Is there anyway to narrow the fault down to a specific engine problem before taking it in for repair? In my last car, a 1982 XJ there was a switch position on the ignition that would give you a fault code. On my 2004 XJ there is no such option.
Can anyone enlighten me?

 

You are surely not right here. The '82 XJ saloons had no digital electronics with fault codes on them; the EFI was analogue (Lucas/Bosch L Jetronic). Ignition was a separate analogue system too. I had an '80 from 1988 to 2002.

Anyway, the answer, (unfortunately), is that unless you have your own code reader, there is no method of displaying the stored fault codes on the dash display.

 

I also had an 80 xjs and remember no way to check faults.

And don't call me Shirley

 

Before you go to the mechanic, remove and re-tighten the gas cap. Mine needs to be tightened until it clicks 3 or 4 times. If not, it will light up the amber service lamp. Try this and then drive it five miles or so. Mine does this a couple times a year, but the cap looks fine.

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ar-wash-66065/
See my above post.

 

Most places like AutoZone will read codes for you for free. I bought a scanner to keep in my glove box in case I have something come up that prevents me from being able to drive to them to get the codes read.

 

Thanks guys for your responses. Silly me! I meant to say that I previously owned a 1992 VDP, not a 1982. Slip of the typing finger.

Interesting suggestions for sure. I will try the gas cap tighten and the car wash solutions, since they cost nothing. If those don't work, there is an AutoZone that I will go to. If they can identify the code for me that will be great.

Appreciate all your inputs. Happy motoring!