Finally got my XJ8!

I have an issue with the locks, but I'll list my other problems anyway.

1. Antenna doesn't shut - have removed it and will attempt to fix it. If it doesn't work, I'll purchase a new one.
2. Left side mirror moves up and down, not left and right. Not a problem but it would be nice for it to function.
3. Coolant 'leak'. The car was drained of it. Called RAC and the guy was baffled as he refilled it with water and nothing leaked. It has currently been two days and still no signs of a leak.
4. Spongey brakes - after testing the car's limits on country lanes, the brakes felt very soft. Does this mean they may need bleeding?

Now, onto the locks. I'll describe what I've analysed to make troubleshooting easier!

1. The driver door handle is not straight. It's angled a certain way?
2. All doors do lock, but I have to do that manually.
3. The driver's door locks with the key just fine.
3. The key fob transmits as normal as it can lock both the boot and fuel cap.
4. I tried both methods that I read on here (disconnecting the battery for 5mins, and checking the fuse) yet the locks still do not work.

Any help is deeply appreciated!

 

For the electrical issues, I'll attach the electrical guide PDF for ya.
As for something else to try, ...this is kind of a forgotten feature. Key in outside door cylinder, turn and hold (for complete cycle) your key to the right, it should trigger auto up all windows and doors lock function or vise versa. I'm not home right now to be exact for you.

Then turn and hold the key to the left, it should trigger auto down all windows and doors unlock...again, it may be vise versa.
This can help tell if your central locking system may be at fault.

For the coolant leak, it simply could of been fluid sitting on top of something and drained off? Obviously keep and eye on it.

The brakes, have you checked your pads? These pads are somewhat thick and when worn can seem rather spongy. Have you checked your reservoir for fluid level?

For the mirror, if your controls work the other side fine, odds are the motor drivers for side to side have failed for that side or it could be a wire...see PDF and review...also check with Dave here... https://shop.everydayxj.com/Default.asp ...he comes across a lot of N/O stock and very good used stuff. I'm not dead sure, but I think the X300 may have the same mirror controls. Dave may be able to answer that, ..great guy.

The door handle could be a couple of things and the only way to see is to start to remove the cover and card and see if a spring is worn/broke, cable stretched (most likely).... Use another door handle to compare.

 

Thanks for the PDF.
I'll check out the lock solution tomorrow and if needed be, I'll speak to Dave.

As for the coolant, it's happened again. However, the first time it leaked (from the passenger side) - it drained the whole tank.
The leaking now is nowhere near as bad but it is now on the driver's side.
EDIT - one mechanic suggests a leak, another says it could just be the AC unit. Attached is the picture of the leak.


Unrelated, I'm changing the aerial mast. I dropped it on the floor and that spring fell off. Where does it go?

I am totally new to cars so no, I'll be sure to look into those and get back to you!
The door handle seems like a small weekend job so I'll start that then.

Cheers mate.

 

Hello All,

I just bought a 2002 XJ8 VDP last week and this forum has been invaluable already. There is a problem that I have which I haven't been able to locate an answer to here. Following is a description of the problem.

When I try to lock and unlock my doors with the remote fob, the rear doors lock and unlock OK. The front doors do nothing. This would seem to indicate that there's nothing wrong with the fobs. As for the central locking button on the dashboard, it has no effect on any of the doors or windows.

Additionally, the drivers door does lock and unlock with the key. Turning the key no matter how many times has no effect on the other doors. Locking and unlocking the drivers door manually from inside also has no effect on the other doors.

I suspect the central locking button and or module is bad. As for the doors I suspect either the actuator or the module is bad but don't know how to identify which one? Any advice is appreciated.

 

Hi!

It's probably best making a new thread to gain more exposure to the question but it may sound simple but have you tried changing the fuse? That was the issue in my car.

 

Thanks. New to the forum and still trying to figure out how to navigate.

I didn't think about checking the fuse. They could be on separate circuits, which would explain why the backs work and the fronts don't.

I'll be sure to post what I find out. Thanks for the quick response.