I have a 1998 X308 XJR, just got it a month back and I've been enjoying it whenever it's running well .

Anyways; this morning it woke up on the wrong side of the bed and refused to start; battery and alternator are both in good condition, and the battery is charged. The previous night the car was running flawlessly.

The problem; the car won't even think about starting after sitting about 9 hours in my driveway, key will go all the way to position 2, but when I try to start it; nothing happens, and the ignition position locks unless I take the key out and put it back in.

Is my car in some sort of anti-theft mode? Did a fuse or relay pop overnight? Or is the computer just being weird? All the windows do roll down when I unlock the car with the key...

 

EDIT: Vehicle will not crank, I forgot to add that.

 

Check the ECM for P1260?(key not recognized)
If the key is not recognized use your other key(s) to see if the RFID is recognized.

 

When you turn the key to the “on” position, are there lights on the dashboard?

Try putting the transmission in neutral and attempt to crank the engine over.

 

Will definitely try this, but yes. All the dash lights come on as per usual.

 

Would I use an ODBII reader to find if it's throwing this code?

 

failed fuel pump?

 

Fuel pump clicks and primes when the key goes in, it has had the submerged line in the petrol tank disintegrate on it since the previous owner used a regular fuel line, so it may or may not be damaged in some fashion

 

I believe he said the engine will not even turn over, so not a fuel pump issue.

 

I had a failed fuel pump issue back then, best luck to our brother.

 

Good news; after resetting the cars computer via leaving the battery unplugged, it fired right up just fine! Thank you to everyone for the help

 

Well that was weird. If this happens again, make sure the shift gate has the “P” lit up. There’s a microswitch in the park and neutral section under the shifter and sometimes they can get loose just enough to not function properly and cause what you were experiencing. They have 2 very small rivets holding the micro switches to the shifter housing. Just like everything else in this world, after enough usage there’s a high chance of slop and sometimes things just don’t work like they used too.

 

My guess is that's exactly what happened; I don't remember off the top of my head who suggested it, but someone on this thread said that I should put it in neutral, the shifter refused to move into neutral but I tried starting it anyways an viola! Also, I gotta say you guys are much more helpful and kind than the folks on MBworld, I greatly appreciate the help