I have a 97 vdp and has been having some stumbles while idling for a bit now. Yesterday i was at a red light on a steepish slope and once i let off the brake to give gas it stalled and hasn’t started since. The A/T failure light came on as well as the ignition/alternator warning, low oil pressure and check engine. I used starter fluid and got it too start but only for about a second then it stalls out again. Any suggestions on a first step ?

 

CEL code ?

Swap the large relay up front referred to as the ECU controlled relay ( right # 5 )

This relay powers the fuel injectors to open along with other engine sensors including bringing power back into the ECU

You can swap this relay with one of the same part #s like the headlights , fog lights, A / C clutch , ect.

 

Do you have an image i can go off to locate it ? Or simply explain where it sits.(photos appeared disregard this reply)

 

So ive checked all fuses and relays and they are working. Whats next ? I thought it was the fuel pump but i can hear it engaging

 

The fuel pump can run but be under performing

This can be the pump itself or the damage the pump can do as it fails on the relay power contact points inside or the burnt pins and sockets on the pump connector not allowing enough current to properly run the pump

A try would be to jumper the relay sockets from 30 to 87 , aftmost position to the frontmost position

The fuel pump relay will click 3 times and the 3rd click closed comes from the crankshaft position sensor . Do you have tachometer indication during start sequence ?

 

The feed hose has been known to separate from the pump, which results in your being able to hear the pump run, but not have any fuel to the engine.
It's not easy, but rigging up a way to check fuel pressure will reveal the values to what are currently, a lot of unknowns on this situation.

 

How can i test the fuel pressure?

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj-xj6-xjr6-x300-26/jaguar-snapon-adapter-tool-jd-208-mt-337a-checking-x300-fuel-pressure-197887/

$3 psi

 

Is there any way to test without a gauge? Can i just remove the fuel filter and see if anyrhjng squirts out when i turn the key on?

 

I would spend the time listening for is it , a open line will not give you the fuel pressure

 

What do you mean?

 

You can disconnect the fuel line at the fuel filter or at the fuel rail, turn the key on and see if fuel gushes out. This doesn't mean that the pressure in the closed system is up to par. But it will tell you if the fuel tank's internal feed hose to the fuel pump is still attached.

Swap the fuel pump relay with the rear window heat relay. Always check for burns on the relay casings, indicating burned contacts inside.

Be ready to catch the fuel if you disconnect the line. The fuel prime at key on is about 3 seconds, then it will shut off (while it waits for engine cranking). Under normal conditions I think about a 8-12 ounces will shoot out in 3 seconds.

 

So i checked line pressure and didn't get any pressure at all, so i opened the tank and found that the hose for the fuel pump was disconnected. I reconnected and it started but is still giving me a rough idle and hesitation while driving feels like it loses gas for a second then comes back as the CEL starts flashing and the car feels like its underperforming or just not getting proper fuel.

 

The regulated pressure trapped by the FPR should be 43 PSI at idle and goes up to 46 by the vacuum line on top of the FPR generated by throttle up the RPM's

You can see the 43 PSI without running the engine

You can jumper the fuel pump relay to command it to run at all times between socket 30 and 87 . this is the aft most socket position to the forward most sockets position

The 2 sockets on the sides you will leave alone

 

So could the FPR be bad if proper pressure isnt there ?

 

Yes , they don't last forever and they are a common easy to find part , not jaguar specific

$ 75 dollars US