Going on 95K miles and I just got my first suspension fault. I left work to get lunch and notice a very bad ride and then suspension fault coming on. I parked the car and shut it off. I notice the rear was extended, drivers side normal and passenger side was low almost riding on the tire. After picking up lunch and I restarted the car, it leveled out and was normal going back to work. I let it sit for an hour and it sat normal. I started the car and the passenger side went down. I drove it about 200 ft shut it off, sat a minute, restarted the car and it pumped up to normal passion. Two hours later it is still sitting normal. To add insult to injury I went to pop the bonnet to check for a leak and the release cable broke.

Anyone know an easy way to get the bonnet open and what may be my suspension problem

 

If the bonnet release cable is inoperable, one still can raise the bonnet.

The are 2 hood catches and you need to access these through the front grills.

You will need to pull the 2 grill inserts out of the grill frame. From there, you can access the catches and spring them open. One will have a security metal sheet in front which can be bent away.

I have had to do this myself. If lucky, only the release handle has come away from the cable. Hopefully the cable is not snapped.

If I recall, there is a great how-to on the UK site. I will take a look...Here 'tis http://www.jaguarforum.com/showthread.php?t=36396

Good luck, it can be done.
-mag

 

I had a similar problem with the hood release. The mechanic took the cover off where the hood release handle was and pulled it with a vise grips. Bonnet popped open. However we did the smart thing and replaced the hood release cable which was not a difficult job. Cable was $105.00. from Jaguar. Works perfect and smooth now.

The suspension system is a nightmare. It can be a shock or it can be a compressor. In my case it was a shock. Jag cost over a $1000. for one shock. I decided on Strutmaster conversion system. $1468. for four shocks. Half a days labor. And they come with a lifetime warranty. Rides better than original.

Best of Luck
Jag XJ8 2004
ex Jag XJ6 1996

 

Thank you Mag and Robert. It turns out the cable came lose from the release handle and was easily repaired, as for the suspension it has behaved since that one day a week ago so it can't be the compressor or air shocks. I am seeing some other codes coming up now and once cleared they don't come back except the "Parking Brake Fault". I am think I may have a battery going bad.