All the things you didn't know your S-Type could do...

I was thinking that there should be a thread, perhaps a sticky if we get enough kewl little hints, tips, and tricks about the S-Type's.

When I first found out about the window thing I was showing everybody. It was a nice novelty trick, and very helpful removing heat buildup while loading groceries. lol

I’ve read a few on this forum that I’ll put on the list. The credit goes to all forum members as I have a horrible memory, and to be honest, too lazy to go find the OP.

I have not tried them all yet, but if you or I do and get different results please post, and I’ll edit as need be.

I'm sure that all these are mentioned SOMEWARE on this forum, or in the manual, but I think it'd be nice for all these to be centralized. I will edit as often as need be to keep this informative, accurate, and current. Please, PLEASE feel free to add to this.

The lists…

Tricks…

- When you push and hold (3-5 sec) the unlock button on the key fob all windows and sun roof open.

- When you push and hold the lock button on the key fob all windows and sun roof close. (MY2002.5 & up dealer activated)

- At anytime during either process you can tap the button again and they stop at desired location. (btw, once they start to move you can let off the button.)

- The global lock/unlock button on the center console will also open or close all windows to desired location depending on how long you hold then button.

- Apparently you can program you key fob so with one push of the unlock button all doors will unlock. You do this by first pushing and holding the lock button on the key fob until you hear a beep, then push and hold the unlock button on your key fob until you hear two beeps.

- To access Engineering Test Mode you push and hold the button on the left stalk while turning the key to position 2, keep it pressed in until the display read "Test Mode". You can start the car and do this while running, or not. You cycle to different parameters by pressing the k/mp button of some Jag's. or the button on the left stalk on others, (like mine)

- Remove your cup holder to find a hidden compartment, also makes for a bigger cup holder. (Open the center console, and tilt the cup holder forward while pulling up.)

- Navigation systems, to enter the diagnostic menu you press and hold the Phone and Menu buttons simultaneously for about 5 seconds. Then enter PIN 917.

- Press and hold the Recirc button until you hear a double beep. This keeps it in Recirc until YOU shut it off.

- Powerfold door mirrors, with the rocker switch centered, briefly press the dial switch rearward to fold both mirrors back.

- Press and hold the EPB paddle down as you shut off your engine and remove the key. This will prevent the Auto Engagement of the Electronic Parking Brake. (Changing brake pads…)


Tips…

- Check whether your car has a keyhole for the truck, and make sure it works.

- Learn the location of the Inertia Switch, (Fuel cut-off).

- Change out the OEM lug nuts to a solid design.

- Do a dry run with the factory-supplied jack and tire iron.

- Put Copper Grease between your alloy wheels and the hub to prevent the galvanic corrosion that can bind them together, or make changing a tire that much harder.

- The first thing to do anytime you have a warning light, something not working properly, or any other “Electrical” gremlins is Check The Battery.

- If your key fob fails, or works sometimes but not others. Open it up and look at the little metal tab that contacts the battery. Make sure it IS contacting the battery. Take the battery out, and very carefully bend the tab so it will rest on the battery firmly.

- Check tire pressure often. Keep at proper levels.

- Routinely lubricate the push/pull cables and levers for the EPB. i.e. during tire changeovers.


Hints...

- Buy JTIS manual.

- Look up the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act / SEMA, then Mod away.

- The 100’s of Brutal’s Alignment Specs Threads summarized into one easy to follow How-To…
This affects all S-Types whether an R or not, if you suffer from inside front tire wear.

First tell the tech that all the factory specs in the alignment machine will be correct and not changed except for the FRONT TOE, and to follow these steps to ensure the proper alignment.

1-Set the rear Toe first.
2-Set Caster & Camber. Negative Camber should be as even as possible.
3-Set front Toe. Toe-in as close to +.13 L/R as possible, combined front Toe-in should be +.26. Then check toe deflection. If it moves the Toe out to the red zone then give it more negative Toe-in. Even in the red zone toe in if needed.

Side notes, ensure steering wheel is centered and locked. If you can’t get the Front Camber even, then have more negative on the right, less on the left. This will help counter act the road crown.

If your tech can’t or won’t follow these simple directions then find a new tech!






The list helpers so far... (I may have missed one or two, just let me know. lol)

Brutal
Delta
Doryphoros86
GoKittyGo
JagV8
Jayt2
Jlamboy
Mikey
Norri
Wcabro

 

Which combo of buttons automatically changes the hose under the supercharger?

I have a feeling it also involves a rather hard squeeze of your wallet as well ...


Thanks for the reminder list!

 

Excellent idea Schultz (thread) Bob, LOL! What combo to change under blower coolant hose? LOL! This winter I'm facing that challenge.

 

Hidden secrets disclosure ...That's a good thread and going to be useful for S Typers

 

I use the "window down" all the time, but have yet managed to get it to go back up with the lock button. Is it only available on certain years/models?

My favorite hint is that the cupholder comes out, you can fit bigger drinks in that way. Also makes it easier to wash if your drink springs a leak.

 

@ GoKittyGo, I'm not sure but I doubt you would be only able to roll windows down, but not back up based on year. Push botton a bit longer or harder perhaps? lol no clue.

But I added the cup holder thing. That's a good one too. I forgot about it even though I use it often.

 

Yup... My 05 didn't global close either... Maybe something is different....

 

Hummm, I wonder if it's <04 or if just the 05? Anyone with a >06 wanna give it a try?

 

The global open is a standard feature, global close has to be dealer activated.

 

Hummm, that's not kewl. I'm glad I've got it. But thx for the info. I updated it.

 

Okay on mine the unlock button thing works, but the closing of all windows doesn't (guess I have to get the dealer to activate that one). I can't get my cupholder out?? I am pulling on it and it doesn't come out?

 

Cue, I don't think the global closing will work for you, it was added as part of the MY2002.5/03 facelift when safety clutches were added to the mechanisim.

 

I had to pull pretty hard on mine, there was mystery goo under it.

Global up would be nice, but I can understand why it isn't standard (I also appreciate the interrupts that stop it when something is in the way)

Maybe if I ever end up at the dealership I'll ask them about it.

 

I did and it won't work either. Now I know why after reading the next posts in line..
The horn beeps just once when I tried it and the doors all locked, nothing else.

 

For the cars with the Nav system, one may enter a "secret" diagnostic menu by holding and the Phone and Menu buttons simultaneously for 5+ seconds.

Enter the PIN 917.

Nothing terribly useful inside, but pretty neat to be able to see the GPS satellite coordinates and GPS calculated MPH/Kmh.

 

Nice inputs all! The list is slowly growing, and getting more accurate.

 

More things in the handbook that people tend to overlook:

1. to latch Recirc, press and hold Recirc until you get a double beep

2. to use the powerfold door mirror feature (if you have it), on the driver door switch pack make sure the foremost rocker switch is centred then briefly press the rear part of he foremost (circular) switch (hope I made this clear!)

3. to stop the EPB applying, hold its paddle down as you switch off engine and remove ignition key (preferably with foot on the brake!)

4. check whether your car has a keyhole in the trunk (boot) lid (hint: it usually/always? does) and make sure it works - ready for the time you have a flat battery or similar

5. learn where the inertia switch (engine cut-out) is - that way youll never need it

6. try the factory-supplied jack and tire iron (correct name?) as if changing a wheel and think what you'll do if you get a flat tire
(6b. change the lug nuts)

 

Great, the lists have been undated. Thx JagV8. (btw, I don’t think these are all in the book, well if they are I cannot find them all... still looking though.)

 

They're not gonna tell you to swap the lug nuts LOL

They probably fail to tell you to try changing a tire but doing it for the first time when you've broken down can be a nightmare - it's always dark and rainy plus you're stressed and in your best clothes - whereas a practice in the dry is relatively easy.

Er, I won't swear the others are all in the handbook as even the fuses are a bit hit n miss apparently in some handbooks???!!!

 

A related tip: re-torque your lug (we say wheel) nuts. They're likely too tight and apart from putting the studs at risk of braking you don't want the nuts too tight if you get a flat tire. You'll be having quite enough pain changing the wheel without any nuts you can't undo.

I take all 4 wheels off at every service so I can inspect them and the car's suspension etc. It also means I know I can get the wheels off if I get a flat.