was batting down the x-way and heard a pop , car died. no power to starter relay, dash lights weak or no lights, no headlights. all fuses good. power to all fuse boxes. power coming out of #8 fuse in heelboard but not getting to starter relay . diagram shows power goes thru ca224 splice, but have no idea where it is. 1998 VP

 

Hi Jaguar jon
Do you have the workshop pdf downloaded?
here is the link page 1976 item 3 starter solenoid I am guessing your car does not turn over?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VSs...ew?usp=sharing

 

Have you checked your MEGA FUSE's in your spares well by the fuel tank? They can be very difficult to meter for a failure, but if you find one is bad, I'd say you found your issue.

Check the lanyard ground off the battery also. I had a totally dead scenario (zero power) and found that to be my fault.

Here's a partial power diagram for review, not sure if this will help since this is the '01, so I'm not definite it applies to the '98...

 

I had a problem on my 98 xj8. Turned out to be the falsebulkhead. It is in the engine compartment mounted on the module box on right side. It's where the cable from the power module and starter meet. Check for corrosion or as with mine it melted the plastic from a bad connection.

 

mega are ok have power on # 3 pin of starter relay but not on other. wiring dia,shows power coming from fuse # 8 to other. can only see lights in dash at night(oil, batt, any other warning light.)got parking and tail lights ,but no head lights seems like something blew around key and inst panel

 

Yes Highhorse that is the power supply to the starter and alternator
but I am thinking about the control circuit's relays
if jon02 can test he has 12v and I mean a good supply as sometimes you can have 12v but under load due to as you have said before a bad earth (neg) gets a huge voltage drop
so I have compiled some procedures to try see what you think and I failed a spelling at school sorry for that but some times my inspiration runs too fast for my hands to write

 

thanks dutchy , starter works fine when jumped ,12v @bulkhead, 12v to all fuse boxes,windows ,radio work,dome lights work. will try and hunt down headlights in morning. seems like everything works but cluster and headlights

 

whatever happened has to be within 1-2 ft from my ear to hear it pop

 

If it is in the column, I may be reaching now, but the pop you heard may have come from the speaker under the key cylinder for the turn signal and ignition chime? Perhaps something in the ignition got hot and arced?

Attached below is a pdf to review...it doesn't necessarily cover your issue, but it can't hurt to check the areas specified for shorts or such which could have caused a failure elsewhere.

Here's a link to the electrical guide to help trace things... http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto.../jagxj1998.pdf