Hello. I was out driving my jag today, and it worked perfectly. I pulled up on my driveway and turned the car off and went inside. About an hour later, i was going to take it for a spin again, but it wouldnt crank, the starter just clicks, and the transmission warning light is on. Any ideas what the problem might be? I have searched in other threads with the same problem and tried the solutions but nothing works.

 

Also i might add that when the starter motor clicks, it clicks really fast multiple times in a row. Like the battery is empty (wich is not), and ive tried jumper cables as well.

 

Odmark:
A similar thing happened to my friends mid-90s Ford Taurus. It ended up, in fact, being the battery. I'd double check that. XJ40s seem to be finicky with anything less than a full charge on a good battery. Otherwise I'd take a good look at the starter motor. The transmission light may be a red herring, because I believe that is one of the last lights that gets extinguished once the car has started. If the car never starts, the trans light wouldn't go out.
Cheers!
Scott

 

Check the engine ground strap and the power connector on the starter. If it won't get past the solenoid clicking even with a jump, the circuit isn't delivering enough amps to spin up the starter. I've had them get loose in the past and not fully complete the circuit.

 

Well today i tried everything you told me with no result. Then i tried to jump the starter with a wire directly to the battery, still just clicking (only a single click now though). So i guess the starter is dead. So my question know, is how do i remove it?

 

Removing it is a real PITA.

But before doing that, try a good thump with and iron bar and your favourite hammer.

Sounds like the gear is stuck.

This won't cure the problem, but may help you along a little.

From your location, could moisture have frozen, causing the solenoid thruster and gear to freeze up?

Assuming that, Battery 100% and all wire connections 100%.

 

Yes i belive that, the top bolt (head on the gearbox side???) Looks really painful to remove. I have thumped it with no result. Yes its like the gear pops into position but the starter wont spin. Maybe, but not likely, the previous owner started it without problem in -30° celcius. But on the other hand, spring is on its way and temperature is shifting from minus and plus each day.

 

Well now i have tried just about everything. My guess is that the carbon brushes is gone, so the gear will pop out but the starter wont spin. Im going to have a go at removinging it tomorrow, any tips that will make it easier?

 

Odmark:
As part of trying everything, did you in fact get the battery tested by your local battery shop? I'd hate to have you go through all the work just to find out you have a bad battery.
Otherwise, I can't be of much help except for encouragement. I'm a wuss and would likely have the shop do the starter for me. So, you're a good man for trying!
Cheers,
Scott

 

There, its gone! Took me about 1 hour 45 minutes. And the problem with the starter was pretty clear when i finally got it removed, have a look at this:



And sorry, i cant seem to get the picture on its right side, hopefully you dont mind. Anyway the plastic gear hade broken and jammed two of the three small gears, thats why it wouldnt spin. On monday im going to order a new one, then my baby will be running again

 

Good luck with the core charge on that one. I don't recall the last time I saw a Sun Gear drive in a starter motor. Learn something new everyday, thanks for the picture.