Hi, I have a 1996 xj6 3.2l I have recently been given by a family member. Unfortunately it is not starting and has been parked for approximately for the last 5-6 years. The car is cranking while attached to jump leads and really feels like it wants to start but unfortunately just isn’t getting there.

Any advice or tips on how to get the car started would be greatly appreciated.

 

Check to make sure the inertia switch hasn't been set off.

That will cut off the fuel pump. It will try to turn over, but the engine never will.

 

The crankshaft position sensor can cause the car to crank but not start. Usually the rev counter will flicker when cranking if the sensor is OK. If there is no movement in the rev counter the sensor is likely to be faulty. It is a common problem and an easy fix. The sensor is located at the crankshaft pulley at the front of the engine. Many owners carry a spare. I have had 2 faulty sensors (genuine Jaguar parts not OEM).

 

Make sure you have a strong battery connected, directly and or through jump leads. The car will crank, but if the cranking voltage isn’t high enough, some of the electronics won’t work and she won’t start.

 

Stored AJ16 engines on storage get a bore wash condition and loss of compression to carry on forward

Hold the pedal to the floor and crank and the ECU knows and was designed to cut off fuel , This returns the oil seal with the piston rings

Recharge battery to full

Do not install battery in backwards , postive post fwd , mark with tape

Do not over tighten the positive battery post

Observe your starter voltage sag

Definitely change the fuel and fuel filter , behind left rear tire , O -rings are down inside the new filter , arrow to outboard , 1/4 inch hose can siphon from the fill cap . 6 foot , some X300s have a siphon hose trap / block but not mine

In the very beginning on rotation of the key the fuel pump will come on for 3 seconds only

The fuel pressure ( 43 psi ) will be trapped in the fuel lines by the fuel pressure regulator, injuctors , and a check valve in the fuel pump

If you listen very carefully you can hear the fuel pump , fwd of the fwd trunk liner

The tank runs along the back of the rear seat and the pump is on the high side

In order that the fuel pump be commanded on the ECU must be powered by the relay attached to the right engine bay fuse box

Best to place your finger on it as other relays in the area will click like the large # 5 ECU control relay

This relay must lick closed as this is your 2nd power to the ECU that is needed at all times

Caution on loosening a fuel fitting as someone recently twisted off a fuel rail fitting

The FPR is a rubber diaphragm that can crack and you will see fuel in the FPR attached Vac line , loss of needed fuel pressure during initial start sequence