Putting X300 back on road after winter, done engine and diff oil changes.

Went for test drive drove, went well but struggling to get past 4,000 revs. (sport mode) general hesitant and missing. Exhaust then got loud and a reduction of power.

Got back home and exhaust mid section has split.

Can do patch repair, but engine not starting, get 'Check Engine' light + Air Bag SRS lights. No cranking. Tried disconnecting battery for 20 minutes to reset, no difference.

Possibly the O2 sensors?

Do I need a code reader to check (would prefer one that'll reads other vehicles) ?

 

No starter rotation , check the starter solenoid relay by feel and not sound that it clicks ( large # 4 left )

This splits your starter rotation issue in half

If the exhaust split is before the rear O2 sensors it will bias the O2 sensors to make the engine run rich


So the sensors should not be changed at this point

Since yours is a British model you will only have 2 O2 sensors

 

Split is in single pipe section after Sensors.

The air bag srs light comes on when turning key to start engine and off when released, like it's not even trying. Dash bulbs don't dim either. Will need to check if fans are starting or not, can't remember.

 

Fans are tricky if they have been modified by the TSB so would disregard . effects when they start

Starter solenoid relay ?

Does the voltage sag alot on the starter engage position rotation of the key ?

Do not install battery in backwards as the positive post should be fwd

Do not overtighten the positive battery post

 

Fans are wired to always run and run when ignition is on.

Voltage is good. No drop when attempting to start engine, only the difference is the air bag light comes on. Dash lights stay bright. Check Engine light stays on.

Going to ask helpful local mechanic mate to read &reset codes.

 

Reading and reset code will do nothing to start engine

Battery age and test , age is not a factor these days

Once the engine is running and power is stable the airbag light may go out , think it runs a start - up self test that it never completes

For starter enable there is something you can easily do that insures power is on all points of the car , you can do as 1 person , yourself

Relays clicking / swapping



With the key in the run position remove the 1 relay in the corner of each of the 5 relay boxes with the exception of the left engine bay fuse box

This left only runs the car horn so is a swapping option

The relays should click in your finger on removal with key in run

This ensures you have power to the items ( list ) that enable the body processor to click the starter solenoid relay to close

If you slightly move the shift lever slightly out of the park position ( not in park switch ) you should feel by touch the key barrel to click , this proves the not in park switch

The rotary switch ( for start ) is on the transmission body on the left side , no jacking required. There is a mounting holes adjustment to it but wouldn't disturb until other things checked

One other item

See page 17 - 23

X300 1996 LWB.pdf (jagrepair.com)

There are 2 fuses for starter solenoid relay # X and # Y

Body processor module fuse # Z

Ensure the ECU control relay clicks ( # 5 large relay under the hood ) , this is the 2nd power to the ECU used at all times

2 fuses for that as # A and # B

And 1st power to the ECU as # C

You will have a chip in key immobilizer on your British model that you can ensure the decoder is powered ( BT4 connector above the fuel tank )

I'll be back in a couple of hours

 

Forgot the 3.2 liter engine / transmission does not have the transmission rotary switch

 

Checked easy option first, gear selector,and could hear a relay clicking. Turned key and it started!

Thank you @Parker 7