As per the title. Car has been running problem free for 10 years. Parked in garage for just over 2 weeks and went to start. Starter engaged normally briefly and no start. Tried again and the starter is spinning but not engaging to turn the motor. I'm currently charging the battery to make sure it's fully charged then I'll try again, but I don't have much hope this will fix it. Does the S Type starter have a regular bendix type starter and if so is it easy to change? Thanks in advance for any help

 

Can't help with the details about the starter itself. But definitely make sure the battery is fully charged before condemning the starter.

After that, take a look at this thread. It's kinda long, but has some troubleshooting ideas and details (including a video link) of how to change the starter if needed:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...type-r-288735/


Per Rock Auto, here's a view of the starter:



It looks to be a gear reduction design. The solenoid appears to be integral and not replaceable as a separate unit, but I'm unsure about that aspect.

 

Thanks for the reply. I fully charged the battery to 12.7V - it's also only a year old. As expected the starter still just spins without engaging the motor. I did some online investigations and it's most likely the starter solenoid which has failed. I did check the solenoid 30A fuse and it's good. I was very lucky it happened in my own garage at home not somewhere on the road. Lucky also because I usually garage it for winter anyway so I'll just reduce the insurance coverage till Spring. I have ordered a replacement starter motor which I'll get my SIL to help me install in Spring next year - I was pleasantly surprised at the cost - only $206Cdn and the replacement work doesn't appear too difficult. Will report back again in May next year.

 

Make sure to read the entire thread linked in my previous reply. Only two bolts secure the starter, but access to the upper one sounds like a doozy. Once both fasteners are removed, extracting the starter appears to be tricky, too.


Do you normally put the car in such an extended hibernation? We've had several forum members report failure of the fuel pump after a long period of inactivity. Seems to be a fairly common situation.

 

Thanks again for the replies. For the hibernation question: Yes I live in Canada and winter starts in November and ends around the end of April and I've been garaging the car every year for 10 years for these months without any issues. In fact it's been incredibly reliable for all 10 years till now - only oil changes, tires, radiator fill tank and serpentine belt are about it for maintenance - even the brakes are still good, but I only do about 4k kms annually and will need to do them next year - I do this myself.
For the starter installation: Yes I did read about the top bolt access difficulty. Apparently it's easier to get to if you release the engine mount and raise the engine about 4 inches then it's accessible. However, after reading this and the fact that I'm 74 I've decided to take it to my friendly local mechanic who did the radiator tank replacement for me. I can take my own parts and he just charges installation at reasonable rates. He's just around the corner and CAA will take the car there for me.

 

BTW: Here's the link to the new starter - got it off Amazon!

 

Just relooked at all the reviews on the DB starter motor from Amazon and they're all crap - doesn't last long - so I'm returning it. I've found numerous other sources at similar prices with much better reviews. I thought it would be difficult to find, but in fact there are plenty of options.

 

Just going back to kr98664's point about the fuel pump. They do eventually let go and often after a period of unuse. Mine lasted about 14-15 years with similar usage to yours.

Just to be sure, check the fuel pressure registered by the OBD system. If it is very low, you could take a closer look at the pump too.

 

Thanks for the update. Once I get it started (hopefully) next spring I'll check the pressure. For now it's garaged and the insurance reduced to just Fire and Theft till next April. Happily all this happened in my own garage not somewhere miles from home!

 

Good call. The fine print showed this starter was new (not remanufactured) and made in China.

No experience replacing a Jaguar starter, but on other vehicles, a remanufactured OEM unit tends to be WAY better than new construction from China. Same thing with alternators, too. No idea what will happen to the reman options once Chinese cores enter the supply stream. But at least for now, it's still possible to get a reman OEM unit.

Watch out for discount chains offering $79 units with a lifetime guarantee. In my over-inflated opinion, the guarantee is just a marketing gimmick, based on the likelihood you will lose the receipt. It costs money to properly build (or remanufacture) any component. With stuff like this, you truly get what you pay for.

 

I've found over the years that it's much better to remove the original alternator or starter and have it refurbished by a local automotive electrical specialist who can test the windings and armature. Not only is there no issue with fitment, but there is not instrument cluster warning with parts house or Chinese alternators.

 

I've two choices for the replacement: Rock Auto who have a rebuilt ACDELCO unit for about $250Cdn, the other is a local rebuilder who specializes in starters and alternators - I'll contact him early next year. - plus is that he's only a 30 minute drive away.

 

Have you opened the hood and verified the engine is not spinning when the starter is? Just a check to do.
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Unfortunately (or not) yes I have checked that the engine isn't turning. Thanks for reminding me though!!

 

Good tips! I'm going to keep an eye on my S Type's starter and fuel pump as well. Also a good heads-up on the Chinesium "new" starter.
To the OP, you're up in Orangeville, not far from where I am - I'm in Acton. Nice to see you here! Who or where is that starter/alternatior rebuilder you mentioned? Always good to have these people handy when you need them, they are becoming an increasingly rare breed. Thanks

 

Hi Nice to meet someone local - our daughter lives in Acton! I found Wally's Auto Electric on line he's in Inglewood and gets great reviews. I haven't contacted him yet, since I won't need the starter till Spring.
4.727 Google reviews
Electric motor store in Ontario

 

Inglewood. Great, that's good info to file away. Shops like good auto electricians, radiator recorers etc are all too fast disappearing. I've always liked looking at Inglewood off to the side in the trees/hills as I go down #10, very pretty. Had no idea about a good auto electrical shop down in there.