'98 XJ8 VDP, 131,400 miles.

The past day or so the red Low Oil Pressure dash warning came on when I had to break hard and make a sharp left turn. Haven't noticed any driveway oil stains, smoke, rough idling, noises or smells.

Driving home after a short local trip tonight, the amber Check Engine dash warning came up and stayed on until I got home. Luckily it was only a five minute drive, with no other symptoms to report.

I am due for an oil change in June, have only done about 2000 miles since the last one at the dealership about four months ago. At that time they also noted "Camcover Gsks and VVT Sol Leak" on my invoice, which they said wasn't bad right then but to check at the next oil change. Of course, they also told me my battery was fine, and I had to replace it two months later.

I'm hoping this is all remedied with an oil change, but if not...

Suggestions welcome.

 

have you checked the oil level to make sure your good?

 

It was dark when I got home, figured I'd check first thing in the morning.

Embarrassed to ask but...where is the dipstick in this car? I assume I have to remove the black plastic engine compartment covers to get at it?

Thanks.

 

not sure on the XJ8 but on the XJ6 it doesn't require removal of anything it's just a plain old dipstick on the side of the motor. I'm sure it's the same kind of setup on the XJ8

 

Thanks for the info, will check in the AM and go from there...

 

The dipstick is on the drivers side and has a red "T" handle. I bet your oil level is low. You can lose a lot of oil from valve cover (cam cover) gaskets leaking on these cars. I have seen some cars leak as much as a quart every 1000 miles just from these gaskets. You definitely need to check you oil level regularly if you have leaking valve covers.

Also the AJ26 V8 motor which is in your car has a lot of space from the bottom of the crankshaft to the full oil level in the pan. There was a TSB issued that a recalibrated dipstick was available for those drivers who did "spirited" driving and recommended that another .9 quart of oil be added to the recommended fill capacity of 6.9 qts.

 

Does that 6.9 include the filter? I think I need 8 qts
when my oil is changed. Maybe they are overcharging
me by a quart.
Jerry in Honolulu

 

The AJ26 motor calls for 6.9 qts including the filter. However as I have mentioned, you can safely add another quart to this engine without worrying about crankshaft whipping the the oil.

 

OK, I checked and the oil level was indeed low (just covering the twisted part at the end of the dipstick). I added two quarts of 5W30, am waiting an hour and then checking it again.

Should I expect the Check Engine light to go out once the oil level is correct? Or does it require a reset procedure of some type, or a trip to the shop?

Once again, the members of this site have saved me a lot of time, money and aggravation. Thanks!

 

have your tensioners ever been replaced?im guessing yes.. next oil change have them take off your oil pan.. its easy about 20 8mm bolts.. takes 2minutes.. and have them look into your pickup screen .. i bet thats were your old tensoiner pieces have gone..

 

I am having an oil change done this week and will ask the shop check the oil pan.

The previous (2nd) owner of the car did not recall having the tensioners replaced, so either they were done early on, or not at all. Trying to find a good local mechanic to take care of my car, I pretty much have sworn off the nearest dealer (I'm in Lindenhurst, NY, middle south shore of Long Island). Suggestions welcome.

Meanwhile - is it safe to drive the car? I have a long drive planned for the upcoming weekend...

 

Started the car to bring it to the shop this AM, and lo and behold, no more Check Engine Light!

The shop will pull the codes and let me know what's what later today. Also asked them to add a can of Restore to the oil as recommended elsewhere on this site.

Thanks again for the great info and support.

Ian