So my shifter won't go from Park to anything else. No solenoid click when you put the brakes on - fuses all ok, no lights on the J-Gate at all.

Wasn't in a position to work on it, so had it flat-bedded to the dealership. Just got off the phone with them...they want $1100 to fix it - claim it's the solenoid, but they can't fix just that as Jag only sells the whole assembly.

Am I right to be a little suspicious tho? I feel like there is no diagnosis being done, simply replace the whole assembly, and collect the cash.

I told them I was reluctant to pay $1000+ to re-enable a "safety feature" that so far has only managed to prevent me from using my car at all...and gave them a couple hours to come up with some alternatives...

Right now, I'm wishing I'd pulled my meter out and done some testing first while it was still sat in the parking lot.

Steve
1986 XJ-S V12 - Reluctantly traded in...
2003 S-Type 3.0 - Wish I'd kept the XJ-S

 

I'd DIY but then I'm like that LOL

It's much easier & more profitable for the dealer to be like that. True for other car makes, too.

 

Well the dealer worked with me a bit, used a reconditioned part and kept the price down to about $600. Can't really blame the dealer I suppose, just the way the world is going altogether.

I did get the old part tho, figured I'd see if there was anything I could fix - if nothing else, something simple might mean I can sell the repaired module and help defray the cost of repair.

For those searching, and looking for a 'workaround' to defeat the solenoid initially (which would have saved me the tow, the dealer trip and everything else)...

1. Pull the wood surround from the center console up and off. It's just clipped, so it's not difficult.
2. On the side of the shifter unit, you'll see some cables entering at the top, almost directly in line with the end of the J-gate channel.
3. Look below those, on the side of the unit, and you'll see a little wing-nut shaped object.
4. With the car running, foot on the brake, rotate that COUNTER (ANTI) Clockwise. Only needs to turn about 1/8th rotation.
5. You should then be able to shift out of park.

Of course, you have to perform this function every time you need to shift out of park. Above is based on a US 2003 S-Type, but probably similar on all the J-Gate models.

I'll report back if I find anything useful from the old unit.

Steve