Hello. I purchased a 1998 Xj8 a few months ago. I drove it a few times and then it sat for about 2 weeks while I was waiting to register it. The next time I tried to start it up it wouldn't turn over. A week later I tried putting it in neutral and pushing it to another spot in the driveway and i was unable to put it in neutral. After troubleshooting for a few minutes and messing around with it, the security system goes off when the key is in the ignition or the driverside door. I disconnected the battery for over an hour and the alarm malfunction and no start remains. I am very unfamiliar with the car having just purchased it a few months ago. The previous owner gave me only 1 key. I apologize for the long post. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Have the battiery checked out buy your local parts store.the jags don't like lower than 12 volts.the systems go crazy!

 

Welcome to the forum xj898,

+1 to the advice above.

Disconnecting the battery will NOT disable the alarm. It's designed to go off again once the battery is reconnected as an anit-theft measure.

Follow this link XJ ( X308 ) XJ8 / XJR - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the X308 section for help and advice. A good place to start is the 'HOW TO' at the top of the threads there.

Remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User ID button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

Graham

 

The security system has been "violated" and has locked the car down. You have to clear the security system to restore starting. The easiest way is the remote, which you don't have. The next best way is to enter the car and set the system off again, quickly put the key in the barrel and turn the ignition on and off three times. That should stop the security system and horn blowing. Then get out of the car and put the key in the door lock and first lock the car, arming the system, then after a few seconds unlock the car disarming the system properly.

At that point all should be well and it will start normally.

Good luck!