XJ XJ6 / XJR6 ( X300 ) 1995-1997

The "most common" problems?

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Old 12-07-2010, 08:49 PM
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Default The "most common" problems?

Boyo's question in the "Rocker Massage" thread got my curiosity piqued;

Therefore I invite all so-inclined to weigh-in with your X300 issues, past and present.

I obtained a '95 VDP in late Aug, 2010 with 63K miles, practically mint condition, housed in a heated/cooled garage and impeccably maintained!
(lucky me!!!) even so, it sports/has sported in my ownership, the following "flaws:"

- Anti-Lock light (with help from Motorcarman have diagnosed as ABS module cracked solder joints but haven't pulled it for repair yet)
- Intermittent Secondary Air pump codes illuminate Chk Eng light
- Memory seat inop (seat moves all axis, but memory doesn't work)
- Clock digits show up occasionally on a whim and a dare, otherwise blank
- Right front door speaker rumbles
- Seat heaters inop (both sides)
- Low / no oil pressure indication
- Bubbles in Engine top cover (valve cover)
- Sagging Headliner

So what's going on with other X300's out there? I believe all of mine can be found in one version or another of the "pre-buy checklists" available on this forum or others, and yet, there is a bunch of other stuff on those lists that I'm thankful I avoided, though I did see a lot of those problems in vehicles I looked at. The list above looks kind of imposing, but honestly, it is a beautiful car and an absolute pleasure to drive (100 mi / day, actually) and I really had to spend awhile thinking of these to put the list together. This thread is a stab at "most common" not most serious, most annoying, most difficult to diagnose or anything like that.
 
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Old 12-07-2010, 09:04 PM
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You nailed a good amount of them. One that I have read about is something having to do with the brake lights having a short or something that causes the car to not shift out of park. That's a problem I have right now.
 
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Old 12-07-2010, 09:05 PM
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Oh another is the review mirror turning dark from the LCD going out.
 
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Old 12-07-2010, 11:02 PM
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Here's my list from June '06 to November '10:

31k miles: replace tilt motor, replace all front wheel bearings, replace all brake pads

32k miles: repair right front door latch switch, replace trans mount, replace p/s hose

33k miles: replace thermostat

40k miles: replace one oxygen sensor, replace intercooler pump

41k miles: replace trans mount spring

51k miles: replace water pump, repair right rear door latch switch

55k miles: replace brake light switch, replace front rotors

67k miles: replace right rear wheel bearings

70k miles replace differential

81k miles: replace air injection pump, replace both exhaust manifolds, replace idler pullies

91k miles: replace starter


Not in my log book are three radio replacements, one clock replacement, two headlamp replacement (rocks), one bent wheel repair (rock), various panel bulb replacments, sub-woofer repair, and 15 new tires.

Routine service (oil, fluids, filters, belts, spark plugs, hoses, etc) not listed

I bought the car at 30k miles, by the way

Cheers
DD
 

Last edited by Doug; 12-07-2010 at 11:04 PM. Reason: Added sub-woofer repair
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Old 12-07-2010, 11:08 PM
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Originally Posted by aholbro1;278857-

- Memory seat inop (seat moves all axis, but memory doesn't work)
- Seat heaters inop (both sides)
- Bubbles in Engine top cover (valve cover)

.


FTR, my seat memory function has never been quite right. It works---sorta. I don't use or miss it.

My cam cover has started bubbling as of a few months ago

My seat heaters (both) just recently went on the blink... my next project.

Cheers
DD
 
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Old 12-07-2010, 11:44 PM
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Here's mine, some have already been stated of course:

-Clock display
-Rocker cover corrosion
-Sagging headliner
-Rear end rattle (pretty sure it's A-Frame bushes)
-Incandescent backlights (because the're such a bugger to replace - Jaguar should have thought of this and used LEDs all round. I know they knew how to use them as there are some in the J-Gate!)
-Rear air-con vent (horrible plastic clip breaks)
-Entire door interior trim panel starts flapping around
-Undertray all or partially gone
-Foggy, yellowed headlights

Here is the list I always give people (not mine, it's on a few websites):

Jaguar 1995-1997 X300 (AJ16)
Common Problems/Weaknesses – After 10 yrs/100,000 miles
1 Cracks in exhaust manifold
2 Faint LCD clock display segments
3 Leaking automatic dimming rear view mirror – free replacement (improved model)
4 Oil pressure sender fails – early models only
5 Seat memory (small changes?) and stiff front to back movement switch
6 Fuel sender shows 3/4 full when tank full – clean or renew sender unit
7 Rust spots along windscreen rubber area – visual check
8 Failed steering wheel motor, either the up/down (tilt) or in/out (drive coupling shaft fails)
9 Leaking camshaft cover seal – check the front of the head for oil leaks – renew seal
10 Cylinder head gasket – slight oil loss near oil galley – renew with improved version
11 Front lower wishbone bushes worn – renew
12 Split on front downpipe – repair by welding
13 Rust on rear wheel arches (pre ‘95 models)
14 Radio fails to recognise CD player (NOT CONT) – (re)solder SMD component
15 Rough idle – use correct spark plugs
16 Dirty throttle body – can lead to stiff throttle/rough idle – clean
17 Corroding rear bumper supports – renew
18 Mouldy smell when air conditioning switched on or off – clean evaporator
19 Timing chain rattle -fit new-style tensioner
20 Worn front shock absorber isolators cause clunking noises from front of car – renew
21 Worn lower radiator mounting bushes – renew
22 Leaking pwr steering high-pressure hose-renew every 100,000 km
23 Petrol tank takes ages to completely fill-clean pipe to charcoal canister
24 Failed J-gate lighting – renew bulb or use a green 12V LED
25 Premium sound rear woofer cone detaching from voice coil
26 Sagging headliner (hot climates only)
27 Cable(s) through boot lid hinge can fracture
28 Worn driver’s seat bolsters
29 Corroded valve cover
30 Loose flex (Jurid) driveshaft fitting – tighten
31 Broken fins on rear centre-vent
32 Bad brake/park microswitch – adjust
33 Heater pump fails – renew brushes (brushes N/A from Jaguar)
34 Interior lights flicker – clean or renew rear door microswitch
35 Boot lock barrel seized – clean & lubricate (graphite powder) – use regularly to avoid prob
36 Worn A-frame bushes cause knocking noises from rear of car – renew
37 Supercharger pulley bearing fails – renew
38 Dash lights fail or intermittent – renew/repair ECU in steering column
39 Bowden cable to open driver’s door fails – renew or repair
40 Dull/misty headlamps – clean the INSIDE of the glasses using a polishing compound
41 Cracked seat frame – weld together
42 Leaking oil bypass O-rings – renew
43 Leaking CPS O-ring – renew
44 Loose upper steering column
45 Loose front undertray
46 Play in driver’s seat tracks
47 Corroded bulkhead post terminal
48 High level brake light comes unstuck – re-glue
49 Bonnet insulation rubbing
50 Door stay breaks away from door
51 Crankshaft position sensor fails – Renew every 100K mile
This Go LPG site has a pretty good list too: http://www.go-lpg.co.uk/X300_faults.html
 

Last edited by Oubadah; 12-07-2010 at 11:47 PM.
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  #7  
Old 12-08-2010, 12:14 AM
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Here are some points of interest, both unconfirmed, that I'd like your opinions on:

1) I've seen certain sellers state that high temp climates (ie. Singapore) are "not good for the wiring looms" in the cars. This is usually to help promote the Jap/Brit/etc. import they are trying to sell, so I've always taken it with a grain of salt. Does anyone know if ther is any truth behind it? I should state that my dads car is a singapore import and we've never had trouble with the wiring in that.

2) I can't find it now, but I remember reading in the Jag lovers X300 e-book (I think it was anyway), that early X300 models had problems with uneven idling, and that later models were "fitted with reprofiled cams to overcome this". I can certainly say that my 95 X300 has a mildly irritating 'uneven idle'. (And no, it's not only in park mode - I saw a thread on that).

It annoys me that people constantly drop comments like "get a 97 x300, they're the only good ones", or "96 and 97 X300s are the best", and are never prepared to offer any evidence to back up their claim. When pushed, they usually mumble something about crossover features from the XJ40 - like the XJ40 is some kind of pariah. I had decided that such people were merely talking out their *****, but could this reprofiled cam business be a genuine reason to buy a later year X300 over an older model?

I'll try and find the exact quote and source...
 

Last edited by Oubadah; 12-08-2010 at 12:18 AM.
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Old 12-08-2010, 12:35 AM
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I can see where high *humidity* might be a problem....on older models with the non-sealed electrical connectors, such as our dear old Ser IIIs. Otherwise....hooey.

Now, if we were talking about engine heat, then, yes, wiring damage is very common.

I hadn't heard about the camshaft bit but that doesn't mean anything. I'll see if I can find a bulletin pertaining to such a change. I do recall a bulletin mentioning revised motor mounts to lessen an idle vibration...but that not quite the same thing.

Jaguar, as most others, worked out small bugs as the models continued on but I can't think of any examples to cite regarding our X300s. Looking at the big 51 item list I'm pretty sure all X300s are equally susceptible to all the faults. It's hardly as though the '95s were duds by any means, and certainly nothing like the early vs. late XJ40s where many significant changes were indeed made.

Cheers
DD
 
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Old 12-08-2010, 12:42 AM
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I found it, for what it's worth:

Jag-Lovers' x300 Ebook, 2 - Engine, last paragraph:

"Reprofiled cams were fitted to later models to overcome some problems with uneven idling".

Unhelpfully, it doesn't go into any further detail, or define a 'later model'.
 

Last edited by Oubadah; 12-08-2010 at 12:45 AM.
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Old 12-08-2010, 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Oubadah
Here are some points of interest, both unconfirmed, that I'd like your opinions on:

1) I've seen certain sellers state that high temp climates (ie. Singapore) are "not good for the wiring looms" in the cars. This is usually to help promote the Jap/Brit/etc. import they are trying to sell, so I've always taken it with a grain of salt. Does anyone know if ther is any truth behind it? I should state that my dads car is a singapore import and we've never had trouble with the wiring in that.

2) I can't find it now, but I remember reading in the Jag lovers X300 e-book (I think it was anyway), that early X300 models had problems with uneven idling, and that later models were "fitted with reprofiled cams to overcome this". I can certainly say that my 95 X300 has a mildly irritating 'uneven idle'. (And no, it's not only in park mode - I saw a thread on that).

It annoys me that people constantly drop comments like "get a 97 x300, they're the only good ones", or "96 and 97 X300s are the best", and are never prepared to offer any evidence to back up their claim. When pushed, they usually mumble something about crossover features from the XJ40 - like the XJ40 is some kind of pariah. I had decided that such people were merely talking out their *****, but could this reprofiled cam business be a genuine reason to buy a later year X300 over an older model?

I'll try and find the exact quote and source...

When looking over my 97 x300 prior to purchase, the previous lady owner mentioned that her mechanic said that the 97 models were the best as they were the end of the run and had all or most of the glitches of earlier models ironed out by then. I took it with a grain of salt, but thought it made sense, as it would with any car. I didn't know as much about these cars as I do now and have to say that I am delighted with it.

Apart from a dead radio and rear shock bushes, there was nothing apparently wrong with the car. It is the executive model and has all the whistles and bells and everything, apart from the radio, works perfectly.

Touch wood, no complaints. The only "major issue" I have with the car is the sometimes common top coat peel. Though you can see that and it's not something that sneaks up on you and leaves you stranded! It will be sorted in time.
 
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Old 12-08-2010, 03:45 PM
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I seriously dobt any change occurred between '95 and '96 in that the ECU mapping is apparently the same.
 
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Old 12-08-2010, 08:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Oubadah
I found it, for what it's worth:

Jag-Lovers' x300 Ebook, 2 - Engine, last paragraph:

"Reprofiled cams were fitted to later models to overcome some problems with uneven idling".

Unhelpfully, it doesn't go into any further detail, or define a 'later model'.




The gist of tech bulletin 12-57:

"To improve idle quality, revised camshafts with reduced valve timing overlap were introduced on the normally aspirated engines as running change 95/13.

The original camshafts, with a maximum opening position of 110 degrees have been superseded by camshafts with a maximum opening position of 114 degrees. This change is accomplished by machining the camshaft slot in a different position. The valve timing overlap is reduced from 22 degrees on the 110 camshafts to 14 degrees on the 114 camshafts, Illustration 1.

The maximum opening position of the 114 intake camshaft is 114 degrees after top dead center (ATDC) while the maximum opening position of the exhaust camshaft is 114 degrees before top dead center (BTDC).

Normally aspirated engines with the 110 camshafts, that exhibit poor idle quality, can be modified to achieve the same reduction in valve timing overlap as with the 114 camshafts.

NOTE : Refer to Illustration 5, to identify engines with 110 camshafts that have already been modified.


The 114 camshafts were introduced for a period, withdrawn, and then reintroduced as a permanent change"


Here are the break points by engine number:

Sedans:
Intro of 114 cam 9JPFRB129201 Reintroduction of 110 cam 9JPFRB130241 Reintroduction of 114 cam 9JPFNB133653

XJS:
Intro of 114 cam 9LPFLB129209 Reintroduction of 110 cam 9LPFLB1203243 Reintroduction of 114 cam 9LPFLB133745

Cheers

DD
 
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Old 12-08-2010, 09:24 PM
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Here are the TSBs in question that I have in my collection of info.

bob gauff
 
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
03-1-04 Poor Idle Quality.pdf (284.4 KB, 815 views)
File Type: pdf
03-1-05 Valve Timing Changes.pdf (109.1 KB, 444 views)
File Type: pdf
03-1-06 Camshaft Timing.pdf (113.3 KB, 591 views)
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Old 12-08-2010, 11:34 PM
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Those bulletins seem to refer exclusively to 4.0L AJ16. What of the 3.2L variant?
 
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Old 12-09-2010, 03:59 AM
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My list so far,

12/95 build XJ6 "base model", 3.2ltr.

Purchased 18 months ago, at 141000kms, one owner.

As per Doug, oil/filter etc NOT included.

Sagging headliner.
RH seat bolster leather rubbed/scuffed.
Timing chain rattle.
Very gooey throttle body.
Bubbly camcover.
Power steer supply hose leaking.
Gearlever interlock sticking.
Some fool had gassed the A/C with LPG.
Instrument globes out, numerous.
Water pump noisey.
LHF door light switch erratic.
Noisey fuel pump, sometimes.
Erratic fuel gauge, needs the upgrade sender unit.

What I have done since owning.

Full service, ALL fluids and filters as needed, all brake pads/rotors, tinted front windscreen, tinted side windows, timing chains/tentioners/guides/etc, water pump, ALL coolant hoses, all belts, external transmission cooler, external power steer cooler, headlining replaced, gearlever interlock removed.
 
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Old 12-09-2010, 08:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Oubadah
Those bulletins seem to refer exclusively to 4.0L AJ16. What of the 3.2L variant?
We never had the 3.2 L variant here in the US so no info was given.
You will need to find someone who has the TSBs for the markets that had the 3.2 liter engine option.

All the TSBs I have are for the US or Canadian Market (North America)

bob gauff
 
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Old 12-12-2010, 06:03 PM
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I've been trying to find TSBs relevant to my car with little success.

Here is a quote from 'Uncle' on the Jag Lovers forum regarding this reprofiled cam business:

Look to your engine block, at the base of the CMPS, if you have a
punch mark on the flat, you have the later profile.
I think very few had the original grind.
Now what is the 'CMPS' exactly? I asked on the JagLovers thread, but no-one replied (at least I think no-one replied - it's hard to tell on that forum to be honest. They use some god awful message board system from the dinosaur age, and in the past I've seen my threads divided into multiple parts spread throughout the forum. That's why I usually avoid that site).

Anyway, if someone could tell me what the CMPS is I'd be much obliged. Something position sensor is it?
 
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Old 12-12-2010, 08:03 PM
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Camshaft position sensor

Cheers
DD
 
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Old 12-12-2010, 10:18 PM
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Is that where it should be?
 
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Old 12-19-2010, 06:15 PM
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hey all ,what was done to rectefy the heated seats inop problem ,and is abs module in the x300 prone to bad soulder joints like my xk8..steve
 

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