Hi There,
My first post...apologies if it's not the right place or something...
My 2004 Vanden Plas began to not start. When I got to the car (my wife’s'), I pushed it over thinking I'd have to jump it. I turned the key and it started. The same thing happened twice today. It only needs to roll a short distance (inches). The clamp holding the shift linkage is tight.
I'd appreciate any help/ideas.
On a side-note. I've not used a forum before so I would also be grateful for any advice on how best to use it.
Thanks in advance
Robin

 

Welcome Fly. I think we're going to need detailed information about "not starting." when it does this, does it crank? Or is it not even turning over? If not, I'm thinking something electrical, ie: not exactly in park, or something wrong with ignition cylinder.

 

Welcome to the forum Robin,

You're in the right place to have posted your tech question about about "not starting". Follow Anxious Jim's advice and add some more detail to help members help you.

When you get a minute, please follow this link to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST section New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum and put in a post introducing yourself and your VDP to all members.

Graham

 

Good Morning Jim, Thanks for responding.
More details gladly given: When you turn the key all instruments/dash lights come on normally but no sound (from the starter/engine), not even a click. I moved the shift lever through all the gears and back into P making sure I could see the orange indicator. Same... dash lights on and not starting. Figuring out that it starts after moving the car was dumb luck. I wanted to hear/see for myself what she described on the phone the first time this happened. So after moving it out of the way I turned the key and it started normally (I've already told my wife I'm not a genious...).
I thought of something else last night. I have been working a back up light issue with a "justanswer.com" tech. The passenger side back up light would only partially light. It isn't the bulb, all the fuses and bulb sockets have the proper voltage, even jumping fuse to bulb didn't work. Three days into testing these things, the driver side brake lights started going out when the car is put into reverse. He "suspects" it's the Rear Electronoc Module.
Since I know very little about The VDP (other than my wife loves it) I figured I can't assume one thing isn't connecteds to another. And I suppose replaceing an REM is something that has to be done by a dealer.
I do appreciate having someone to talk to about this (it's a first).
Thanks

 

Do you hear the solenoid clicking when you press the brake pedal to move it from park? If you don't, it could be as easy as a faulty brake pedal microswitch...the 97-06 xk8/rs are prone to that failure. my XK8 has had a need for a new one.

If you hear the click, try to move the j-gate to N, and try again...giggle it around a bit in N, and even in P...the neutral safety switch on the transmission sometimes fail also, making it hard to start in P, moving to N often reveals the issue. I've diagnosed this on my xk8 as well (wondering to myself what I HAVEN'T fixed on that car)

 

Thanks H20boy,
I'll try it next time it happens (still intermitten) and let you know. As I'm new to Jaguar, which repair manual is everyone using?

 

the only one I know of as a DIY 'manual' is the latest JTIS (jaguar technician information system) CD, which you can download for free here. Look in the FAQ of the xk8/xkr section, you'll find the link and instructions on how to install and run it from a hard drive. The last version goes to a 2004 XJ. While you're there, grab the electronic parts catalogue, it really helps when you go shopping for an OEM part. The prices shown have no validity, but the part numbers and drawings are a great resource, especially when a VIN split is found.