hi all, season greetings!

i'm expriencing some issues with my 2001 SType V8

at first startup for the day i wont have any power to the window switches and wipers; after about 1 min the RPM and Speedometer will go fully the right (max) and return. it will do it again about 1 min later.

after that the car runs fine! power to the windows switches, the RPM gauge works fine but the Speedometer doesn't work at all.

i only have 1 code.
P1388 variable cam timing over retarded (bank #2)
i bought the car not running, i replaced the engine with a used one; it could be the engine or the computer that is causing the code. but the car runs good, i more concern about the electrical issue!

any suggestions?

 

Experience shows PCM is very last suspect.

Probably a failing battery. Recovers a bit once the alternator has run for a while.

Get a decent heavy duty vented one as the cars need.

 

i installed a new CarQuest battery 6 months ago i also replaced the alternator however it was NOT a Jaguar alternator and after installing the alternator and doing research as to why the battery light would still appear sometimes I've read that the only alternators that will work properly with these cars is the original Jaguar alternator. so i will try a use or re-manufactured Jaguar alternator and see if that fixes the problem.

 

Before doing that I'd measure the battery volts carefully after non-use overnight (don't start engine). Ideally 12.6V or more.

If it's well down then it may be that the alt. is not charging it properly.

The proper alt. is controlled as to volts by the PCM, to keep a lead acid (vented) battery charged. The level of voltage is switched as needed.

 

thanks! i will check this tomorrow morning.

i was thinking it's electrical because i don't have any millage info. and shows an error when checking trip info. (it had 135k prior to the "mechanic" swapping the engine). when he was working on the old engine that appeared to be binding (not rolling properly) i caught him with 2 batteries hooked up to it and that's when i told him to swap the engine before he damage the electrical.
after the swap i took it and completed the work myself.
i installed the alternator and new fuel pump.

the 2 battery being connected is why i'm thinking the PCM could have been damaged and the reason for the problems i'm experiencing.