I recently purchase this 2000 Vanden Plas with only 80,680 miles. The ABS light was on also vehicle was in failsafe mode so I cleaned the wheel sensors. After cleaning the light was still on so I focused on the other issue which was the low coolant level. I flushed the the system and replaced the coolant. Light was still on. That's when I noticed that the coolant sensor was out of place. So after placing it in the proper location ABS light was off failsafe mode gone no issues. But after driving it a a while failsafe mode was back, abs back on and now low brake fluid and car would crank or start. So I got a jump. Car cranked and started running no lights, no issues. But after running for a while and shutting it off and letting it sit it would not crank. Now it only cranks and starts when i let the car sit for a while. Any suggestion. No check engine light.

 

One more time just in case!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bob

 

How old is the battery? These cars get weird if the battery is low or the charging system is weak. Have the system checked.

 

I'm not sure. I recently purchased the car about a month ago but the condition of the battery is very good.

 

Can't be "very good" if it wont crank the engine over. Measure the voltage in the battery with cables off. Should be above 12.4 volts. With cables connected and car running, again measure the voltage, should be above 13 volts. Have someone measure the alternator output amperage with a load test. Jump starting a car will not automatically charge the battery. The battery has to have at least 9 to 10 volts in it to turn on (excite) the alternator. Fixing a coolant level sensor will not fix an ABS light on. Look for a decal on the battery case to determine it's age. Past 4 years, replace the battery. Report back after the charging and battery tests have been done.

 

The battery voltage was 12 volts when I tested it with the cables connected. I wasn't able to test with the engine running because it would not start. It's almost like the starter or alarm was effecting it. I cranked it about 6:00pm and it ran with the trac and abs, gearbox fault, low brake fluid lights flashing on display. Tried it again at 10:00pm and it would not crank as if the starter had an issue. I'll try to start it in the morning it will start with no problem but give it a few hours and it will not. What could cause this problem?

Bob (motorcarman), sent info on the (CAN) failure issue. could this be causing the problem. If so, does anyone have instructions on removing it from the 2000 XJ8. I've only found info for the xk8.
Thanks,

Sam

 

A battery tested at 12 volts is weak. Did you verify it's age? I think you need a battery. Can you "borrow" a battery to confirm?

 

12 is near enough dead.

 

I haven't verified the age of the battery. I got the car started and running this morning. The voltage was 14 volts while running. Should I still assume it's the battery? Planning to purchase a new battery today.

 

Have them run a load test at the store.

 

New battery, same results. I took the old battery out and new battery in, attempted to start it with no start no starter click, nothing.

 

Update: I started the car this morning at 7:30am. Only the abs/traction light on. There was no other lights display on the dash so maybe it needed a new battery but still has a couple issues. Planning to clean the speed sensors today. If that doesn't fix it, I'll remove the abs module. Should I check the starter for the random starts.

Additional Update: Went out to start the car at 12:27pm, no start, no nothing except for instrument panel.

 

14 engine running = alternator, no info on battery

 

Are you asking the specifics of the new battery? It has 900 cca. I also have a 2002 XJR. I have no issue when using the battery to start this car, so I'm assuming the battery is not the issue.
So yesterday the car started and ran for a while. Then I turned it off. A few hours later I attempted to start it and nothing. No click, nothing. So I removed the starter relay in an effort to start it. I turned the ignition to on then jumped the starter relay. The car did turn over but not crank. So I put the starter relay back in and attempted to start the car using the key, nothing. It seems as if the alarm is on or something. could it be the ignition relay? Or something else related to the ignition?

 

I believe the car is finally fixed. I replaced the throttle position sensor and now the car seems to have no issues except for the blinking ASC light after a initial start and drive. Thanks for all the help.