If the pins are intact there can't be open circuit readings. The ACM checks the shocks at set intervals so maybe it had not yet again sampled the shocks when you had the nuts off and the connectors plugged in to see the circuits were now complete

 

Ok, maybe I'll try it again

 

Do you guys know how to unplug the CATS module to turn off that annoying Fault notice? I'm going to install new shocks all the way around, but non CATS. This problem is getting annoying now and I'm not spending $400 per shock.

Fronts look easy, but how about the rear? I saw some members said to remote the rear plate and have them pop right out. Should i change the lower bushings while i'm at it?

 

See Post# 10 in the following thread (Cats Shock Replacement) – Member just disconnected the CATS shocks and replaced with the standard shocks . Says he had no issues or warning messages after the change.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...acement-37895/

Here is the important paragraph in post 10:
I disabled the CATS system by unplugging the CATS module harness (no small feat, located between the bulkhead wall (inside right fender) and the glovebox recess - had to climb in to the car headfirst into the passenger footwell and contort my fingers to get a grab on the connector. This eliminated the dummy light warning and caused no other problems for the car - ABS and ASC still function. I believe this is the right way to do this.

I might try to disconnect the harness described above and the 4 shock absorber connectors on the shocks without replacing any of the shocks.

You might get a little stiffer ride (the default) if there is a problem with the CATS.

Jim Lombardi

 

Right now Jim.. The car is sitting noticeably lower and rides like a train... Unplugging cats can't be worse.

 

There is 2 great DIY Shock Absorber Replacement Writeup articles in the forum thread below (its Post# 6 has the weblinks to them).

Do you have to remove the whole strut to replace shock absorbers?

It gives links to front and rear shocks DIYs and one of them is how to do it without any special tools. Also has the standard Labor shop hours.

Here is some more information on the CATS (adaptive damping system) layout and its module (click on the image when the dropbox webpage opens to get a sharper view of the image):

https://www.dropbox.com/s/42bkk7b95d...le%20image.JPG

https://www.dropbox.com/s/l9xpg3822w...20Damping1.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/o7ukz44p0c...20Damping2.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/v0ty84qe0g...20Damping3.jpg

Jim Lombardi

 

Here is a snapshot of the XJ X308 sport shock absorbers that are not CATS (shows part numbers (bilstein) and the prices on their webpage ($379.40 free shipping for all 4 shocks):

https://www.dropbox.com/s/foz24r1o31...6%20prices.JPG

Here are weblinks to images for the shock absorbers listed on Bilstein website - sport suspension not-adapative shocks front & rear

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qpaxmwn80q...ein%20site.JPG

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0yaws60671...TS%20image.JPG
Jim Lombardi

 

unplugged the CATS module for now, pretty easy once you locate it. I'm going to take it to one more mechanic to see whats up with the shocks, then its off to non-CATS.

 

So I took my car to a bunch of polish guys today... they had something interesting to say about my shocks. He said that if they were tightened using an impact gun, that they could have twisted the wires inside the shock which is why its giving an Open Circuit on both. He said some Bilsteins require you to insert an allen wrench to prevent the shock from spinning when you are tightening it down.

 

Christ in a blanket, I've just seen the JTIS procedure flash in front of my eyes....and it does indeed need tightening with the centre held with an allen, but tightening with an airgun? why? It takes only a few turns of the torque wrench to set them up. Sounds like you destroyed the connection!
Next question you should ask your guys is can they fix them? or do Bilstein do exchange units?

 

Post# 7 has a JPEG image showing the Hex allen wrench inserted in the top of the shock absorber.

Jim Lombardi

 

It wasnt me with the air gun!