My 02 S-type 6-cyl, 3.0 with 78k miles is showing "gearbox fault" on the screen (engine light not on), but when the codes are pulled, it throws P1388. Except for some rough idleing, and hard shifting, the car has NOT gone into limp mode, and seems to be running fairly "normal". When I look up P1388 -it states "Variable Cam Timing Overretarded " and that I should be experiencing low oil pressure, and looking at a new engine?!?!

I have changed the airfilter as some have suggested, and it has helped somewhat. The oil & Filter (mobile1 full syn.) were also recently changed-prior to the fault/codes. Can ANYONE give some guidance/input as I am at a loss, and destined to the dealers "mercy"...

 

IIRC, that code has been covered before so please Search on it.

There is a TSB (S303-09) which may apply. It describes it as false-flagging and calls for the PCM to be reflashed, which a dealer would do. So late in the car's life I don't think it will be free but should be fairly cheap.

 

Thanks Jag! I had actually searched, so I apologize for the new thread, but guess I hadn't done a wide enough search, as I didn't come up with much other than the suggestion of changing the airfilter, and even less on TSB S303-09...perhaps, just being a new user, and unfamiliar with some of the codes/jargon.

However, to my surprise, the new Airfilter has helped a good deal. Now, I am also wondering if when I changed my oil, I used an engine flush, and that had anything to do with it. It just seems as though its just misfiring, causing the hard shifting/rough idle...but again, my knowledge is limited.

All I could find on TSB S303-09 is: FALSE FLAGGING OF V6 CAMSHAFT TIMING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (1999 - 2001 cars)

...and a brief summary of the text -S303-09: This Technical Bulletin has been issued due to customer complaints of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminating and Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P1383 (valve cam timing over retarded bank 1) or P1388 (valve cam timing over retarded bank 2) logging. (On occasions both codes are shown)

After that it goes on to say that the dealer has to reprogram the PCM (Power Control Module) using updated software.

None-the-less, the info is greatly apreciated, especially when dealing with dealers and the "suggestion" of a new tranny.

Thanks again.

 

The thing is - if your car is flagging the code then either it hasn't got the calibration (software) it ought to have (so you want it) or it has an actual fault. I'd want to distinguish for sure which. Getting the PCM updated as I mentioned would be what I'd do. Then wait and see if the code comes back or indeed if other(s) do.

 

Thanks for the help Jag, I had my ducks-in-a-row, and was well informed when I contacted the dealer about the problem. They did some research based on what I gave them and agreed that it is false-flagging, and need the reflash. I have an appointment Monday, and it should only cost about $200 and take about 2hrs to have the car re-flashed. Will let you know the outcome.

 

Excellent - I hope it sorts the problem out.

 

Well, I did go to the dealer and had reflash of ECM completed (or, so they say)...it fixed absolutely nothing but the P1388 code it was throwing, AND, it seems to have made the misfire MUCH worse! Tech wrote that it also had stored codes: P0303 (misfire cyl #3) -which makes sense, and P1788 (Pressure Control Solenoid "B" Open Circuit) -whatever THAT means?!? "Gearbox Fault" remains displayed, as I don't even know if they cleared it. It seems the tech conveniently "went to lunch" before I could question him on any of it!??!!
Anyway, I am, once again, at a loss as the car now runs much WORSE than before I took it in! Not quite sure what steps to take next, ANY help or advice would be greatly appreciated....

 

I also smell coolant after turning the car off....I don't see any leaking or beneath the car, but since these cars are so susceptible to moisture, could this be the root of my problem? Still at a loss....ANYONE?!?!?

 

Way back when the S-Type first came out, we used to replace the valve body for the P1788 fault, but I aked if I could install JEPC on my shop computer so I could look up parts and see exploded veiws of components. I noticed that the pressure switch XR85696 was available separately. I called Jaguar Tech Hotline one day to discuss a fault with a 5R55N trans and the guy told me to replace the valve body. I asked why I couldn't just replace the pressure switch and he told me "because it is not sold separately". I went to my computer and told him it was and the part # was XR85696. He looked it up and told me I was correct. It was recently (2002) available and he was unaware. I was given permission to install the switch and it solved the problem.
I don't know what the part cost's because the few I replaced were done under Jaguar warranty.

Coils 1,2 and 3 are under the intake so I would change all 3 coils for the misfire fault.

Let us know what you find.

bob gauff

 

There are tons of useful posts on here about misfires, what to do, what to change. Not much point chasing any other fault till the misfires are gone UNLESS the other fault is triggering a false misfire, which looks unlikely - could perhaps be the other way around?

I don't think you have the 5R55N, but depends on (last 6 of) your VIN.

 

THANKS a lot guys!! That really helps a guy with little tech knowledge immensely, and at least gives me a starting point. Will start with the misfire, and go from there. FWIW, the last 6 of my VIN are: M30574.

Also ordered the JTIS, so I can get better understanding of the whats/wheres/etc.

Will let you know how it goes...

 

BTW anyone got an estimate of cost of the coils?

 

I've only TWO things to say about all the above:--
1) Microprocessor madness, as I've said elsewhere.
2)Thank God for this website!
Leedsman.

 

Its LITERALLY driving me mad Leeds!!! 6 weeks ago the car was PERFECT!! Changed the oil/filter and booooooom!!

 

At that VIN I'm fairly sure you have the original-type (pre-facelift) car and also most likely the Ford 5R55N autobox. You should be able to check by looking at photos (body style) and probably the J-gate will tell you which box. Oh, if you have a lever-style handbrake it'll be the pre-facelift and then also the 5R55N. And if you do, then BugDoc did a good write-up of changing various engine parts.

 

yep, lever-style hand brake...good call! Will search bugdoc for the how-to’s, thanks...I have never messed with coils etc, but I am guessing even a Jag-plebe like me can do it?

 

Look at your engine. One bank (of 3 coils) is easy. The other.... read the posts

 

Thanks,
Can't even SEE the "other" bank...ok, maybe I'll have the shop do it. I am going to try and get the coils cheaper than through him, so do I also need any sort of gaskets, etc to have the job done properly, yet as cheaply as possible??

 

Ahem! Read the posts

But yes, probably.

Oh.... on your engine bank 1 (aka A) has cyls 1,2,3 so IIRC the 3.0 #3 is just where you don't want it to be

The specs whose URL I posted show the cyl/bank layout

 

Ok, now I am sorry jagv8, perhaps, I am just tired, thick, over-my-head, or some combination there-of, but to which "posts" are you refering?!?! BugDoc's?!? I have searched his, but as of yet, come up empty handed...

Did see the cyl/bank layout...yuck for me! UUUUUUUUUgggghhhhh!!!!!