New to this forum and to Jags.
I have a 1999 XJ8 that has been in the family since new. I just got it from my father this past fall.
After sitting in the garage most of the winter (short drives once a month to keep it active). I now have so many error messages its' crazy.

First it has a Transmission Fault/Traction Control Fault/ Stability Control Fault. Sometimes the Air Bag light is on. Also, when driving the turn signal and power windows don't work. When I hit the brakes and almost come to a stop the blinker goes from not working to a fast blink then to a normal blink and my power windows work. I almost forgot, when I press the breaks my check engine light, ABS light and both the yellow and red lights turn on. When I release the brake pedal all the above mentioned lights go back off and my blinker/windows stop working but the faults remain.
I have had the battery checked out and was told it's good. I removed the connections cleaned (already very clean) and reconnected. Also removed the ground cable to the car body in the trunk cleaned and reconnected to no avail.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!

Jay

 

Welcome to the forum. When you have time, please visit the new member area and introduce yourself.
New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

The battery may check out, but was it load tested? If you charge it overnight and then do a hard reset by disconnecting the neg. cable and touching it to the positive for about 30 sec. you may find your troubles gone.

 

Follow RJs advice, and if that doesn't do it, follow the electrical link in my signature and go over the various connections in the car.

Let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks RJ. I posted in the new member area.
I had my battery tested again and noticed the battery bulging. The test showed the alternator over charging. It was putting out 16+ volts.

Any suggestion on where to find an alternator? I looked on Jagbits.com but was overcome with sticker shock, well over $700.00 for an alternator.

The good news is it looks like my alternator/battery is causing my issues.

Jay

 

Look at post#4 in the following thread (has rock auto prices for alternate-generator):

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...000-xj8-60984/

Also another thread has alternatior rebuild information"

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ild-fyi-58290/

I also found this ebay listing for the Rectifier and regulator that looks like the correct parts ($45):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DENSO-STYLE-...a7b44d&vxp=mtr

Jim Lombardi

 

Give us a call re: the alternator. Depending on your VIN we offer an OE brand new unit for around $300. Regards William@SngBarratt.Com

 

Thanks for the advise. I think I will go the rebuild route.

Jay

 

"Battery bulging"....there is the crux of your problem.
With a car that has been sitting around for too long does not bode well for batteries on modern vehicles, especially Jaguars.
You need a good quality calcium sealed battery of at least 100a/h....800CCa capacity to do the job.
Before spending money on a new alternator, have it tested out for load charging rates and any internal shorting.
The Denso alternators on these cars are very good.
While you have the battery out, take the oportunity to clean ALL the connections.
Starting with the battery cables themselves, clean internally with battery brush.
At the rear of trunk behind the spare wheel, you will find a large power fuse box.
Disconnect and clean all three fuses, taking careful note of how they are assembled.
On epower feed goes directly to the front power post on pass. side and down to alternator and starter.
The other power feed goes to the two hell fuse boxes in front edge of back seat behind two covers, then goes forward to the two under bonnet/hood fuse boxes.check ALL connections.
And the one that is quite often missd is the braided earth return link from engine block to the r/h side chassis leg.
UNBOLT and CLEAN thouroughly these two connections.
Ther are also a number of smaller earth return bolts around th engine bay awaiting your attention.
Have a look at my Powerbase pics which will describe their locations.;o))
POWER CONNECTIONS Photo Gallery by Max Heazlewood at pbase.com

BATTERY CHARGING Photo Gallery by Max Heazlewood at pbase.com

These cars hav a very comprehensive and sensitive electronic system that relies heavily on good, clean connections....solves 98% of most electronic niggles ;o))

 

Do you leave the positive battery cable connected to the battery during this operation?

 

Yes.

 

At Jagbits we sell a rebuilt alternator that comes with a 3 year warranty for $429.95 and you get $90 of that back when you return your old one:
Jaguar ALTERNATOR REBUILT - LNC1800AA-REB