As a previous ('93 XJ6 and '06 XJ8) Jaguar owner and enthusiast, I recently purchased a 2003 X-Type 2.5 with 81k for my wife to drive for a year and then give to my son when he turns 16. The car is in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition except for having to replace a leaking AC compressor when I first got it a couple months ago. I am amazed what a great car it is for the $.

A few days ago my check engine light (P1638) came on and the car wouldn't start the next morning. It jumped off easily with another car (running) and drove fine the remainder of the day(multiple trips) with no CEL, no flickering lights, and no drivability problems. The following morning the same thing happened so I replaced the battery. Now, it is dead again after sitting overnight. It jumped as usual (no more CEL) and is running fine again- at least until tomorrow AM. I work at a Volvo/Saab dealership and used the Interstate battery tester which indicated that the alternator & starter were OK. The car is garaged and therefore unlocked/alarm unarmed overnight. Thanks in advance for any advice on where to look for a solution!

 

Welcome.
You have already identified one problem in that the car is not locked. If it is not locked it will not fully go to sleep and therefore will continue to drain the battery.

You could also check the ground points around the car, known weak point. Also switch off all auto functions and then, with a fully charged battery, try again.

Hope this helps,

 

gbs, I would say to first start with replacing the battery cables (both positive and negative cables) as these are known to develop high resistance points in the wiring near the battery terminal connection. You can get replacement cables at your local auto parts place or you may be able to find something that works where you work at. From there, it would need more troubleshooting with a multimeter. How are you with a multimeter? I can step you thru just about anything.

 

Just saying hello & welcome . I'm on my 2nd X type 02 & o 05 as yet no electrical probs so I'll follow your posts with interest.

 

Thermo: I plan on getting the cables today and putting them on tomorrow. Are there any intricacies I should know about before installing? Thanks!

 

I would suggest diagnosing problem first and replacing parts later. Connection can be diagnosed by checking voltage drop during starting. Remove fuel relay while engine is running so you can diagnose voltage drop w/o starting engine.

 

GBS, in short, as long as they are long enough, that is the big thing. I would also say just for GP, get the largest gauge wiring that you can get. This is one of those things that bigger is better and you should notice a more positive kick to the starting of the engine as there will be less voltage drop across the wiring which will lead to more power to the starter.

 

A new twist- I took jimboV8's advice and shut off the acc panel and audio system and locked the car overnight and it started fine. To car5car's point the battery was 3.5 years old so I figured it didn't have much time left anyway and replaced it seeing how weak batteries wreak havoc on Jag electrical systems. I bought the cables but haven't installed them yet. I guess this means I have a loose ground somewhere in the acc or audio system wiring.