I have been trying to sell my 98 Jaguar XJ8 (buying a newer model). I parked it at a friends house and everything worked fine. It probably sat there for a good two months. I decided that I wanted to take it out for a ride the other day and when i started it up i noticed that the check engine light was on. U figured that it was something minor so i took off and while i was accelerating the vehicle would get a vibration. When i am driving at a steady pace lets say 55 it drives fine.

When i come to a stop it still has a intermittent vibration coming from the engine that comes and goes. Does anyone have any ideas what this is? I am going to pull the codes tomorrow and I will post them later.

 

Judging by the year, and the CEL, everyone is going to jump in and say STOP, IT'S YOUR TIMING CHAIN.

Which it could very possibly be. But you also answered your own question. Pull the codes. The OBDII systems on these cars are pretty accurate from what I've experienced/read.

Until then, I would say do not start that Jag.

What's the mileage on the car?

Is there an interruption in power delivery? Would you be able to pinpoint the location of the vibration? Does the digital gauge LCD display any messages with the CEL?

If it's not your timing chain, it could also be transmission/drivetrain related.

 

Thanks for the reply. There are 123,000 miles on my Jaguar and there is not interruption in power. I did pull the codes today.

Code #1: P0308
Cylinder 8 misfire

Code #2: P1316
Manufacturer control
Ignition System or Misfire.

I am going to start with the plugs and see if that fixes the problem. Unless you have another idea? I appreciate all of your help!

 

Do you have any record of your timing chain being done?

If not, it could still be that.

Otherwise, if the timing chain was service fairly recently, it could be ignition related. But the only reason why i doubt this more than the timing chain is because the ignition systems on these Jags are made by Denso, the same reliable maker for Honda and Toyota, and thus don't tend to usually be problematic.

But of course, start with the cheapest and work your way towards the most expensive.

Also, is there any audible ticking or clacking noises when you noticed these issues?

Also, others might be able to chime in...

 

I apologise for not responding right away. When I pulled off the driver side spark plug cover I noticed that there was a crack in the cover. There was signs of water in the compartment. I cleaned up the mess and replaced the plugs. The Jag is working great now!!! thanks for all of your help! It is nice to know that I have a community to help me!

-Mike

 

Well heck! Good to know it was something that simple. Sorry if I scared you haha

 

It is very rare for the plugs to cause this type of problem -- the ignition system can normally fire even with a poor plug. Sounds like the coil on #8 was not working because of the water.

It also sounds like it it was more then a little miss -- Was the CEL blinking?

Should not drive with the light blinking -- If you have any more trouble you may need to replace that coil

 

Nothing is blinking and I double checked to make sure that there were no codes. All of the coils looked good when I checked them. Where is #8 on the engine?

 

Good to hear it was the zero cost simple solution instead of the mega $$ chain. The firing order is on the FAQ's:



Best of luck with the sales drive.

Graham