If the coil was shorted would it work below 9mph, but then get stiff over 9mph?

 

The solenoid moves, just all at once open or closed at 9mph.

 

The language in the manual that I quoted earlier makes it sound as though the transition from "full assistance" to "least assistance" should be gradual. But if your solenoid is actually opening and closing, then for now I would assume that the problem is not the actuator, but something upstream, such as the Steering Angle Sensor, the speed signal from the IC to the GEM, a problem in CAN communication between the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) control module and the Instrument Cluster, or some other issue.

Do I remember correctly that you have not had the car scanned for stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)? I think any codes related to the VAPS would be either C (Chassis) or U (Undefined, mostly network-related) codes, so a typical generic OBDII scanner won't be able to read them. It might be worth finding a good independent Jaguar mechanic who can scan for Jaguar proprietary codes for a hopefully low cost. That may be the only way to determine the part of the system that is malfunctioning.

Have you searched the forum or google for reports of similar problems on any model of Jaguar (as tbird6 mentioned, the S-Type is probably very similar to the X350).

According to tbird6, on the S-Type the VAPS is controlled by the FEM, but in scanning the schematics and manuals I can't confirm that the same is true on the X350. tbird6, can you elaborate?

Cheers,

Don

 

Yes it is throwing a code now.

After hard reset, (touching negative to positive with battery unhooked) it was showing this code. I did web lookup and a site said this..

P1000 - Jaguar
Type Powertrain - Manufacturer Controlled DTC - Manufacturer Controlled
Description
Engine control module (ECM) - internal error
Cause
ECM

After driving it for a week, now
It is showing this code now

P1111 - Jaguar
Type Powertrain - Manufacturer Controlled DTC - Manufacturer Controlled
Description
Engine control module (ECM) - internal error
Cause
ECM

I was reading a different thread and I thought they said it was normal. If computor is good, should my 2004 jaguar vanden plas show any code? Thanks.

Also memory seat function only work intermittently and the cruise control has never worked. Thanks.

This is the only jag I have had so I don't know what is normal.

I was thinking of finding the computer or module that runs these things and spraying contact cleaner on the connections.

And the reverse parking backup system works sometimes. Once I just stopped at a red light and it started beeping. The power steering always goes hard at 9 mph and above, and gets easy at 9 mph and lower... always. . though.

 

As far as the ecm, the code it is throwing, could that be the responsible for all of these things

1. Steering servotronic solenoid transducer. 9mph threshold - open or closed all the way.
2. Park sensors work intermittently
3. Seat memory intermittently
4. Cruise control never works.

Is the ecm an easy swap or does it need programed?

Does the ecm affect transmission shift points?

 

Those are Powertrain (P) codes and their Jaguar definitions can be found in the Powertrain section of the Workshop Manual as well as in the DTC Summaries manual.

The definitions you list must be from some generic site because they are not correct for your Jaguar X350.

P1000 just means that not enough drive cycles have been completed since the codes were cleared so the system can't report that all is well.

P1111 indicates that the drive cycles have been completed and all is well with the system.

You probably have more codes stored, but your scanner can't read them because they are proprietary Jaguar B, C and/or U codes. To read them takes the dealer-level SDD system, a high-end third-party system such as AutoEnginuity with the extra Jaguar extension, or possibly the iCarsoft i930 Jaguar edition scanner (though initial reviews by forum members have been mixed - I have the BMW version and it's OK).

I think I posted the links to the Workshop Manual downloads earlier. I'm attaching the DTC Summaries manual to this post. There are a couple of versions, one that is only 74 pages. The one I'm attaching is 153 pages.

Cheers,

Don

 

You won't be able to read a code relating to the steering with a generic OBD2 reader, it will be a chassis code starting with C. Need IDS/SDD, an i930, WDS, etc...

The solenoid is a variable device, the frequency of the pulse width modulated voltage (square wave) drives it further open/closed.

As it seems to have an on/off operation on yours it could be a bad solenoid, or it could be a bad signal coming out of the instrument cluster.

To check that signal you will need an oscilloscope to see the square pulses.

 

Thanks for joining in Cambo!

See my post #19 where I point to your photo of the CATS PWM signal on a scope....

Cheers,

Don

 

Oops, I missed that post...lol

 

I must say this forum has a fantastic wealth of knowledge so many people ready to help

 

When did this fault occur was it after some other work on the car

 

I just bought the car and didn't discover the problems until the next day. Rest of the car is super great shape, no leaks, always serviced at the dealer. It looks like body control module might need reprogrammed if that needs replaced. What is the lowest cost programmer tool or software. If I had the right scan tool that let's me program, will it tell me which modules and sensors are faulty, then let me program them to work with the car, or how does that work?

 

Probably time for my $.0002
We leased a 2002 X-Type when they first arrived on the scene. My wife thought the steering was a bit stiff at low speeds, but Ok at hiway speeds.
The dealer first replaced the power steering pump, didn't work. Next they replaced the rack and pinion assembly, didn't work.
Finally someone got smarts and replaced the steering module..it worked..steering now light for slow speeds and still good at hi speeds.
An added benefit was the dash display was now much better and very readable.
Don't know if there are any similarities between the two models in this regard, but it could be...
Good luck...

 

rocknrollteddy,

I happened to find this ZF Servotronic repair manual while answering a question about tie rod torque, and it contains some interesting info about the actuator/transducer, including the fact that you should mark its position before removing it:

http://forum.bmwland.ru/index.php?ac...=post&id=26967

Cheers,

Don

 

Thanks Don. The manual you showed the transducer should read around 7.5 ohms...

 

Guy at shop charged me $120 for diagnosis. I explained at least 3 times to check resistance on solenoid. He never did and just says the steering is normal. On a curvy road i find it a little to much effort to believe the car was designed that way. I guess I will have to check it myself. And they get grease all over the white interior. And mysterious scratches on the car. Then about to give me the car back with the bottom piece and engine cover missing. Then say its about lunch, come back in an hour. Every mechanic I have ever dealt with really annoys me...

 

That's pitiful. If you think you can avoid ever going back, it would be worth posting a full account of your experience on any and all local business review websites, the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, homeadvisor.com, SavaCall.com, etc. Shops should not be allowed to get away with that kind of "customer service" without consequences.

 

Any news on this steering problem

 

Air shock blew.. gotta fix that first.. thanks for asking.. I will post back once I find out...

 

Two mechanics can't see a problem. I dont think a $69000 car should not be this hard to steer. My jag is the only one I have driven enough to know..

I guess the next step is to test drive another one..

This is really frustrating...