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Picked up a red '91 classic collection for $3400. It runs and drives good, but the battery isnt charging so im suspecting either a bad ground or a bad alternator. Gonna put fresh belts, battery, and alternator on it and see if that fixes it. Also the power steering doesnt seem to work. Im wondering if it just needs a fluid change or if I need a new pump.
You said the battery is not charging. You tested with DVM at the battery, with the car running? What does it show? Does your Lightning Bolt warning lamp on the dashboard stays on?
I might have exactly the same problem: the car can start on the juice from the battery, but it is not chagrinning. On the opposite, it is discharging as some electrical stuff that is used by the car is driven off the battery.
Not sure yet. I havent done any testing on it yet, because it died halfway home and I had to have it towed the rest of the way. Its been on the battery charger all afternoon, but it seems like its a bad alternator because the car starts on its own but dies after 15 minutes or so without the charger on it. Its also got a brand new battery. Going to do some testing tomorrow with my multimeter once the car is charged enough to start, and check my fuses. If im lucky, its just a blown fuse. If not, im probably looking at a new alternator... im hoping by putting a new belt on it will solve my power steering issue as well.
Not sure yet. I havent done any testing on it yet, because it died halfway home and I had to have it towed the rest of the way. Its been on the battery charger all afternoon, but it seems like its a bad alternator because the car starts on its own but dies after 15 minutes or so without the charger on it. Its also got a brand new battery. Going to do some testing tomorrow with my multimeter once the car is charged enough to start, and check my fuses. If im lucky, its just a blown fuse. If not, im probably looking at a new alternator... im hoping by putting a new belt on it will solve my power steering issue as well.
Do you remember if it had the red Lighting Bolt warning light on when you drove it (before the battery died.) That warning light is supposed to tell if there are issues with the alternator. Mine is On (when the car is running)
Beautiful car! Love the coupes! What color code is that? Interior Camel?
Looks like when the original owner was asked "Leaper or growler?" they answered "YES!"
Yeah, I dont see many of them with both. Check me if im wrong, but I heard somewhere that less than 300 classic collection coupes were built in 1991. Not sure the exact color code on the exterior but its not metallic. Interior is a beige color with red ribbing on the seats. Car is being stored at a friends house till I can get it charging reliably, but ill swing over there and get the codes for ya where is the spec plate located on these? Glovebox? Door sill?
Beautiful car! Love the coupes! What color code is that? Interior Camel?
The color should be "Magnolia" code is AEM, Classic Collection cars featured AutoLux leather with contrasting piping. Also Elm instead of Walnut burl wood.
Nice car at a great price! I have a 1991 Classic Collection Convertible, strange we have different hood emblems. Mine is a gold plated Growler that sits flat on the hood.
Do you remember if it had the red Lighting Bolt warning light on when you drove it (before the battery died.) That warning light is supposed to tell if there are issues with the alternator. Mine is On (when the car is running)
After charging the battery I managed to start the car yesterday at the red lightning bolt stayed on while the car was running, even after I revved it up for a minute or two. The voltimeter on the dash also showed that my battery was draining so it must be a bad alternator.
After charging the battery I managed to start the car yesterday at the red lightning bolt stayed on while the car was running, even after I revved it up for a minute or two. The voltimeter on the dash also showed that my battery was draining so it must be a bad alternator.
Looks like the same issue as on my '85. It appears the alternator went south.
I hear that dashboard instruments are notoriously imprecise in XJS. It might be useful to also check with DVM at the battery in the boot. When the battery is charging, it should show slightly above 14V.
Got the Jag running for longer than 20 minutes today, it turns out I'm not getting a lightning bolt while the car is running but instead getting the red battery light. Im going to be running more tests tomorrow night If I get the chance. Also I noticed that the tachometer seems to be stuck at 2000 rpm, and the fuel gauge doesnt seem to work either, which im hoping is just a bad sending unit.
Got the Jag running for longer than 20 minutes today, it turns out I'm not getting a lightning bolt while the car is running but instead getting the red battery light. Im going to be running more tests tomorrow night If I get the chance. Also I noticed that the tachometer seems to be stuck at 2000 rpm, and the fuel gauge doesnt seem to work either, which im hoping is just a bad sending unit.
The battery light means the alternator is not charging.
Greg
Just ordered a new 115A bosch alternator today, and a few bits and bobs off ebay, such as a replacement bumper trim piece, and a new drivers side window switch. My battery is brand new but if Im going from a stock alternator to the 115A Im going to need to upgrade the cables as well. What is the best way to run a battery cable from the alternator to the battery in the trunk?
Got my old Alternator out yesterday after removing the air pump and fan. I also discovered some fried wiring going from the alternator to the wiring harness on the passenger side, (it was kinked and rubbing on a bracket). Once I get the new unit in, its just a matter of re-wiring to the harness, reconnecting my radiator hose to the thermostat, fill with fresh coolant (the old stuff I drained was brown and looked like it hadnt been changed since the clinton administration...) And give it a go!
If the alternator is not connected, the battery will get no benefit!!!
You may or may not have a good spare alternator. Spinning it sans load might have cooked it. Not sure about that, though, It might be just fine, sorta!!!
I made a patch cord for my tool collection. A way to connect my VOM to the car via the cigar lighter socket. Allows me to see volts in rea time under various load and RPM's. I exonerated an alternator and convicted a batter that way.
If the PS out, the cars are a beast to steer at low speed. Not that bad once under way, but still very heavy. I'd suspect low fluid and a leak in the pump, hoses or rack.
Many dealer's installed Leapers. They felt it the ultimate Jaguar symbol and that the car sans a Leaper just wasn't attracting sales. some like 'em, others not so.
I am an old guy. Radiator ornaments are still in my style. If only my Jeep had one.
That sure is a great looking car and worthy of getting the bugs out
Just picked up a '91
where is the spec plate located on these? Glovebox? Door sill?
