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In the area I live occasionally when we get rain I noticed that my engine dies and eventually will not start back up. The dash lights die a little more each attempt to start. I have to let it sit for 45 minutes or so before it will start back up. If there's puddles that I can't avoid I creep through them, but to no avail. Does anyone have any idea of possible problem or area? Thanks
I'd start with the cleaning the battery terminals, then all the ground points (DonB has a few excellent threads on this) and then overhauling/resoldering the fuseboxes which are notorious for failing from bad or cracked solder joints on late cars.
Maybe the CKPS is getting water on it and shutting the engine down????
Replacement is a common recommendation and some people keep a spare in the boot??
A couple of things that may help narrow down the possibilities:
1. You can check the Vehicle Condition Monitor (VCM) for any stored fault codes. Turn the key to Position II (ignition ON) but do not start the engine. Press the VCM button on the trip computer to the right of the steering wheel and watch the lower display on the dash for any displayed codes. They will say something like FF 89 or Fuel Fail 69. Write down any code that is displayed and report it here. It is possible you have more than one code stored, but the system will only display one at a time. So if you find one, let us know and we'll tell you the procedure for erasing the codes one at a time so you can see them all. Do not disconnect the battery until you've checked the VCM or you'll lose any stored codes.
2. If your '94 was equipped with a "duckbill" rubber drain fitting on the underside of the windshield wiper motor assembly, it is possible that it is clogged with leaves, seeds, etc., and when it rains, water is backing up in the windshield undercowl and finding its way onto some of the sensitive electronic components. Many of us have either removed the duckbill or cut off its narrow end to open it up. The duckbill is Part 2 in the diagram below. Jaguar calls it the "plenum chamber drain valve." Clean out any leaves or other debris you find and consider removing the duckbill.
My shop found this on the new XJ40 by accident in 94. We had lot of cars come in after driving thru chassis wash car wash. We put running car on lift and sprayed the crank sensor and the car would die. Would not restart until dry. Behind the crank damper. All new sensors are supposed to be trouble free. Cars were then sent to dealer for warranty replacement.
Well so far when I press the VCM the code I get is PAD FAIL. So from here do I clear that code and move onto the next?
Hi Rubin,
The PAD FAIL and BRAKE warnings you are getting indicate a problem with the brake pad wear indicator. Perhaps the new indicator is faulty or its electrical connector is not fully seated, or if you only replaced one of the indicators perhaps the other one is faulty (I think on a '94 you have one on a front wheel and one on the opposite rear wheel).
I don't know if the procedure for clearing one code at a time will work to clear the PAD FAIL message, so it would be best if you resolve that problem before addressing any other stored codes.
Once you've resolved the PAD FAIL issue, to view and clear one stored fault code (DTC or Diagnostic Trouble Code) at a time:
1. Turn the key to Position II (Ignition ON) but do not start the engine. Press the VCM button on the trip computer and watch for a code to be displayed in the small window below the speedometer/tachometer. Record the code for reference later.
2. Open the center console arm rest lid and carefully pry the plastic cover off of the fuse box at the forward end of the console compartment.
3. There are ten 5 Amp fuses in the box. Identify the fuse for the Instrument Pack. In our '93 it is Fuse 9, the second closest fuse to the driver's seat in our LHD car.
4. Turn the key to Position II but do not start the engine. Use a fuse puller, needle nose pliers or the corner of the fuse box lid to pull the Instrument Pack fuse.
5. Watch the needles on the Speedometer and Tachometer. When they drop below 0, count to 10, then replace the Instrument Pack fuse.
6. Turn the key to OFF and wait a few seconds.
7. Repeat the process from Step 1 and write down any new DTC that is displayed. Repeat until no DTCs are displayed.
Please report any DTCs that you find and we'll help you sort them out.
P.S. This procedure works on '93-'94 cars, but I don't know if it works on '90-92 cars. I am fairly certain it does not work on '87-'89 cars.
Gratsi Don. I shall give the back pads and sensor a look. I'm hoping there isn't an issue with the newly installed parts because I took them to a shop and I'd be a little bothered. Plus I also had them replace the valve cover gasket set. So Mr. Don once I have resolved all brake issues and all is working order, there's no process I have to go through to disengage the BRAKE warning correct?
My shop found this on the new XJ40 by accident in 94. We had lot of cars come in after driving thru chassis wash car wash. We put running car on lift and sprayed the crank sensor and the car would die. Would not restart until dry. Behind the crank damper. All new sensors are supposed to be trouble free. Cars were then sent to dealer for warranty replacement.
Ok so I got caught in an unexpected down pour today and decided to chance getting home. I avoided any deep puddles and the puddles I couldn't avoid I creeped very slow through. I actually made it home w/out stalling or dying once. So I'm going to follow your lead on this good sir and see where it takes me. Gratsi.
Water killing engine
