Hello All,

Just bought a 1999 XJ8... One owner, 27k miles, silver on gray, no accidents, clean body. It's in very good shape, however there are a few problems:

• Stability Control Failure
• Both front seats don't work (seems like a fuse)
• Radio does not work (I also think fuse)
• Decent scuff on front bumper
• Check engine light
• Faded pin stripe (will probably replace with a new gold one)
• Wheels are a bit rough -- no curb rash, but pitted and peeling in some places
• Front shock tower mounts are completely toast (brown mush flaking off!)
• Cloudy headlights only on the passenger's side
• Now sure, but probably could use an oil change
• Brake pedal is very mushy and soft, but the car stops well (not sure if a problem, or just how the pedal feel is calibrated by default)
• Could use new air filter

I am familiar with car forums and will get started on searching now. However, any quick references or advice on the following would be appreciated!

• How do I get the wheel covers off?
• Do you think respraying the stock wheels with a slightly darker gray would still look factory-classy? The car is a bit monotone in its current spec, what with silver paint, silver wheels, and gray leather.
• Research thus far says either 0w-40 or 5w-30 oil. Thoughts? Should I use synthetic on a car of this generation?
• Part # or brand for good air filter?

Thanks all! Looking forward to learning from and contributing to the forum!!

(Will post pics ASAP today or tomorrow!)

- Mike

 

Welcome aboard Mike, we look forward to hearing from you. Feel free to ask what you may, there are many folks here with great knowledge and this is a world wide forum. So please detail your User CP with location since certain models were only available in other parts of the world or not at all (like the 3.2 was not available in NA).

QUOTE=KingJag93;2114554]Hello All,

Just bought a 1999 XJ8... One owner, 27k miles, silver on gray, no accidents, clean body. It's in very good shape, however there are a few problems:
Bookmark this site... JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

Stability Control Failure ...probably your Traction Control solder joints, see HOW TO...you can prompt link in my Sig...or use the link I posted or do a Site Search for it.

• Both front seats don't work (seems like a fuse) ....probably, use your owners manual to decipher fuses.
• Radio does not work (I also think fuse) ...probably, same as previous
• Decent scuff on front bumper ...pics would be helpful
• Check engine light ...any hard codes will throw this if the system cannot complete its startup cycle or it repeats the failure during operation. Get a OBDII code scanner if you don't have one.
• Faded pin stripe (will probably replace with a new gold one)
• Wheels are a bit rough -- no curb rash, but pitted and peeling in some places ...a local rim guy can refinish them with factory color, put your location in your User CP, along with your cars info in your Sig (so you don't have to tell it each time) and perhaps a local member can direct you to a reliable person.
• Front shock tower mounts are completely toast (brown mush flaking off!) ...How To again and link again.
• Cloudy headlights only on the passenger's side ...they are glass, the bulb is seperate and should clean up...pics would help here also.
• Now sure, but probably could use an oil change ...good idea, never hurts, ..I rely on synthetic oils, I use Royal Purple in the Jag. Good source for OEM overage parts (to include oil filters)... https://shop.everydayxj.com/Default.asp
• Brake pedal is very mushy and soft, but the car stops well (not sure if a problem, or just how the pedal feel is calibrated by default) ...may need a bit of TLC, check fluid level and pad thickness and rotor wear. Check for weeping seals. With 27k, should be original.
• Could use new air filter ...another good idea.

I am familiar with car forums and will get started on searching now. However, any quick references or advice on the following would be appreciated! ...link above

• How do I get the wheel covers off? ...these came with a few different style wheels, so pics would help.
• Do you think respraying the stock wheels with a slightly darker gray would still look factory-classy? The car is a bit monotone in its current spec, what with silver paint, silver wheels, and gray leather. ...pics
• Research thus far says either 0w-40 or 5w-30 oil. Thoughts? Should I use synthetic on a car of this generation? ...5/30
• Part # or brand for good air filter? ...personal choice, I have a K&N...used FRAM prior.

Thanks all! Looking forward to learning from and contributing to the forum!!

(Will post pics ASAP today or tomorrow!) ....yaaaay...lol ...would like to see the girl here... https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ictures-52060/ ...that is unless you wish to wait until she's dolled up?

- Mike[/QUOTE]

Your going to almost assuredly need to do your tensioners, see in the How To on tensioner replacement by Blackonyx.

 

Your wiring guide for 1999 is here :

http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto.../jagxj1999.pdf

Stereo is on page 82 if you have the premium option with CD changer

If your transmission starts to act up DO NOT PUSH IT , back off