Hi,
I am the new owner of a 1995 XJS bought at auction last year in Los Angeles. I have yet to drive the vehicle much, because firstly it needs a smog test here in California and moving house has taken most of my time.
Now I'm ready to look at the car and get it smogged, I find the battery is flat and on buying a new charger, it is giving me a message that the alternator is bad.
The car is parked way back in a large garage so access is difficult for moving or towing, so I was thinking about hiring my neighbor (who has worked on all kinds of car engines) to replace the alternator.
What would we need to do this job in addition to new alternator (manuals, other parts etc)?
What is the recommended battery for the car?
While we are replacing the alternator, what else would make sense to have serviced?
And while you are replying, any advice of passing the smog test?
Thank you for your advice.

 

Replacing an alternator is fairly easy and straight forward. The only issue I have is that many rebuilds sold by the chain stores are really crap. Use the best alternator you can afford.

 

Roger, Do you have any suggestions for brand of alternator or a retailer?
Thank you,
Carole

 

I'd suggest brand names...

I'd look for Bosch or Denso.

New trumps remanufactured.

 

Not really Cab, as I said most chain store remans are really junk.
Try to search out a brand name reman.
Autozone, Advance, NAPA, PEP Boys store brands are pretty much junk.
I've installed these remans and they didn't work right from the first turn of the key. It doesn't take me long to tire of installing one piece of crap after another. Be an educated consumer and don't be afraid to do it yourself.
Having said that our only other options are new or our own rebuild.
I've had the same experience with store rebuilt starter motors.

 

If it has sat, the battery will discharge and will not be any good. It may also cause the alternator to show as bad.

 

Thanks for reminding me about that. I'll start with a new battery and see what that does.
When we charged the battery last and drove it about 30 miles to my garage, the alternator light came on when stepping on the accelerator, so that would suggest a bad alternator wouldn't it?

 

Good Day
Yes I did take my XJS to Acme auto shop in Hayward,ca, after doing most of the work my self, (saving $$$$) Mark at Acme was to have my car smog and passed. As for your dead battery and alternator, i live close to lakeport, be happy to help you bring your cat back to life,
Have a fun and happy Day
Jaguar_libra

 

Thanks Jaguar-libra,
Would be really good to have you take a look at my XJS.
Can you send a phone number for contact?
Have a great sunny day!

 

Cab:


One of the things you will need if you don't already have is a volt/ohm meter. HF has decent ones in analog and digital style.


If you have a smart charger, charge the battery. if it will not charge and ho at easty 13 v, it is likely dead on arrival. Your local Autozone or similar will check it for you. but, if it isn't charged, it will not check.


If you can get the car to start up. First measure battery volts with the engine off. then again with the engine running. rev it up a tad.


If the VOM shows no difference, it either is incorrectly hooked up or the alternator isn't charging. Oh, and the wiring from the alternator back to the battery may ber open.


I made a patch cord for my VOM. I can plug it into the cigar lighter outlet on the dash and read volts in real time under various rpm and load conditions. Very useful


Carl