My 99 xj8 just recently began randomly not starting. Prior to this I never had any issues with it. There is really no telling when it will start. More often then not it doesn't start. When I turn the key to start it all the lights and sounds work properly, but the engine does not crank at all it just does absolutely nothing. The car typically start after sitting for long periods of time and usually will only start late at night when the temperature outside is very cold. It began not starting only a few times a week but has gradually gotten worse over time. Now the car will only start every 2-4 days, and I'm lucky to get it to start more then once. Has anyone else had this problem? My first guess is the transponder, Bc sometimes I can hold the key in the start position for 6-10 seconds and it will start. PLEASE HELP!!!!!

 

Usually the ground wire going through the passenger's side of the vehichle shorting out...

Or...

Bad ignition switch..

 

Is the wire something I could fix myself? Do you know what the cost of an ignition switch is with labor?

 

And is the ground wire running through the interior of the vehicle?

 

First place to check is the battery connections and the ground cable connection to the chassis in the trunk by the battery. clean the check the battery terminals.
the check positive connection under the hood motor area.

 

i know you are having a ot thrown at you , but dont rule out a bad neutral safety switch. this has happened to me in other cars with the same result. try jiggling the gear selector as you try to start the car....

 

Check all your connections at the battery and if you still have a problem move your shifter from “P” to “N” and try it again. A common issue is that the shifter selector switch is worn.

 

Thanks for the help guys! I tried moving the shifter while starting the car and nothing happened so I dont think its a neutral safety switch, the battery is good and all the lights and sounds work so i dont think the terminals or battery connections are the problem. Man this is frustrating!!! Could it be my transponder, or ignition lock cylinder?

 

The other option is to swap your relays with like relays. Often the reseating of the relay will eliminate the problem but if it is a relay you only moved your problem to another location. If this does not fix the problem then you should look into replacing the exciter ring at the ignition switch.

This oneline on the car should help. http://jagrepair.com/images/AutoRepa.../jagxj1999.pdf

 

Ya I don't want to move the problem to some place else, I need to get the problem fixed to sell the car. One thing I thought of... I had to have a breathalizer interlock device in the car for several months, but after it was removed the car worked fine. Idk if this may be related to the issues I'm having.

 

Yeah!!!

 

That would make sense, its just strange Bc it was removed in Nov and the problem started in Jan.

 

Have them check the connections.

 

Which connections exactly? I have a mechanic here now.

 

Is the breathalyzer still in the car? If it was removed then check the connections that made the breathalyzer interlock device work. A good chance a connection is intermittent.

 

No. The problem tho is the ignition I can start the car with a wire if I bypass the ignition. Don't you have to replace the key too if u replace ignition?

 

Not sure what you are doing so I am not sure how to answer your question. However, if the key is turning then the lock does not need to be replaced. I still think you need to check your relays.