I bought my '89 XJS used, I didn't get an owners manual so I would like to know: the lights were all covered with black tape, I peeled it off and almost all of the lites are on! As I've been driving it daily for 3 years there doesn't seem to be any problems, is this one of those 'Lucas problems' or what, also, what is the function of the Red and Orange long lights? They are also both on.
Any help appreciated as I'm trying to get everything back to original.
Thanks,
DickC
Colville WA
dicksknives@aol.com

 

Dick,

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to XJS forum. Members here with the same model will be best able to help.

Graham

 

Perhaps you should just post a picture of the dash so we can see exactly what lights are on!

 

When you first turn the key on, I believe all of the warning lights are illuminated by the Bulb Check Unit, then go off as they pass the check. Some remain lit until after you start the car, then go out.

My first suspect would be the Bulb Check Unit, but before you replace it, I would try pulling it and cleaning the contacts, IIRC it's in the Left Component Panel and looks like a relay.

Here is a link to 89MY Electrical Guide, go to page 22-23:

http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Elec...Electrical.pdf

 

Hi dickc

Oh dear! Oh dear!

This isn't looking good!

For as soon as you mentioned that Black Tape, my very first though was that there was a problem with the ABS Valve Block on the Brake Master Cylinder Actuator

Where if that should be the Case, the ABS may not be working at all and that is the reason why that light Stays on all the time

So although you Still have Brakes, the Chances are you don't have ABS which outside of this Forum, not too many people or 'Shops' know how to Fix, unless you have a 'Shedload Of Cash' that is burning a hole in your Pocket

And although its a bit of a PIA it should only Cost you about $50 to Fix, although quite possibly even less than that

As for those Bar Lights on the Dash, they come on to Warn you that you've got a Serious Problem, that requires immediate attention

(Like a problem with the Brakes for instance!)

But before we go any further, please could you confirm as to whether or not your Car is a Marelli that is fitted with the Teves Master Cylinder Actuator, just like the one in this Photo

Don't Panic too much at this stage, it isn't the end of the World and there is a very good chance it can be fixed for just a few dollars



The Teves Master Cylinder Actuator Has your Car got one like this?