Got a GREAT deal on a NEAR MINT 1998 XJR. Runs and drives great the ONLY issue is this. The previous owner left the lights on inside the car and killed the battery. The next day he jumped it ans the radio and seats stopped working.

Any ideas? What to check. Sorry to be a novice this is my first ever Jag.

 

The radio probably requires a security code. If you're friendly with the local Jaguar agent they should be able to get the code for you.

Not sure about the seats though. Which part doesn't work? Does it retract when you remove the key? Do the electronic adjustments work?

 

Plz give a description of your XJR. I have owned many x308 R's and I replaced the alternator in everyone of them and purchased a new battery immediatley. The alternator is rather difficult to change and a lift makes it easier. Denso on amazon is only $189 and a shop will charge you 3hrs and a battery is $190.00 or $329 at the dealer. In the trunk on the right hand side is the fuse box cover diagram. It will give you an idea of how much electrical is in this car and why you need a 950amp crank battery. Under the back seat/kick board two fuse boxes. I think the seat fuses are in this area How mechanical are you?

 

The radio and seats are doa NO power, dead. All else works normally. Cannot code radio because it is dead. This all happened simultaneously after the battery was jumped. Fuse Im thinking because all 3 happened at once?

 

Btw. Welcome. This site will save you thousands and provide you solid footing on future problems. Some members on here are mechanical genius'
(self not included). Your XJR is the finest example of Jaguar ever made IMO. Very retro and very Jag.

 

Yes. Very likely a fuse matter. Go to the trunk, remove the right hand side floor trunk bed. It will reveal the battery and infront of battery is the primary fuse box. That cover gives a breakdown and location diagram. It should have spare plastic wrapped fuses and a fuse puller. I would go to napa ASAP and have them test your battery and test the charging if your alternator. Voltage issues will cause check engine lights and ghost problems.

 

Fuse hunt it is, the most practical place to start. Ill keep you all updated, thanks again.

 

US spec cars have no "radio code"

 

Also what would I be looking for as far as the dead seats go. I can't imagine the seats and radio being on one fuse.

 

Did you pull the master diagram as I pointed out?each component you describe will have a separate fuse. Hold the fuses in question to a light and you will see the connection and or a lack if connection.

 

Your owners manual will give good info on systems and their fuse locations...........

 

I can guarantee you it is most likely NOT a fuse issue. It's an electrical issue or short in one of the wires. Same thing happened to me.. All fuses are good, no interior lights, steering wheel doesn't function but only at times, and the mirrors are dead.

However, if you're dead set on seeing if a fuse is blown, go in front of the back seats, and remove that carpeted panel. Under that you will find a small fuse box with about 20 fuses. Use a fuse tester ($5?) and check them all. Most likely if it is a fuse, it's going to be a 20amp.

There are 4 fuse boxes in the car. Two of them are in front of the back seats.

 

How are a few things you should look at to see if they are functioning:

Does your interior lights come on when you open the front door (puddle lamps on doors)?
Does the garage door button in the overhead console allow you to program it to your garage door opener?
Does the windshield wiper washers function?
Does the driver seat remember its set position when closing the driver side front door?

Here is weblink to the 1998 XJ Vehicle Care Handbook PDF file:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/m5u2k7sm9h...20Handbook.pdf

Look at Page 47 - Fuse number 7 (15 amp) in the rear left-hand heelboard - protects the Body processor module (battery supply for solenoids, lamps and motors).


Also we have a 1999 XJ Owner (Drivers) Handbook PDF file (should be same for 1998):

https://www.dropbox.com/s/a1glty7tiu...s%20manual.pdf

Jim Lombardi

 

WOW thanks Guys. Ill dl the pdf and check it out. I'm not going to be at the car until Wed. Ill keep you all posted, this forum rocks!!

 

Well I finally got my Beast home. Or "Darth Vader" as my Daughter calls it,lol. Now HOPEFULLY I can get started on the electrical issues. Also I found that the tilt/tele doesn't work either. But Hey for $3200.00 for a 2 owner 98 XJR garaged from day one with a great History, non smokers and NO kids!! With a ton of paperwork and mods I will not complain.

 

Great-looking XJR! I wish my paint looked that good :/

My tilt/tele doesn't work either.. Again, look for a short somewhere. Most likely it'll be the wires leading to the sun visors. Also, get a 5% window strip on that windshield! It'll make it look more "uniform.."

 

Thank You Sir. This paint after sunlight inspection shows me some serious metallic and colors in it.

Here's a couple of shots before I start the blackout treatment. Also I'll be selling the Factory Penta's which are a 10 out of 10 and look box fresh in every way, so if you Guys know anyone they have KILLER Kdw's on them too.

 

Now I just found out the mirror on the drivers side is dead and the passenger side mirror is all funky. I can hit it down and the glass just keeps going down after I release the button. I hope this is just a switch. Man these are junk, lol. jk.

 

What I really would like to know is.. What do the neighbors think of your new car?

 

Look at this other post on fixing door mirrors (go down to its post# 7 also posts 12 & 13):

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...t-work-106795/

Jim Lombardi