My '98 XJ8 VDP with 130770 miles decided not to start yesterday morning. All I get now is a loud single "CLICK" when I turn the key.

After searching through this site for advice, here is what I have checked:

1 - The battery seems ok (just charged it last night to be safe)
2 - All other electrical works fine
3 - The "P" in the shifter lights up
4 - I reset the Inertia Fuel Shutoff switch
5 - Tried pushing/wiggling the shifter further into Park while turning the key
6 - Tried to start the car with the transmission in Neutral
6 - Tried my extra ignition key

Over the past two weeks, the car has been cranking slower and slower, but always started with the exception of a particularly cold morning. It did start right up that night after the temperature had climbed a bit. Seems the car is happiest above 40 degrees F! Starts faster the next time after having driven it for a while, slower when it has sat longer.

Also, about three weeks ago I hit a very large/wide pothole in the middle of a main avenue (with no marking of course!), and it loosened the black plastic shroud under the front end of the car. That piece apparently came off while driving at some point, as it, and the drivers side wheel well plastic shroud were both gone when I examined the car in my driveway the other day.

FWIW, I had the transmission repaired/rebuilt last summer. One of the symptoms was that the shifter wouldn't always physically shift into Park without repeated atempts. It happened again a few months after the rebuild, and the repair shop found and removed a broken piece of plastic with a small spring attached that had been floating around in the shifter housing. Apparently this what was causing the problem.

Don't know if either of the above events has any bearing on this problem, but thought it best to mention them.

Any suggestions what to check next, like maybe the starter?

Finally, can anyone recommend a good mechanic anywhere on Long Island, NY? I had been using the dealer nearest me for the more Jag-centric repairs, but since they hired a new Service Manager I have not been a happy customer. I need some engine work, have a small leak that requires a gasket change, and figured I'd best inspect/replace the tensioners while the engine is open. Anybody want to travel to Lindenhurst to do the job?

Thanks!

 

Turns out it was the battery. Gave it a jump from my wife's SUV using my regular old jumper cables and it started right up.

I thought I had charged it the other night, was using one of those lighter-to-lighter gizmos that clearly didn't work.

My battery measured an even 12 volts when I checked it before the jump. My wife's battery was 13.86 volts. After driving my car for about 30 minutes, it measured 12.75 volts . So I'm hopeful the alternator is ok and the battery can hold a charge. Tomorrow morning will tell...