I have a 2003 XJ8 that has been a problem starting. Turned key and no dash lights. Jumped car and started right up. 1 week later, same thing only this time when I took the jumper cables off the car died and now won't keep running. I have a 2 week old battery and when it was running the lights were on and bright - no dimming at all. Any ideas ????

 

Ahhh, Minnesota,.......my home state! Check ALL ground connections for corrosion. If the battery is new, the only other suspect is the ground. They rust EASILY.

P.S. Do yourself a favor and leave the state if you like the nice cars. I left in 1995, and never looked back!

 

There is a thick cable on the bulkhead on the passenger side of the engine compartment. Undo it and clean, etc. and see if that helps. Search for "bulkhead connector" for some good reading.

There are a few other grounds around and I am sure others will chime in and tell you where to look. OH- the battery ground strap is very suspect as well. As a matter of fact- check that first.

 

Thank you for the responses ... I do appreciate it but the car did it again and I was able to get it started and drove it to let my brother in law (a true automotive genius) look at it and within 20 minutes had the problem solved. He took out the spare tire an found there were 2 cables coming out of the power block that were so loose he could jiggle them and cut the electric to the rest of the car. Problem solved .......

 

I think you should buy your brother in law an expensive bottle of whiskey, he has saved you a lot of pain.

 

Great news indeed!

Say hello to Mannasota for me. I was in La Crescent until I was 1.5.