Sadly that is good advice Steve, if anyone wants more info JagV8 wrote a guide which you can find here https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/j...le-site-60209/

 

Are you sure the key transponder has not malfunctioned?

 

No, I am not sure if the key transponder is in proper working order. I only have one key. I have the entire underside of the dash apart, and I can see the silver key module to the right under the dash, so if there is something I can check in there, it is accessible.

Also, is there any way to check the actual key with a multimeter?

I have no relevant codes on the car. I know that when my XK8 key went bad, there was a "P" code for security system and the car would not even attempt to start (no starter engagement). In the case of the XJ8, the starter engages, but I have no spark or injector pulse. It is my understanding that if the key transponder was bad, the starter would not engage, but maybe this is not true.

 

Do you know if your security indicator light is on or flashing when the car is idle or in the process of starting? If the exciter ring is good I would be suspicious of the key and or the security system. It like many other things on the Jag are proprietary.

 

I just checked, when I turn ignition on, but don't start, there is no security light that I can see. Also no security light anywhere when I turn the car to the start position.

 

On my 99 xk8 it is on the console and on my 00 S-Type it is on the dash in the center, you can see it flashing from outside through the windshield

 

Well, I learned something new about the car. There is a little white circle on the J-Gate. When the key is in the ignition, or when attempting to start, there is no red light. When I lock the car manually with the key, the light flashes red. This sounds like normal operation. Here is a diagram. The security light is part #9, just in case anyone was wondering.

Still no start.... :-(

 

That is telling me that the security system is working, what is preventing you from having spark. Is it the key transponder?

 

That is what I find strange. On my XK8, when the key transponder went bad, I could only turn on the electronics of the car, with no starter engagement, and I had a P code indicating that the security system was tripped. On the XJ8, I can engage the starter, bring fuel to the rail, but no spark or injector pulse. From what I know, the key transponder's unique code is picked up by the ignition, then the data sent to the ECM, then the ECM sends a verification signal back. If this is the case, I would expect no starter function. At least the possible causes are dwindling. I wish I had a way to verify proper key function. I know a WDS would work, but the only ones I see on eBay are the big roll around computer units.

I have scheduled to have the car towed to the Jaguar dealer this coming Wednesday to see what they can find out. Maybe by the end of the week we may know the cause. If it is as simple as resetting the immobilization system, I will be happy.
In the meantime, I gave the car a nice bath today and shined up the wheels.

 

Exciter ring arrived today. It gave me an excuse to stop by the Jaguar dealer. Will install tonight. Likely not the issue, but cheap enough to replace. I managed to get an appointment at the local Jaguar on Tuesday and will have the car towed there, so maybe we might know something soon! Can't wait to hear her purr for the first time.

In case anyone was wondering what an exciter ring looks like, here is a picture:

 

New exciter ring installed....no change to the car's no start condition.
Off to Jaguar dealer tomorrow morning....Will post the results as soon as I know something. (Fingers Crossed).

 

Lots of fingers crossed along with yours.

I sure hope it is not something done intentionally at the auction because the engine or tranny is pooched.

No pistons?

 

The suspense is killing me! After all this detective work, it will either be something extremely obvious or something extremely subtle....

 

No kidding! I have checked this thread about 30x today

 

Nothing yet, that is either really good and he is out driving, or really bad and he is arranging financing.....

 

....or working on homework for some online tax courses I am taking in preparation for taking the CPA exam. That will definitely keep you up at night.

Well, no resolution yet. The Jaguar patient was towed out to the Jaguar dealer and got there about 10am this morning. As of 4pm, they were not able to get to the car, so the car will remain in the waiting room, and hopefully the Jaguar tech can get to it soon.

I have my bets riding on a subtle, overlooked, resolution with a low $ value. I can't wait to see what the results are. I tried to start it right before the tow truck picked it up, just in case it magically started, but it didn't.

Just to keep the good Karma rolling, I recently gave the car a nice bath.

 

BREAKING NEWS.....

Just spoke with the Jaguar dealer...the 99 XJ8 has been brought back to life!
As with most breaking news, I have no further information to report at this time. The only news that I have is that the Jaguar now starts. More at 11....

 

Arrrgggh!!!! Now the suspense really IS killing me! Maybe they had to perform an exorcism??

 

Great news, but we need to know!!!

 

Ya!!!

And.........................