So yesterday I got to enjoy the "wait for the tow truck" part of Jag ownership. I was merrily driving along, top (but not windows, still need that right rear window motor) down, when suddenly the oil pressure light flashes as the car engine stalls out. I was able to glide to safe stop, but there was no getting her started again. I had power, so I got the top up, and she sort of cranked, but no starting.

The flatbed delivered her to the mechanic, who hopes it's the crank speed sensor. Ummm..huh? I hear it's not TOO terrible a repair (in Jag dollars, that is) but anyone want to chime in with any other thoughts? His feeling is we start there and hopefully replacing those (there are two I understand?) will do the trick.

Thoughts?

 

Oh, and to help for the diagnostics, we are getting response when we turn the key, but there is nothing going to the spark plugs, so I'm not getting any ignition. It's a bit odd for it to die like it did, but my mechanic has seen that before (one Jag went to get gas, then would just not start back up and it was the crank speed sensors that had died).

 

When you turn the key can you hear the fuel pump? Check the fuel inertia switch near the passenger side door jam.

 

Yes, two crank sensors.....one front, one rear. Fairly high failure frequency as the years go by.

Not too hard to replace although getting the wiring correctly routed is a little fussy as it snakes through some tight spots.

Each sensor has its own function but I can't remember the details on that.

Broadly speaking, if you're lacking both spark *and* fuel injector pulse, you can be pretty sure the cranks sensors a to blame.

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks, all - I'm celebrating my grandfather's 92nd birthday out of town but it seems it was indeed the crank sensors. Whew! My husband picked her up from the mechanic today, so that's one thing that was at least fairly easy to figure out.