Good morning, My car is making a clicking noise when I turn the key in the ignition. Lights seem fine so don't think it is the battery. I am trying to see where the starting motor is in my engine but cannot find it. Would anyone have an image of it so I know where it is? My car is an XJ Executive 1997 automatic. Thanks. Regards Martin.

 

Martin,

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to X300 forum.

Members here with the same model will be able to help.

Graham

 

thank you very much

 

Hi and welcome to the forum,
Your starter motor (if my memory is correct) is on the drivers side of the motor at the rear of course up under the intake manifold area. This location can make it hard to see at first. I would caution you that just because your light looks bright does not mean the battery is not low enough on charge to cause the condition you are talking about. Best thing to do is make sure your battery is fully charged and all connections are clean and tight and go from there.

 

Of course, for XJExecutive, his starter is on the Passenger side!

Now, if the headlights lights do not blink for the second you engage the starter, then the next step is looking at the four power terminals under the dash- two "bulkhead connectors" on the outer upper parts of the firewall and the two main power luf=gs on the fuse panels. Look for corrosion and make sure the bolts are tight.It is best to remove a battery lead before messing with them, just in case!

 

I tried with a friend earlier. He removed a wheel and jacked the car up but he couldn't budge the screws on the starter motor so I have decided to leave it where it is and phone the garage on Tuesday as it's a bank holiday Monday tomorrow.
This is a great site made special by guys like you who are willing to help as you do.
Regards
Martin

 

Welcome Martin. Replacing the starter motor is one of the few things I've left to the Jag workshop as well. Frankly they a pig to access and the bolts don't let go easily! Beyond that, these engines are generally very DIY friendly, even for me!

Enjoy your X300, they are a beautiful thing.

 

Good morning Tony, Thanks for your message. I've missed my car being outside in my drive. I love the craftsmanship of the body work and see it from my office and my bedroom. These last few days I've been looking at an empty space. I'm just about to call the garage and fingers crossed; all will get moving and my car can come home.
I appreciate all the messages I have received in response to my plea for help.
Regards
Martin

 

Confusion caused by referring to driver and passenger side is precisely why Jaguar (and other manufacturers) use LH and RH to describe parts position.

Graham

 

And would that be facing the car or inside the car

 

Left side (LH) & Right side (RH) is the perspective from inside the car (as in LHD vs RHD).

I can think of one exception (although there may be others...) where "drivers" vs. "passenger" side IS the most relevant description, and that relates to the front seat belt buckles - they are definitely different for driver vs passenger and in this case "drivers" side means whichever side the steering wheel is on (i.e. fits drivers side on both LHD & RHD). As many owners know, the drivers side buckle is a common weakness on X300's and most will need it replacing at some point.

 

I'll try again here, in hopes John will let me get away with it this time (See posts 47-50 here: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...e3/#post282883)
My favorite on LHD/RHD/DS/PS has to be this gem I found on the Ford diesel board:

"All odd # cylinders are on the passenger's side, as viewed from the engine bay."

 

Clear as mud!

 

How long did they think about that one I wonder

 

Good morning all,
I found out from the garage I went to that you can get an automatic out of gear by pressing the VALET button. I knew about this button but never pressed it as I did not know what it was for. Anyway; they towed my car and discovered it was the battery that was flat. The alternator belt was also quite loose. They towed it 5 miles, tightened the belt and charged the battery all for £52.50 plus VAT. Total £63. I was totally delighted. I have my car back and have found a new mechanic. Not bad overall eh? I always think of this site when I have a problem and am always filled with hope when you guys offer suggestions of help. I really think this is a superb site, made superb by the generous people who are willing to help. Thanks to all. Regards Martin