Been watching the forum for a few months now as I was considering purchasing a 2000 XJ8. I went ahead and purchased one despite reading quite a bit of negative things about the tensioners and the Nikasil nightmares...

Anyway, I purchased the car a few weeks ago. It had one owner and has 58k miles on it. It was kept in a garage, serviced every 5k miles, and is in great condition. I spoke with the Jaguar dealership who has been servicing the car from day one and the mechanic there told me that he would not recommend changing the tensioners. My Dad is also a mechanic and he agreed with the dealership.

The car is smooth as silk on the road. However, I did notice that if I let off the gas at any speed I hear a very subtle feedback noise... almost like radio static. I sometimes hear it when I'm stopped at a stoplight as well. Am I just being paranoid or is that some type of warning sign? About a week ago I did have a traction control failure and asc failure warning pop up but that went away and hasn't shown up since.

Lastly, I'm wanting to put a cd changer in the trunk... where would you suggest I purchase one that has everything I need in addition to the changer/player itself?

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forums Jon. When you have time, please go to the new member area and introduce yourself. Just click on the link below:

New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

You are probably being paranoid about the sound, but certainly bring it up again if it becomes more noticeable. There are a lot of solenoids in these cars, and one of them could be malfunctioning.

I am of no help for your sound system, but I'm sure someone will take interest.

 

Welcome to the Forum Jon. I imagine you are dreaming about many years of motoring pleasure with your car. To make sure that dream can come true you need to change the secondary tensioners.

 

Change the tensioners. Pull the carpet pieces out of the trunk. On te driver side hidden up there behind the actuator for the gas door u should find a black cable for the cd changer. It should be round. You can pick up a changer off eBay for 60 to 80 bucks. I have an extra if u are interested, private message me. It's easy to install. Plug and play. Jaguar factory unit.

 

Let's put it this way ...

... have either of the dealership or your dad offered in writing to pick up the tab for both parts and labour when the tensioners let go?

The tab would be in the $4k to $8k range.