I had a smog check today and as soon as I pulled out of the parking lot I got a "Cruise Not Available" error message. They had the car on a dynamometer during the test so that may have something to do with it. Anyway, I pulled over and shut the car off for a few minutes. I started it back up and the error message was gone. The only other time I have ever had this displayed was when I had a weak battery. The issue never returned after I installed a new battery.

Anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions?

 

My car is doing the same thing. The first time I start it, the message is displayed. If I drive a short distance and re-start the car, the message goes away. I'm thinking it's battery related, however, it could be a bad switch as well.

 

I purchased a new battery and installed it. No error messages displayed upon start up!

 

That's great XJL!

I wish the same had worked for me! Have you taken a test drive to confirm that your cruise control works and the error message doesn't return?

Out of curiosity, what brand of new battery did you install?

Cheers,

Don

 

I will test it tomorrow. I got the Duralast Gold Battery, Model H8-DLG, from Autozone for $150. Fits perfectly. I have it on a trickle charger overnight to make sure it's fully charged.

 

Most times i have seen this issue it is only a low voltage fault. It can just be as simple as a too much of a drop on cranking of voltage to pop the message, seldom a true fault unless you have a xtype, these are notorious for this message and a vacuum leak.

 

Same battery I installed. Made by Johnson Controls and with better specs than the original Varta that came with the car.

Cheers,

Don

 

The previous battery I installed 2 1/2 years ago was an Interstate Megatron + which is supposed to last 6 years. Although I drive the car almost daily, I only travel a 6-8 miles on surface streets so this may have been part of the problem. Does the car have to travel at highway speeds to maximize the battery charging by the alternator?

 

no, but at that little bit of driving the battery has not recovered much just from the startup and power drawn from it. either move further away from work or put the car on a battery tender overnight every now and then to maintain capacity

 

Thanks Brutal. I saw on another board a work-around was to turn off the climate control when starting up the first time.

I pretty much think it's battery related as well. When my car gets the problem with the EPB then it's a sure sign to go battery shopping. That's what happened to the S-Type I had. The EPB started acting up so I made a quick trip to Pep Boys to pick up a Bosch battery.

 

Update: No issue since I replaced the battery!

 

My update: installed a new battery and no messages anymore. I was also getting DSC not available so I took the hint and got the new battery.

The only issue I need to work on now is getting rid of the water spots on the paint. I may have to wait until a nice day to work on that task.

 

Glad your new battery resolved your issues. I have a relatively new XJ (to me) and I see that the battery is new, but looks to be a "value" brand. Its the right size (huge) and is rated at a the correct CCA, but I just know its going to expose is "value" side some day.

I know everyone has their favorites when it comes to car care products so this is only a suggestion. To truly enhance your paint while preparing it for wax, often a polish is your best bet (I am one of those guys that detail my car 3x a week, you know the type. ) A product "like" Meguiar's Ultimate Polish will help moisturise and add depth to the wax you apply after by removing a lot of swirl marks and fine scratches, and yes it should get your water spots out as well. If it's not cutting enough to remove the spots you may have to go a bit more with Ultimate Compound - a wonderful product that cust without abrasive but uses a chemical process. Its still more work than just waxing, so if your goal is least effort for most return any good cleaner wax will get it all done in a single product. I won't say that your arm won't be sore though. The XJ is a BIG car, LOL!

The Meguiar's Ultimate Polish and wax are two very good products, though strangely the ultimate wax does not thrill me with its "Thin Coat" technology. It may be the height of paint care science, but I don't like the way it feels literally like you put nothing on the car. Some may love it, I am not a fan. Going forward if you always polish before waxing, you will be amazed at how much it steps up the look if your car.