My 1984 XJ6 will start on starter fluid then rev for about 30 seconds until it dies. I figure it’s maybe not getting fuel? Anyone had this happen?

 

check if the fuel pump runs.

place the shifter in 1 or in D and turn the ignition switch to START. You should hear the fuel pump humming in the trunk as long as you hold the key in the Start position.

 

Thanks, I did that and did not hear any humming at all. I’ll get a replacement unit

 

Check if the changeover unit also receives power and able to supply fuel from the tanks aside the fuel pump.

 

before you start throwing parts at the problem, open the trunk, remove everything from the floor of the trunk, remove the spare tire compartment cover, so you can see the pump.

the pump will be towards the right side, closer to the rear bumper, mounted in a round gold-color bracket with foam around it.

Have someone else crank the engine with shifter in 1 or D while you put your hand on the pump to see if it vibrates as if pumping.

if the pump vibrates and makes a noise, the pump must be good.

then Check the IFCS (INERTIA FUEL CUTOFF SWITCH).

it is a square box mounted vertically just below the right dash corner, passenger side in USA, forward and up from the passenger door speaker on the "kick panel".

it has a black plastic cover over it that can be pulled off. Held by a springy bracket.

this switch might have "tripped" cutting off fuel supply to engine.

to check if it is tripped or not, remove cover and push down on the button located on the top of the switch. If it springs back, it is ok, if it "clicks" when you press it, it was tripped.

if it was tripped, then you will need to crank the engine for a minute or two until fuel reaches the engine.

If none of those two checks helped, go to the HOW TO at the top of the page here, and download the "NO START CHECKLIST".

 

Wow thank you, I will definitely check those out👍🏻

 

One more. Clogged fuel filter. In next to the fuel pump...


No fuel in either tank!! Gusges can lie. OK to ask!!! 1
Carl

 

Thanks but doubtful, I put some gas in both tanks and changed the filter

 

dumb question but, was the new filter correctly oriented ?

and did this just start happening? or was the no-start problem happening before?

 

Yes the new filter is the right way😂first thing I checked. This is the first this has happened but it’s the first I’ve tried to start it for the season so
min going to look for that switch today and see if it’s tripped, also can’t feel anything going on with the fuel pump

 

Two jaguars at the gas station today. Each younger than mine. alas, I drove my Jeep!!!

 

when they sit, the fuel system becomes depressurized, so it takes cranking and cranking to pressurize the fuel system again.

It has happened to me too, but I always get it started..The last time it refused to start I hadn't noticed it was very low on gasoline. Put two gallons in the left tank and started like nothing had ever happened.

Carl, the Jeep is no Jaguar ! Although Jaguar used Jeep door power mirrors in the Series 3.

 

Quite possibly a dead fuel pump.

You could use a jumper wire to apply 12v directly to the pump "+" terminal. If the pump now operates then you have a problem with the circuit upstream of the pump.

If you have a 12v test light you can make some basic tests:

Fuel Pump Circuit Checklist


Cheers
DD

 

But no one has mentioned (unless I missed it) the most common failure point: the fuel pump relay!

 

Yes I was wondering about that, where is it?

 

Location and procedure for checking the relay is included in the checklist I linked a couple postings back

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks I’ll go check that out!

 

Jose:

Aye, my Jeep is not a jaguar, nor is my Jaguar a Jeep!!

I like each of them for their qualities...

I just might swap my jeep for a 4 x 4 pickup, but no swap plan for the Jaguar.


My dear departed loved her Jaguar and learned to love the Jeep!!!

Carl

 

So I went through the fuel pump circuit, all is fine. I tho k I found the switch on the passenger side but could not push down the button on top at all. Still not giving me any life😂

 

it's a spring reset button. As in many items that have a reset button and when they overload,the button springs out. When you push down does it feel "springy" ?

how far UP is the button sticking from the case? Shouldn't be much.

from there you need to check the fuel pump relay as Gregory said. It is located in the firewall, engine compartment.
Doug has a trick to check it by shorting two wires but I've never had to do it so I don't know how.