Started the car and was hearing a whining noise that go loader when I stepped on the gas while in park and natural. as the engine revs up and down so does the sound. I was driving this evening and my abs trac warning came on. Then my radio start coming on and off by itself. When using my turn signal, it started blinking rapidly. Then the transmission jerked twice. the steering started to fail as I made it to my drive way. my headlights were fading in and out. I finally turn the car off. When I tried to restart, I heard a click from the engine and a constant high pitch sound. There where also noises coming from my trunk. Does anyone have an idea of what is going on before I take it to the shop. Thanks in advance

 

You could be describing a serpentine belt, belt tensioner and/or an alternator problem. Either/all could produce the sound and electrical issues you seem to have.

Want to DIY or going to the shop?

[edit] Wondered why first post did not show up.

 

I would like to DIY

 

Start by checking the belts. Then use a multimeter to read the battery volage. It may be a charging system/ low voltage situation.

 

Thanks for suggestion. Voltage is fine on battery. I went to start and heard a load click from engine compartment. then the dash board made a humming sound and messages started displaying. It seemed like it went through them all. then the wiper started moving like a second hand on a watch, tick, tick across the window and the temp gauge was jumping up and down. my diagnostic codes are P10000 and P1789

 

Battery is fine? What is the voltage at rest and when key is in start position. If we are going to help we need information. There may be a bad connection to the starter or a bad ground. There are several bulkhead connections that will have to be checked.

In the how to sticky near the top of the forum page you will find the instructions to download the JTIS21 factory manual and many other aids.

Use the search function and you should find threads on cleaning battery and ground connections.

 

thanks..just to be sure this is a page I have to pay for yes?

 

unfortunately, the files for that manual can only be executed in windows. I own Macs. I will see if I can find the manual elsewhere

 

Start with what sounds very much like a battery/electrical problem by measuring the voltage with the lights on for a few minutes. Weird electrical problems are a certain sign of battery/charging/ground issues. If the voltage is 12.0v or less with the lights on the battery needs charging/testing. If you don't have a charger your local auto parts store will be happy to help.

Since the car apparently does not start at the moment lets get that out of the way before we start looking at the serpentine belt and belt tensioners which could be the source of lack of charging voltage from the alternator.

 

when I checked the battery before keys in ignition and lights on it was 11.35V
ignition up a click and lights 6.04v

 

Your battery is nearly completely discharged. You will need to charge it and

A. See if it holds a charge. If not it needs to be replaced.

and

B. Check the voltage with the engine running assuming the engine starts once the battery is charged. If it is not around 14 volts with the engine running, there is a problem with your charging system.

 

should i try to start the car with a jump? If it is the battery, then it will start with a jump, if it still doesnt start then what would be the next assumption

 

No, with a completely discharged battery the jumper wires will not allow for enough steady voltage to power the systems in the car reliably AND charge a completely discharged battery AND start the car.

If you do not own a charger, you can disconnect the battery from the car, then charge the battery from another vehicle using the jumper cables. Let it charge AT LEAST an hour, while the other car idles. Then put the battery back in the XJ and try to start it.

This will still not be sufficient to fully charge the battery, but it should allow you a few minutes of operation to determine where the problem is.

 

How old is the battery ? The grounds and power points are suspect. Many problems like this come from simple issues. ABS and TRAC come on when the battery is low, or when you have a bad connection. Battery connections, false bulkhead connection, ground at the bell housing, battery itself. Electrical connections deteriorate over time.

 

With the whining noise, I'd say alternator. What you describe is exactly what mine did before it quit.