Insert key, turn as normal, dash lights come on, whirring noises, all as normal, but fails to turn engine over. This problem first occurred several months ago. However after repeated tries it would eventually start.


Took it to mechanic, who deals in classic English cars and he checked everything and could find nothing wrong in regard to earthing, battery, starter, ignition switch etc.

The problem appeared to be intermittent, because it would eventually start.


However last week it would not start, and I have tried every day and it still refuses to start.


Any ideas.


I understand this has happened to others, but I have been unable to find out any results as to a solution.

Could it be the imobiliser ?

 

We need to discuss the meaning of some words here.
1) Crank- the process of the starter turning the engine crank shaft around and around, also called "turn over" by some.
2) Start- the condition where the engine begins to run on it's own without need for the electic starter motor to turn it.
3) Fire- Jaguar uses this term (a subset of #2) to mean the engine at least begins to turn on it's own
4) Whirring noises- ?? You tell us! It sounds to me like you mean #1, but does the engine crankshaft, as noticed on the front of the engine, actually turn?

With an agreement on the meaning of these terms, help is easier!

 

Thanks for your reply "sparkenzap".


The whirring noise is very subdued, and I presume it is the fuel pump.


When the key is turned to the start position their is no response at all from the starter motor. No noises, or any attempt to engage.


With the headlights turned on there is no dimming or flickering when attempting to start.


As I said, the battery, starter etc. have all been checked and appear to be in good order.

 

The definitions above should be added to the Stickies.

Given the additional info I would swap the start relay with ones close by. They are all the same.

Loose/corroded connections would the first suspects.

 

Thank you for the advice "test point".
I just did that, made no difference.


Anything else you can suggest ?

 

Hold the key in the "start" position whilst someone gives the starter motor solenoid a few gentle taps with a hammer or long extension bar.

Also try with gear selector in Neutral, rather than Park.

 

Oil Burner- Usually that is can be a first step on any stater problem, BUT there is no way in hell to get a hammer on an X-308 if its not on a lift!

In addition to testpoint's suggestions and the nuetral position, I would check the "false bulkhead" connections near the firewall, and check the inertia switch.

 

Put shift lever in neutral, try starting again.

 

"Oil-Burner", "sparkenzap" and "QuadManiac" all of your suggestions have been tried to no avail.


Is it possible for a battery to be faulty even though when tested it appears OK ? The battery in the car is at least four years old.

 

I do not know how a battery can "appear" to be OK, but I presume you tested it by some method. You would have to share that method for us to determine if it was possible to be faulty after the test! But, YES, if you did not do a load test and did not have at least 10. vlts or more at 100 amps, it might very well be faulty.

A "stab in the dark" suggestion.If you have a test meter, check the voltagefom the power port on the right side underhood fuse panel to ground whilst attempting a crank. It should stay near 12.7 volts if the car is not cranking. What do you get?

Do you have anothe rkey? Your car might be immobilized, I think.

If you want to diagnose this problem correctly, without just stabbing th edark, download the JTIS manual, go to the engine section for your car, go to the pinpoint tests and follow that.

BTW, the name of your problem is "Won't Crank"

 

After many months with the car off the road and several independent Jaguar experts trying to diagnose the problem without success, I finally took it to a Jaguar Dealer who believes he has solved it.
I should know for sure later this week as the parts required are due to arrive from the UK some time this week.
I will let you know the result and "fix" as soon as I know.
I am aware that several other cars have the same problem.

 

It turned out to be an internal fault with the ECU. Which was replaced, along with a new KVM and exciter module and the lot reprogrammed.
Previously 2 other workshops (Not authorised Jaguar Dealers, but specializing in Jaguars) had replaced the Central Locking Module and Security Module without success.
Despite all the bad stories you hear about Jaguar Dealers ripping people off, for anybody interested, I would recommend Alto Jaguar in St Leonards (Sydney) for Jaguar repairs.

 

ok. what is an kvm and what does the exciter have to do with starting? my 99 xjr is doing the same thing

 

I should have used the common name for the parts, they were a Module-Key Transponder and a Coil-Key Transponder.
Apparently when you replace the ECU some of the other components can't be reprogrammed to match, even by the factory.
This problem has been ongoing for about seven months and it took an Authorised Jaguar Dealer to diagnose and fix the problem.