Exiting the highway the yellow waring light came on as I was decelerating. Couple times briefly then once it stayed on while I was at the light with foot on brake. It did Not go limp on me for a change.

So why when doing a noticeable deceleration from above 75 would I trigger the warning light?? Low fluid and vacuum thing in tranny?

Also for the past 3 days before driving I've been going through the gears before backing out with hopes to skip the gearbox fault and Limp mode issue I'd been having at startup. Maybe that's working? Haven't had willie the limp show up for 3 consecutive days. Why is that?

And what is the color of my atf suppose to be? You know, the factory stuff. All I was told is it's not pink.

Thank you.

 

Pretty dark red is the atf colour when new. Darkness will vary between manufacturer. And of course dirtyness of the gearbox and oil.

 

Vauxi has XJR his fluid is red, you have XJ8 yours is light yellowish, turning darker with time, akin engine oil
You have to read the code (yellow warning) without it we are in darkness

 

Oh yeah, the message I can't see because of the dim display that can only be sorta seen with glasses and total darkness, how'd I miss that! That message isn't available during normal conditions. Wish it was.

I'd like to see what the newest one just posted after I tried to leave my street but not even a hint of print this sunny Sunday afternoon. I have a good guess what it might say... Gearbox Fault. Ah yes my dear friend has come back after a 3 day weekend. Brought a new gift too, a 5 second yellow light when I pressed the brake pedal before shifting. Car is just getting ready for some fun I suppose.

I wonder if these "events" that don't leave P'codes are logged elsewhere? Like a notepad memo which an all knowing scanner privy to Jag specfic data can access? Should have that answer soon as Jag and its lighting crew are getting probed by a specialist before lunch time tomorrow. I'll be sure not to fill up on too many codes so I can share my dream with the world.

And the tranny fluid on my cardboard drip catcher could be power steering fluid but I doubt it. No worries as the motor oil spot may be tranny fluid! How accommodating is that! A win/win situation for all. All the part manufacturers and tech specialists everywhere! We jag owners do our best at helping everyone don't we.

Reminds me of the story about a politician that couldn't tell a lie. Oh wait, that's just a story like the jag that went 100k miles. Or was that 10,000 miles??? No, it was 10 miles between major service events!! That's it, MY story! Twas a beautiful late summers day with the sun shinning and the breeze was flithering away and the free floating headliner which had dropped in to take a gander at the rolling hills as we coated by closed service shops that Sunday afternoon. It was simply breathtaking as i coasted downhill without any messages or lighting effects from the usually overworked dashboard display.. There was nothing to distract me from the cool breeze flapping of the headliner, stationary petrol Guage and the bus ticket in my hand with the deed to this machine. Who will be next to enjoy the ride? You perhaps???
Life couldn't be better. There's always something new to do and I have the key. Once inserted there's no stopping me now. And about those brakes...

to be continued.

 

ABS DTCs are C codes. (CHASSIS codes)

Different code reader required. (more advanced than simple P code reader)

 

@Psycom With regards to the dim instrument pack or 'IPK' there are serviceable bulbs that can be replaced, you can find their type location and extraction all on here via the search.

The IPK only gives you warnings, you'll need an OBD reader that can pull up chassis codes as Motorcarman has kindly suggested, again a simple thing to buy these days.

I have to ask, how old is your battery, and what is it's standing voltage? Anything under 12.5V does lead to some odd ghost code behaviour, a good first place to start is a battery in good condition check.

 

If your LCD display is out and you have the yellow light come on, maybe it’s saying “check rear lights”? 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

 

That could be a nice easy one to resolve it, if it's just a brake light out.
Good thinking.

 

I thought that might be the case. Was hoping to have a better answer today after seeing the jag doctors but that didn't work out. I'm back to square one. Their prices were in line with dealerships. Couldn't justify spending without a remedy being performed. For example the 635$ for fluid filter change. Liquid Molly fluid which i know is good stuff but purist would say its not the correct fluid.

I'll continue the search for a way to check the fluid level and change. To make it easier I'll include BMW to broaden the field since many have used this zf transmission.

Also look around to find a scanner that'll read what I can't see. I didn't fork over 165$ for that info since it wouldn't have fixed anything. I'd rather buy the dipstick kit which cost the same. Probably my best option. That would allow me to keep it rolling as the leak is minimal. I grew up with having to keep an eye on fluids due to leaks. Cars ran without incident.

Bottom line is I've got to check the fluid level. Until I do ill not drive the car far if at all.

 

Brake lights are fine but that display is in need of a fix. Since I'm basically parked now it'll give me a different project to tackle. It does need fixed and I believe its an easier one to do. Thanks for the idea.

 

there is a dimming pot on the left side of the steering wheel, try that and let us know result

 

Psycom, my daughter’s 98’ XJR also has a display out. Unless you know of one (or anybody else), the only fix I can think of is to replace the IP.

 

12.38v standing voltage

 

Oh. Yes. Zf lifeguard is not red. I had in mind all of the dexrons etc.

 

About the yellow warning light that came on when braking, finally saw message and it was something like Check back lights. Hasn't showed up for awhile now.

Perhaps a low battery was to blame. I don't know but had battery load tested and it came back at 100%.

Haven't seen gearbox fault nor had limp mode for a few days.

 

Battery tested out at 100%. Had it checked at the auto parts store. HOWEVER... I'm curious about this grounding strap located upfront on the passenger side attached to side of bellhousing.

What kinda havoc could this cause? Must be needed or it wouldn't be there but what if it wasn't? Plenty of grounds on the car and i'm not sure what its attached to. Looks like a tainted ground to me.

Just found while reviewing a video. Is it a problem?

 

The starter and alternator need a HEAVY ground strap.

I remember many decades ago when the speedometer on a car would stop working and the cable was found to be MELTED.

Turns out the earth strap would fail and the starter needed to get a ground SOMEWHERE so the speedo cable was it.

 

That's nuts! Not a place for excessive heat.

Now I'm unsure exactly where I found that ground but I did it from underneath. Couldn't spot it from up top. Looks like another ramp job. If it'd quit raining I could get it up. Thats what I told her anyway.

I did make an approach that raises the car enough to go up the ramps I have. When it clears up I'll pick my spot and take care of the ground. I've got extra phat ground wires ready to go so I'll reinforce where I can. The ones for headlights and the hood hinge I sprayed down with DeOxit D5.

After thinking about it I began to wonder Again! About the tranny codes and the location of that ground. Coincidence? Doubt it. One way or another everything is connected on a Jag!

Appreciate your insight.

 

The earth strap is as close to the starter as possible.

 

One long shot? I have seen low brake fluid turn on a dash light when braking before. It happens quickly and then goes off.
Have you checked your brake fluid?
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