On two occasions now I have started my car traveled around 500 meters and then accelerated in doing this the power reduces and the amber light on the dash comes on, once the car is fully warmed it this does not re occur, is this normal?

 

no it's not, it could be many things, first is to pull the code that goes along with the amber light, to do this you need an OBD fault code reader. It plugs into a connector like a scart under the steering wheel. Post back once you have the info.

 

I am contemplating buying a code reader, can anyone advise which one is suitable for a 2001 XJR?

 

Does the amber light flash and say trac. Or slip etc...if so its traction control interveening in you throttle application. Turn off traction control and see if it still happens. If its that overlly sensitive you either have incorrect sized tires, old/new etc... There wont be a code for this situation its normal operation as the ecu see's it

 

Dont get a codereader, you can get free check at autozone or o'reilly.

 

He's in the UK - we don't have O'reilly or autozone - I use a memoscan 581 with success. About £50 off eb*y.

 

You can get a code reader for $35 on Amazon -- great thing to have. It is a pain to go to an Autozone and wait. Also -- having the ability to reset and then see what code comes back first can be very important

 

Thanks for the info guys, very much appreciated.