I have a 2000 Jaguar Xj8 Vanden plas in great condition. I keep up on the transmission, check the fluids daily, inspect the car for any leaks or discolorations... This problems started with the usual occasional ABS / Trac control / stability control fault issue. When it happens, though, the speedometer goes off line... and just flutters. When the ABS issue goes off, the speedo comes back on line. Now it is near constant. The fault code from the shop says it is the right rear wheel speed sensor. Would this cause the speedo issue as well? Or is it some other electrical issue. I do know that it is entirely an electrical fault somewhere that is causing the issue. I just wanted to know if they were one and the same issue.

 

I thought it was the left rear that provided input to the speedometer, but if they are certain about the code, that makes sense. It is just as likely a break in the cable that opens when flexed so first swap the sensor with the other wheel and see if the error moves.

 

I have just produced the same problem and the scanner tells me passenger side cable. Just waitng for a break in the weather to get under the beastie. Am I facing anything bad or a straight forward wee job.

 

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Chances are it's just the cable, but first clean the sensor and check the resistance, it should be either a little over 1000 ohm or 2000 depending on model. Also make sure the toothed ring is clean.

 

I replaced both cables and sensors and no more problems. It also made the fault code that said that the ABS pump was bad go away too, which was odd. Since it has gotten cold I periodically have "phantom" warnings pop up. They all seem to go away once the car is warmed up. Is this a battery issue?

 

It could be a weak battery. Stop at a auto supply and ask them to load test it. The abs symbol does not just mean the pump is bad. Wheel sensor circuit failure can do the same.

 

I'm looking at buying a 2000 XJ8. Here's what the seller says:
THE ONLY THING WRONG IS THE CAR NEED'S A SPEED CENSOR.( SPEED CENSOR IS TO HELP TRASMISSION SHIFT GEAR'S). I DON'T HAVE TIME TO FIX BECAUSE OF MY JOB. THE PAINT JOB IS IN GREAT CONDITION. THE CENSOR DONOT AFFECT THE WAY THE CAR RUN'S. THE CAR IS DRIVABLE.

Can anyone tell me about this? Will driving damage anything? The only Jags I'm familiar with are the old XKEs.

 

Welcome to the forum. Be very careful here when there is a possible transmission problem. A speed sensor replacement in the valve body is not a show stopper, but what proof is there that's the problem?

Shifting problems could also be low fluid or the common A drum failure. If he has a fault code for the speed sensor post it here for comment.

If the speed sensor he refers to is a wheel speed sensor, that will not affect shifting.

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