shop, left, then went to a shop were I met the owner who seemed knowledgeable and professional. They had a for parts example of my dream jag.

(=some instant respect)

 

Any XJ Coupe is worth saving. A great shame to see that going for parts.

Graham

 

Yeah, I wish I had the space/time/knowledge/money/etc. to have offered to buy it.
It looked like the unique things like doors, glass, body and frame weren't too far gone.







At least I don't think it's going anywhere soon.

 

........ and the four door sitting next to it probably still has all the shared parts that have been removed from the coupe.

Graham