So, this is my first Jaguar ('97 XJ6) and I bought her knowing a new alternator was needed. I a fairly capable DIY mechanic and figured I could change the thing out in 30 minutes at home.

I got to poking around in the engine when I got her home and realized how much electrical stuff is going on in this car. (I stalked these forums before joining/when I was contemplating buying, I can't say I wasn't warned.) I'm now wondering if I want to mess with all that and how much trouble I might get into replacing the alternator.

What are your opinions? This car is now my daily driver. If she's out of commission, I'm out of luck. Should I jump head first into at-home Jaguar maintenance, or is this a job I should probably pay someone a couple hundred dollars to do and wait until I know this car a bit better?

 

You won't get into any electrical trouble replacing the alternator. As with any other car you'll disconnect the battery before beginning the job and reconnect it when done. If yours is like mine ....I strongly suspect it is....the wiring at the alternator is all mistake-proof.

As for the mechanics of the job I doubt that you're in for any surprises. It is a straightforward job on the XJR, at least. The mounting might be different on the standard XJ6 but I can't imagine it being more difficult on the standard engine versus the supercharged engine.

In short, I say 'go for it'.

Cheers
DD

 

Replacing the alternator on an XJ6 is actually more straight forward compared to an XJR or so it looks like it. I can replace the alternator on an XJ6 in probably a little less than an hour but looking at my XJR, the alternator looks like it's tucked under the supercharger so getting to the alternator would have to be from under the car. In the XJ6, everything is more exposed so the alternator can be reached from the top

 

Exacly right.

But, once you get yourself situated under there it isn't particularly difficult. Easier than some other cars I've owned, that's for sure !

Cheers
DD

 

from under is the way to go. Did mine a few weeks back, and it didn't take long at all.