Hi everyone,

I'm currently looking at a 2002 XJ8 Sport (4.0) currently for sale. Looks really tidy. I'm interstate and havent seen the car in person yet.
I had an inspection done on the car, and the report noted the 'Restricted Performance' message and both the Amber and Red lights on. They apparently tried to read for the codes, but their OBD2 scanner couldnt read it.

So what do I do? I understand Restricted Performance could be a number of things. And really need the codes. Keen to hear peoples thoughts/experiences on the possible issues?
I think the car has been sitting around for quite some time, I had wondered if that maybe part of the issue?

Just not sure whether I should persist with this car enquiry, or walk away from the purchase.

Cheers
Michael

 

 

An inspection done without a scanner that reads jag specific codes is not a very good inspection. I agree it could be the brake switch, but like Robman says.......

If you have a lot of experience and will be doing the repairs yourself it may be worth a bid, but if it were me I would want to see the paint and interior myself, and take along one of the scanners available for $150 or less that can read all codes.

 

For sale with RP - must be something the PO cannot or will not pay to fix.

As already said, it could be something very simple and, as it's been standing this could just be the battery. However, it needs a Jaguar (or equivalent) scantool on it before parting with your money or it's a real gamble.

Graham

 

To find out, either go to your friendly neighborhood auto parts store and buy a scanner for around $50-60 or pick one up from Amazon (ELM 327 bluetooth is popular here) for around $8-10 and download the Torque App to go with it.
Does the car start? ...does it move? ...does it move without hesitation? ...also, prompt the 2nd link in my sig "How To" and there's a post by JimC64 on some things to look for when buying a 308. Just for your review to be sure you didn't miss anything.

 

I do want to inspect the car personally, just thought I'd get a pre inspection to make sure it was worth the time and flight up there to see it

Apparently the car started fine no problems and moved.
It was while driving the message came up. No noticeable change in engine in the car other than the message.

The car has been sitting around a few months.

Thanks Highhorse for the links, I'm going though them now

 

Any inspector without the capacity to read OBD codes should consider a new line of work.

 

Rkr45 - yes as has been mentioned this could something minor. I also have a 2002 XJSport and have had several 'restricted performance' issues over the years. The most serious one was a failing throttle body - a new one will set you back $2000+. IMHO you really need to drill down a find out what is causing this before buying. -sgfinpa

 

Agreed, if you don't know the cause of the error code it is a crap shoot. Determine the cause, or it is a gamble not worth taking.

If it was easy to fix, wouldn't the seller have done so?

.

 

Every car on craigslist with a check engine light just needs an o2 sensor or a gas cap, ez fix bro! I've heard that so many times. If it were easy, they'd have fixed it. If it really was easy and they didn't fix it, I'd worry even more!

These cars are cheap. Buy a no excuse car for still very cheap.

 

I know how I'd play it....hook up scanner, tap the screen a few times (only one being needed), then go..."..ohhh, ok..." (finger on the chin like deep thought) and do the ye old "...hmmm...this could be an issue. Its fixable, but I have to get into it to do XXXX". For me, that knocks $500-1000 off it right there. But then again, you may really need to do that if you find out what's wrong may truly be expensive.

 

Surely there are so many better examples for sale? It's not an XJR/VDP, so unless it was free I'd run as far from it as possible.

One of the (few) lessons I've learned from years of Jag ownership is that there's no such thing as a cheap Jag! You're almost always better off paying more up front for a better example than you are trying to fix one

 

IME the usual culprits for restricted performance with no codes are the brake line switch or a vacuum leak. If this is a pre 2000 X308 you may have a vacuum assisted throttle instead of electronic meaning you need to inspect all tiny lines behind the engine and tanks beneath the airbox for splits or cracks. If restricted performance is triggered again immediately after you use cruise control these are likely the culprit.

Also inspect the intake tube for cracks or missing clamps. Inspect the breather hose feeding into the intake tube and the airbox itself for cracks. The o-ring around the dipstick can also be a culprit. A dirty MAF can also trigger this code but usually displays a lean code with it.

Lastly as another poster mentioned the brake switch is another phantom code suspect. It isn't expensive and a little contortion and one bolt and it's out.

There could always be another less likely cause but most of these can be ruled out with a good visual inspection or a few easy tests. If you aren't sure run it by a mechanic you trust. When I have come across this rarely has it been something major.

 

Thank you everyone for your responses. I just wanted to make sure they're werent any first level obvious/known things to look for before going straight to the fault codes.

I managed to organise a mechanic to have a look. Apparently the only fault code the car was reporting was a PCM switch relating to the power control for the transmission. Sounds like I'll need to take it to a transmission specialist?

The car I am looking at is certainly not cheap and has been owned by the same person since new. Hence, why I am making every effort to ensure all maintenance has been kept up and the car is as presented.

Thanks again everyone for you help.

 

At this point I would ask how many miles are on the car and does the transmission hesitate or slip? If it is over 70-80K and has no records of a transmission fluid and filter change I would walk away. The ZF is pretty reliable if properly maintained. I had one that went to 140K before I sold it, no issues, smooth shifting.

If the fluids have been changed and it behaves normally it might be a sensor bug or something more. At this point you have to ask how much you want this Jag or maybe look at other examples if you have to look for more specialists.

 

Could be Spark Plugs/Ignition Coils if it is intermittent.

 

 

If you're in Australia, sure I'll take a look.

Thanks again everyone. I've decided not get the car in this case. I spoke to few trans and Jaguar mechanics here in Australia. Most thought I should leave or try and get the guy to come down in price (which he didn't want to do). I'll keep looking.