Started the process to install Bluetooth in the XJR. I've been missing my tunes, plus the convenience of the phone. It snowed a bunch today, so this may take a couple days to get done.

 

Would be very interested in hearing more about your bluetooth install. I have an iPhone adapter that works great in my XJ8, but had to use bluetooth in my S-Type and it works pretty darn good, too. The only problem with the bluetooth is that it doesn't charge while playing tunes and I can't figure out if I can use it as a hands-free telephone setup like I can with the iPhone adapter in the XJ8.

What did I do to my X308 today? Nothing! Bummer! I haven't even driven it for a couple weeks now, it sits covered up in the garage. I have to get to the mechanic's shop to pick up some parts before I drive it again.

 

I'm doing it as per this thread, using a Motorola T605 setup. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...armrest-11886/

I've done this in my XJ8, and it's very nice. I can stream music, or plug in via an aux input. I usually stream music via Bluetooth, and when a call comes in, it mutes the stereo (or radio if that's playing) and the phone audio comes over the car speakers.

The only limitation is that the steering wheel controls don't work.

 

I sold my '01 XJR early on this year. It wasn't giving me any issues but with mileage approaching 100k I figured I'd be ahead of the game if I sold it while things were still good. My original plan was to get myself an Alfa Romeo Berlina, which I did. I also intended on buying a 96-97 XJR-6 a bit later on. In real life things rarely go on as planned as I ended up with TWO Berlinas of same vintage and color (!). As soon as I sell one of these great little cars, I will be back to looking for the XJR-6 (or a 944...) ))

 

I just received today the new 4 shocks from Allshocks , Bilstein, Made in Germany. 375 bucks including delivery to an USA address, that's the price you can pay for only one in Europe. And a replacement rear lamp; time for a ride...

 

I drove 90 minutes to the Darlington Drag Strip and decided to run since the track was not very busy. This my first time drag racing. My car is a 1998 VDP with 190,500 miles on it.
I did not even empty the 100 pounds of tools etc out of the trunk. First run was 16.004 and 86.35 mph for the 1/4 mile. My fastest was 15.215 and 91.49 mph. After making 8 passes, I drove 90 minutes home. What a car! My goal is to be under 15 seconds next time.

 

After replacing the plastic under tray and the coil cover that I've been waiting for, I got the car out and drove it a bit today. Boy, I've missed her!

 

It was last week-end, but was able to flush/backflush heater core and get back cabin heat ! Had same problem last winter.

 

Took her for a test-ride, that is where it all begins on these forums, right?
Crappy weather, crappy phone picture.
Today on the lifter, then decisions to be made ... or not ...

 

Took the old thermostat out, drained the radiator and flushed the engine with the garden hose to clear the old radiator and engine coolant. Waiting on parts, but I'm replacing the valve cover gaskets, spark plug o-ring gaskets, 8 spark plugs, fresh oil & filter, & a new thermostat on 1/1/14.

 

well i pulled the trigger....and put my kitty to sleep for the winter today....expecting 8-12 inches of snow tomorrow...and from all indications a much snowier and colder winter ahead....i don't think she appreciates the bitter cold, snow,sleet,salt road conditions.....so she can rest for 3-4 months while my 4 wheel(off road tires) drive tacoma .....can have some fun and myself included....happy new year....

 

A couple days ago I replaced the trim piece that goes at the back of the engine and covers the cowl/firewall/overflow. I didn't even know I was missing it until I saw one for sale.

 

Question, do you know if there is a cheap place to get my hands on the
plastic bolt that holds the central piece in place? My friend went ahead
and snapped mine in half, so I need to replace that odd little part.

 

A couple of days ago my XJR went on limp home mode with displays "fail safe engine mode" and "ASC not available". It did this a couple more times, so it was time to confront it. After checking Forum reference here I saw that it could be either a low battery or a wheel sensor going south, but recent history gave me the clue: I have been noticing that when I unlock the car with the remote, some of the four locks sounded slow and sluggish to respond, as in border-line power being applied. I also noticed that sometimes the starter motor cranking was not necessarily crisp and fast. So I went and measured voltage across the battery with one side disconnected: 11.91 volts. Then I reconnected the battery, started the car (yes, it still starts) and verified correct charging voltage at almost 14.0 volts. Conclusion was that, in spite of the right charging voltage, the battery couldn't even hold 12 volts when disconnected. Then, and only then, it ocurred to me to look at the existing battery (Bosch) original invoice: May, 2008, or just four months shy of six years old... totally out of warranty or any life left, really (but, again, still cranking the engine).

After installing the new battery today, I took some short drives and so far no more problems.

So, I take it that, even when (engine-running) alternator voltage appears to be good at 14.0 volts, the hard-to-charge weak battery renders the alternator's current supply capacity borderline and not necessarily enough to keep all key circuits happy. IOW, the battery may no longer be good, even when it is still capable of cranking the engine to a start. How's that for a controversy?

So, my problem resolved and, yet, another case successfully resolved by the awesome, priceless contribution from forum members.

Thank you all!

Cheers,

 

Forgot to mention that the battery failed to pass their rigorous test.
Of course, after almost six years.

 

Mine is just a spare that I had. Most auto parts stores should have them. They are common push fasteners.

 

Took a 3 hour bus ride to pick up the XJR after a dead alternator left it stranded miles from home at Christmas. Forked over a stupid amount of money to the guy who repaired it. Made myself feel better by taking the back roads home and giving 2nd and 3rd gear and the ASC a good workout.

 

At 06:00 in the morning on my way home i took a roundabout at 25mph

When i left the roundabout i lost the back of my car and when straight in the grass by the right side of the road

When i got in the grass the car launched and slide over the road to the other side on the grass there .....it was icy as ...

Everybody plz be more careful in the winter ..

 

sorry to hear about this dj......is she totaled?but you seem ok......this is precisely why i put my jag in hibernation for the winter......i don't care how great your tires are....these kitties will skate....when you least expect it!

 

Thank you ,

I was lucky nothing got in the way ,it only was a little shaky afterwards.

I was driving with summer tires {shamed to say they were bad}.

Next day i bought 4 Pirelli Sottozero Winter tires in 255 35 20" .

I hope will they give me more grip and safety in the winter..