I've just noticed this over the weekend. It did it a few times in a row and then wouldn't turn over immediately. I fiddled around under the hood and did nothing really and she started back up.

Today I installed a new head unit into the car and then took her for a spin. Stopped for fuel. Got back in. Same behavior. Dash lights weren't coming on like they would normally, no turning over. I did notice that with the key on at that time the shifter wouldn't go out of park. Peddled around and did a dance around the car and tried to start it again. No go. Got the ouja board out and did the dance again and she started up...dash lights were normal of course and now I can suddenly go out of park without starting her in the on position.


Any ideas?

 

"....wouldn't turn over...." = "starter did not operate".

Is that what you mean? The starter wouldn't crank the engine?


Start with the basics: clean battery cables and ground straps






Head unit? Not sure what you mean.





I presume you're referring to your 1994 XJS here?

Anyway, check the battery cables first no matter which car


Cheers
DD

 

I should have been more clear. The engine does try to turn over. It's almost like it's not getting fuel or spark in those moments. The car still has some electrical capabilities at these times. I mean the stereo is working and all that.

By head unit I mean stereo.

It is indeed the 94

 

How old is your battery? It sounds like the battery may be on it's last legs.

 

The battery is new...plus the power never totally goes out. What I have noticed that I forgot to add is that the gauges jerk just before all this happening.

 

I've only had this car a few weeks but the first hting found wrong with it was that the electrical fan wasn't coming on and she was getting very hot...boiling over a couple times. So I immediately had that "fixed". She doesn't go into the red but still goes over 'N' a little too much for my liking. I'll be handling that issue in coming days (most likely service radiator, twin electrics and electric water pump).

Could the heat be doing any of this?