My 1998 XJ8 in the last week has decided to throw up "engine failsafe mode" up when i get in the car to start it, car wont start with the gearshift in P but will start with the gearshift in N, once it starts it runs fine and this message does not appear when the car is running and it never goes into restricted mode. Add to this the gearshift does feel like its moving through maple syrup!! I have had the code reader on it and the only code thrown up is P1111 so no problem there. I can live with starting it in neutral but my guess is that its only a matter of time before the problem grows into something else. Any thoughts on this

Any help appreciated

 

moved to general tech help for better responses Chris....good luck

 

You identified two issues with the shift unit; maple syrup and park switch. Time to take the cover off and take a look. Both the park micro switch and the cable lock down nuts loose have been reported as problems.