I have a 99 XJ8, 79k, parked it in the garage, went to start it the next morning, cranked, but did not start. The started sounded funny, like the bendix had gone out. Did no further diagnosis, and changed the starter. Then, went to start it, and it sounded the same.

So, confirmed the engine was cranking, by having father-in-law watch the pulleys on the engine while I turned the key. Did not pull a plug, but did smell unburned gasoline coming out the exhaust.

Determined it's a no spark issue. Where do I begin? Is there a fuse that could be blown? do I need to replace ECM? Can I diagnose and repair this on my own?

BTW, I have the JTIS manual - somewhere. I bought the CD after we bought the car, but have yet to install the JTIS.

Any and all advice appreciated, thanks.

 

First thing to check is the battery voltage. The starter is capable of rotating the engine at a voltage below the needs of the electronics. While starting (rotating the engine) what is the battery voltage dragged down to? Absolutely must be above 10v, should be more like 11.5+.

After that I would check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail. That is one system that does not effectively report its status.

 

Forgot to mention, battery is fine, 12.5v, static, did not check voltage while cranking

 

A static test is not sufficient you need to get a detailed test and you can get that at AutoZone, PepBoys & Sears. Get that done first.

You say that the car sounded funny when trying to start, can you explain? Does it seem to turn the engine quicker?

Testing for fuel and spark. You need to test the fuel pressure, smell will not make it start. As for the spark Fuel odor is not an indication of no spark. You need to verify that you have spark.

 

How did you determine that there was no spark? It could be cranking funny because the cylinders are gas washed and you don't have much compression. If you did a cranking spark output test, what result did you have? I agree that you need to do a cranking voltage test on the battery. A no load voltage of 12.5 is a partially discharged battery. May or may not be the cause of the problem. The cranking voltage is a better indicator.

Good luck. Be safe.
Joe