Hello. I am new to the forum and new to Jaguars in general. I recently bought a 2002 XJR (9/01 mfg date) with 34K miles. I had a Jag dealer do a prepurchase inspection and no faults were noted other than alignment, tires and minor cosmetic details. I replaced the tires had the car aligned and decided to change the plugs since there was no record of this ever being performed. I realize the plugs are supposed to last 100K but the car is 8 years old.

Long story short, after changing the plugs today i received a low coolant warning. I checked the reservoir and it is full. This comes after a full day of driving yesterday (in town and highway) in 75 to 80 degree heat with the AC on. i also drove the car right before the plug change (85 today) with the AC on and had no temperature issues.The car ran in the middle of the temp range on the gauge and this is the norm based on my limited experience with the car (1K miles). I felt the radiator hose on the front passenger side (upper?) and it felt full. There was a slight chirping on initial start up that went away pretty quickly (new today or at least just noticed) and it sounded like it was coming from the drive belt though I suppose it could have been the water pump.

Has anyone experienced this situation before? Does it sound like water pump issues? If so, I guess I am calling Manhattan Jag for a roll back on Tuesday because I have no place to perform a major job like that.

Thanks in advance for any help or ideas and thanks for all of the info that I gleaned as a guest during the time I purchased the car.

Regards,

Kris
KAM 02XJR

 

It is common for the water level sensor to get deposits/gunk on it which cause it to fail. Gus Likas has a treatise on the problem:

http://www.gusglikas.com/AutoRepairCoolantTank.htm

It appears (in many cases) that simple removal of the sensor from the coolant tank, a good cleaning and re-install can resolve the false low coolant warnings.

 

Thanks Quadmaniac. I will take a look at the sensor.

Kris

 

whats the easiest way to check the sensor? do you have to drain the coolant first or can you just remove it?

 

No you do not need to drain the tank however keep the plug attached. With the position of the probe and snapping it out it has a tendency to fall, keeping the plug attached will keep it from falling. Once removed from the tank lift and remove the plug. Go to my page to see photos http://www.gusglikas.com/AutoRepairCoolantTank.htm

 

Careful! The sensor just snaps in place with plastic 'fingers' but I broke one getting it out.

 

yeah i think ill wait until my dad who is mechanically inclined comes to visit bc with my luck i will break it.

 

This might help http://www.motorcarsltd.com/LNA5740AB.html

 

thanks for the link! its probably smarter to get all the hoses checked for leaks before i go replacing parts correct?

 

Yes that is the right way to do it.

 

Thanks for all of the guidance. It looks like I have a project for this weekend.

 

looks like i'll be right behind you trying this...how did it work for you KAM 02XJR?

 

I apparently broke the sensor while changing the passenger side plugs. I had the sensor replaced when I had the flush and fill and have had no further issues.