Hi fellow Jag Enthusiasts:

I have an '87 XJ6 VDP that belonged to my dad that I am keen on reviving to its former glory. There is some body work that needs to be done on the hood and front panel that I probably will undertake since this is a sentimental car. But, she also has a few other quirks you may recognize...

First, the horn goes off when you make a right turn. The speedometer does not work. The interior lighting and the headlights are rather dim. Both the AC and heater are out of commission. Happy car! From all I've been hearing/reading, this sounds like wiring issues, connector problems? Does anyone have any insight on this and perhaps on how easy it might be to repair?

Thank you!
-SJP from NYC.

 

I recommend starting by going through the car and cleaning electrical connections, replace the old fuses (they can look good but go bad), and especially clean and tighten all the electrical ground connections. You will be surprised how many problems are taken care of by doing this.

 

Welcome to the forums SJP, it sounds like a lot of dirty or corroded connectors there.

Please post an intro thread in the new member area for a warm welcome.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/n...-intro-must-5/

 

This might be a fault inside the steering column. But first check the grounding 'fingers' attached to the outer steering column, RH side.


The most common fault is the speedometer transducer mounted on the LH side of the transmission


Does anything at all happen when you use the system?

Here's some basic reading

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...basics-178058/

Very possible. And I agree with previous remarks

Hard to say. Often it's more a matter of patience than difficulty, if you get what I mean. You'll want the S57 Wiring Guide which you can download from one of the sticky threads at the top of this section.

The rule of thumb is don't replace anything without first checking/cleaning/tightening all relevant connections and grounds

Cheers
DD

 

Welcome aboard. We wish you 'fair winds and trailing seas".


The other guys have set a good course for you. Break down the issues and make a plan for each. Attack one at a time.


Grounds are a great place to start.


Battery - to the attachment on the right wing wall. Remove the cable at each end, clean, lube and tighten. If a PO used a "mickey mouse"
Eliminate it for a proper part.


Down and under. You should find a braided strap at the front end of the transmission back to the chassis. Remove it, examine it, clean it and f it is in great condition, lube and clean the attachment points and replace it, nice and tight.


Now, be prepared for a surprise. other stuff now works well!!!


Jaguar mantra for electrickery: "clean, lubricate and tighten. Serves other critters as well....


Carl

 

Good point, Carl. Start with the battery cables. If you don't want to crawl under the car to clean and tighten the engine ground right away, go to NAPA and get a $5 battery cable with eyes at both end. Bolt one end to a strong bolt on the top of the engine and the other end to the post where the factory ground cable bolts to the fender (wing). Now you are absolutely sure the body and the engine are both well grounded. When I bought my 79 I thought the alternator was broken. Turns out it was just poor ground connection for the engine.
Jeff

 

Like this:
Follow the Yellow Line.



This ground goes from the alternator frame to a stud on the fender.
I've had No trouble with poor grounds since I did this.
Notice also, the stud is long enough for 3 nuts allowing disconnection of the battery only, without disturbing anything else.
(';')