Hey all,

I went and looked at a 1995 XJR about a month ago, with a transmission stuck in 'limp mode.' I was hoping it would prove to be something simple like the relay or a connection but the 'easy' fixes didn't work. Unfortunately this meant I couldn't really drive it home so I passed on it.

(I really wanted to drive it for a couple years and swap motors with my 4.0 XJS.... dream big!)

The owner contacted me to ask if I was still interested, so with his permission I thought I might post it here in case someone has the wherewithal to get one of Jaguar's best sedans back on the road.

Other problems:
CEL - scanner indicated o2 sensor failure
Antenna stuck
Rear headliner starting to sag but not bad.
Small dent in front pass fender and some scrapes on that side (not awful, but noticeable).
A little rust in rear wheel wells, but again, not bad / barely visible, and very clean underneath.

Overall the car is in good shape. If you search "limp mode" around these and other forums, there's a wealth of info. I'd probably start by switching out the shift solenoids, then try to swap tranny ECU if that didn't work. I don't have my notes on hand but we did get codes indicating shift solenoid failure.

Below is an excerpt from our email conversation before I saw the vehicle:

3. Can you tell me the age / mileage of the tires? Also, brand and size?

The front tires were on the car when we bought it. They are Bridgestone potenza re750 245/45r17 95w. The rear tires were bought on 09/27/2011 mileage 146,107, so they are only 6,910 miles old. They are Toyo extensa hp a/s 245/45r17w.

4. Do you know the last time any of the following was addressed:

- engine oil

Every April we take the Jag out of storage and have the oil changed and have all belts, hoses and fluids checked as well as the entire car for any issues. The Jag has a valid Mass. state inspection sticker good until July of 2016. 04/03/2015, oil change, oil filter, rear brake pad set, all fluids checked. On 06/11/2015 had transmission checked out by a Jaguar dealer because of a transmission failure warning. They checked power and grounds, ok, checked connections at Transmission Control Module (TCM) and transmission, ok, performed hard reset. rescan modules -still no communication with TCM. Warning light is off - road test, no warning light and shifts good. Recommendation if warning light returns, start with TCM. on 08/08/2012 installed new power steering line and fluid. On 09/13/12 had new battery installed. On 04/26/2011 replaced supercharger belt, ac idler pulley and belts, tensioner belt and idler belt. On 07/13/2010 had front end alignment.

.............

The gentleman selling the car is retired and doesn't want to deal it. I'm hopefully pointing out a good opportunity for someone with the time, skills and space. I don't want to be in the middle of the transaction - you must see the car and make your own assessment. If you're in the area and don't need to do 60mph, it can be driven home. Currently registered and valid inspection.

He is asking 1200. I imagine that's negotiable.

If you're interested, PM me and I will pass along the contact information.

EDIT: whoops, forgot mileage, 152K. Here's what the owner told me: " I bought the JAG with 139,100 miles on 07/16/2010 and on 10/02/2015 there is 152,917, so in 5 years we put only 13,817 miles, average of 2,763 per year. The Jag has always been stored from November to April."

Also, I have a copy of carfax for anyone interested. Shows a couple owners around MA, routine maintenance recorded through first 100K. (Once maintenance stopped at dealer and went to independent they don't show up on carfax - normal, in my experience. In other words, don't mean to imply that car hasn't seen maintenance 100 - 150K)

 

Dang, if that was close to me Id be trying to buy it.

 

Anyone have any interest or thoughts on this?

Last call.....

 

Any chance you'd be interested in selling parts off of it?

I am looking for a sunvisor clip to replace the one I broke on mine. It's almost impossible to find a replacement; apparently the XJR came in an exclusive colour.

 

These models are notorious for damaging the main transmission control wiring harness going into the top of the trans. A local fellow I know had the same issue- replaced the plug and a section of wiring down to the trans itself (but outside) and the problem was resolved. I think the issue is the wiring is too tightly bent in the tunnel area and/or gets damaged by eng/trans movement........

 

Yeah, if I could have gotten this home I'm sure it wouldn't have been too tough to sort out, and that's what motivated me to put it up here (i.e. a good deal for someone).

At any rate, I'm sure this ship has sailed.

Re: visor clips, I don't own the car and am not near the car. Sorry.