My 2011 xj has an odd howl noise that seems to go away once I’m moving above 20-30 . The sound matches the speed of the engine ... any idea what it could be ? And I also noticed between 1800-2300 rpm give or take there is an odd what see,s like powertrain vibration , not sure if it’s motor mounts or what . The car pulls fine , but under lighter loads it’s more noticeable...I listen on startups for any timing chain rattle or things of that sort and it starts up fine no chatter . I’m not sure where to start with these issues.

 

The sound at 1800-2300 could very well be mounts. I had a slight grunt/ vibration noise at similar rpm range as I applied or removed my foot from accelerator. All 3 of my mounts required replacement, but the transmission mount made the biggest difference. Though if one mount needs replacement, you should do all three (2 engine, one transmission).

The howl I’m not sure. Alternator, vacuum leak, or exhaust leak would be wild guesses. Hopefully you can use a mechanics stethoscope (the kind where you can listen with an open tube on the end) to isolate where the noise is coming from. Let us know what you find.

 

Nick is right and has suggested the most probable area to start with parts replacement imho.

I have had my XJ for 3 months and in that time have done my due diligence in research, which has revealed members that have described similar symptoms as you have reported, and the fix being transmission and engine mounts.
Some members have been chasing their tails and have replaced tires, wheels, bushes etc but I think that mounts are the first port of call for your vehicle age and symptoms.
I have just purchased a new genuine transmission mount for fitment, I don't have a howl or any vibration as yet, but have noticed the slightest of noises from the transmission area the moment I get off the accelerator while driving around town, its not a thud or clunk yet but I think its time for me to replace the mount anyway, not due to mileage of the vehicle as I think its pretty low but due to the fact of age as mine is 2011. After the transmission mount is replaced I will progress to the engine mounts. Am doing a full transmission flush and new pan and seals etc at the same time just because I think 60,000km is long enough for transmission fluid service life.

Regarding parts manufacturers some have said to stay away from the Eurospare and Hamburg tech parts due to premature failure. Although not having tried these specific manufacturers I have no personal experience to draw from, but I cant stand putting good money into possible bad items.

As a heads up though, if you are going to go ahead with engine mount replacements, I have noted that there is a sticker on the genuine mounts which tells the manufacture date, so don't get suckered into purchasing cheap genuine engine mounts with a manufacture date that still leaves them 7 years old despite them being unused or un fitted, there are examples of such parts on ebay. Look for manufactured parts that have minimal ageing if possible.

Part numbers for the mounts correct for your vehicle
Transmission mount: C2D38505
Engine Mount: C2D2745

here's a few links to parts I have purchased and some I am staying away from.
Keep in mind I am in Australia so you may be able to source genuine parts cheaper in your home country.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/zf-6hp26...g/192313515502

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/JAGUAR-O...72.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Jagu...72.m2749.l2649

Hope this helps, and best of luck.
Regards
B.

parts I did not buy

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Jaguar-F...YAAOSw7MNcUI3I

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-And-...4AAOSw6DhdpccH

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Jaguar-F...UAAOSw2VZduvoa

 

As I have been through 2 sets of mounts, the first due to torgue starts at the 1/2 mile acceleration runs and the second set due to age. The motor mounts are fluid willed to isolate and dampen the motor and the transmission while not fluid filled does dampen noise and vibration. you will notice a difference and I recommend replacing all 3 each time and I'm now @ 107k on an XJ that I factory ordered. .

 

The transmission mount is also fluid filled.

 

Thanks I did not know that and stand corrected , but I'm not surprised.

 

+1 on transmission mount

A worn out mount on my old X350 caused vibrations and howling.

 

For what it's worth, I've had good experiences with both those brands. OEM Jag parts aren't really worth their price.

 

Hey guys thanks for all the info ! I went to see my mechanic , we ran a scan and it pulled a p0660 code that wasn’t triggering the engine light , but that code definitely explains the vibration I feel that comes and goes and happens at idle , but I’m not sure where to go from that code because I can find a part that would correlate. Any idea ?