I went to China for 4-months. My XJ6 was tuned up running perfectly. My friend was going to start it every week, but he forgot. Battery went dead. I trickle charged it, ran it high-ish revs for 2 hours, battery keeps going dead.

Car starts fine with Jumper cables and keeps running, but battery will not hold charge.

No warning lights. On dashboard, "Battery condition Indicator" runs at "13". High revs it goes to "14". Battery looks old. Do you think I am safe in assuming I just need a new battery?

Or should I do more diagnostics?

Thank you!

 

If the battery is of uncertain age and condition, and it has gone into deep discharge, and is now having problems holding a charge, then yes there is a high possibility that the battery has had its day.

If you travel a fair bit and the car may sit for extended periods, talk with the battery shop about a battery choice that suits that kind of situation. There are different battery chemistries that tolerate it better than others. You can also leave it on a modern trickle charger (like CTek) all the time quite happily.

You also probably arent doing the car any favours but just starting it up for short periods while you are away. Much better if they can take it for a decent drive 30-45 mins, even just once a month.

 

Sounds like the charging system is charging

Pretty sure you just need a new battery, yes. But you might look at this:

Engine Will Not Crank Checklist

Cheers
DD

 

Thank you Steve and Doug, read, absorbed, I appreciate it. A new battery I will get.

 

You almost certainly need a new battery because, as Doug say, the charging system seems to be working properly.
Now on another note: you have marked the weekend of July 23 to bring your xj6 to Victoria for Jaguars on e Island, right? This is the largest annual Jaguar show in North America and your car wants to be there. every Jaguar welcome on the field, regardless of age or condition. Let me know if you need more information or go to Jaguar Car Club of Victoria - HOME

 

But will people make fun of me? My Jag has quite a bit of rust. Although the shape of it is so appealing that regular people don't seem to notice. People say, "Wow, it's immaculate!" and then I have point out it's rusting to ****.

 

No, absolutely no one will make fun of you or your car; that is not what it is about. Any Jaguar, any condition, any age is welcome.

 

As Gregory says, no worries. Not every Jag that shows up is a pristine showpiece, not by a mile. And, as often as not, the less-than-perfect cars draw more positive attention than the creampuffs.

Plus, if you seek out Gregory, I'm sure he'll do a walk-around of your car and point out a slew of interesting features and repair tips.

About 18 years ago, when I was a Series III tyro, I was fortunate enough to be placed next to Gregory at a Jag show. I learned more about Series III Jags in a hour than I had learned in the previous 6 months

Cheers
DD

 

I have a 87 XJ6. My 5 year old DieHard died; replaced it. Suddenly the battery light started coming on with key out, not started. Turn key, starts, light goes out.

Getting ready to get a Bosch AL397X Alternator. Haven't ordered it; waiting for Monday. In the interim, I've been taking the negative off the battery and then when needing to use the XJ6, replacing it and driving it.

Today, did this. Jag starts and I had gone about 3 miles when, as running, the battery light came on. Immediately went home. Battery light comes and goes while driving - turned off the Jag - no battery light.

Any ideas? Also, I just replaced all three belts (4th no longer there - none of the pollution stuff).

 

Typically this suggests a failed diode pack inside the alternator


Cheers
DD

 

Thank you Doug for your response. Being somewhat at a loss, would you replace the alternator? If so, would the Bosch AL193X be the way to go? Would you look to the voltage regulator? Or just get a diode pack?

On any and all of these - where would you go to shop ? Thanks Chuck

 

As the years go by I've had more and more bad luck with off-the-shelf rebuilt starters and alternators. Regardless of the label on the box is really don't know what you're getting

My preference these days, and my suggestion to you, is to give the alternator to a local rebuilding specialist for overhaul. Almost every town has a 'starter and alternator' shop.

I've never had one fail.

Cheers
DD