I have a 1998 4.0l xj8 which has for some time now been giving me the "engine failsafe" and orange light when I accelerate,it also feels like the engine is almost cutting out for a second or two but the warning goes out as soon as I lift off the throttle.
this will go on several times in any one "session" when finally the RP warning comes up.
this is most noticeable when the engine is up to temperature and usually when ive travelled several miles to a destination,turn the engine off,return to the car after a while (15/20 minutes) its then guaranteed to happen.
its getting to the stage where i cant plan any distance journeys making an otherwise fine car completely useless!

 

Has the Check Engine light ever come on? If so you can read the stored diagnostic codes and determine, at least, the general area that is affected.

 

no, never had the check engine, done all the usual stuff like cleaning tb,maf sensor,taped up every possible air leak site,cleaned contacts to tb.
I'm sure its definitely temp related

 

See if this might help http://www.gusglikas.com/AutoRepTB.htm . Do you know if the TB recall was done on your car?

 

Hi Gus,unfortunately i didn't buy the car until October of last year and i didn't realise there was a recall which as you know expired in December.

I don't have any paperwork relating to a recall but i rang Jaguar UK and they said they have no records of cars that were modified as its there policy to delete all records after a recall has expired!very helpful!
just out of interest what issue with the TB was resolved with the recall?

 

Well you are expressing one of many on the forum and that is why I wanted to know if you had it done. If I recall the TSB had two parts one was to reprogram and the other was to replace the TB. The question is which one applied to your car. I would call Jaguar again and inquire as to what action was necessary for your car and have your VIN# available. I do have a link for reconditioned TB but I must tell you I have not used them but I do understand they are reputable. http://www.jaytanindustriesinc.com/

 

Good advice Gus,thanks,I'm sure its definitely an issue with the TB,gonna start looking for recon units asap,cant see what else it could be,I took her out today to my sons engagement party and sure enough after about 10 miles the warnings started,then the RP came up so i stopped to let it reset itself and it was fine after that,.another 10 miles without a problem.
perhaps I should bite the bullet and do some real distance,just to see what will happen