I did a search and didn't come up with much, so I'll ask here.

My driver's side auto shoulder harness only works intermittently. I haven't been able to determine if it takes some combination of turning the key on and opening the door or if it's completely random, but I've only seen it move a couple of times in the week that I've owned the car. The passenger side works correctly every time. Any thoughts? Is there a connection or a relay I should check? Thanks in advance.

 

What!? Nothing!? Am I the first Jag owner with this problem? Just kidding. I'll be digging into it over the next week and I'll let you know how it goes. I suspect it's loose wire or a bad ground.

 

The problem with your seat belt is quite common. I have similar difficulties with my '88 XJ-S. However it is covered under lifetime factory warranty no matter the age of the car. See your local friendly dealer. No parts are available, so get on the waiting list.

 

I have an 89 xjs that I am disassembling.. When you find what the problem is and if it requires parts I most likely have the parts!

 

Here are the TSBs for the info you need.

bob gauff

 

I had the auto seatbelt on my '89 repaired under warrantee.
Probably would have benn $$$$ to fix if it wasn't covered!

 

I made an appointment with my dealer today, and the service manager confirmed that this is indeed a warranty issue. However, the last person who came in with this problem waited 2 1/2 years for parts. Serious backorder.

He thought they might be able to park the harness in the restrained position so at least it's usable. Better than nothing, but disappointing for a high end vehicle. Maybe 20 years is over this car's expected lifetime.

 

The dealer fixed it in about two hours. Don't know about parts. The new car salesman was more than willing to sell me a $100k New Jag though.

Actually my 89 XJ_S was reliable and a great car for the $$. Seat belt worked fine after the fix.

It was red with factory Dayton wire wheels and got more looks and compliments than new $100k cars!

 

ECBJAG,
If the driver side seat belt mechanism from the 1989 XJS you're disassembling is working, I would be interested in purchasing it. Is it available? Thank you.

 

After several weeks of dinking with it, I believe the problem is in the switch under the seat that detects the presence of a driver. Once I'm driving if I squirm around and lean to the right, I can eventually get the harness to run back to the docked possition.

In a couple of weeks, I'll be removing the seat to get some upholstry work done, so I'll be able to get a better look at the switch. Hopefully, it's something simple like a loose or broken mounting tab that I can fix myself.

I'd also like to get some input on how properly operating harnesses are supposed to function. I was under the impression that the harness shouldn't move until the car is put in gear. On mine, the passenger side engages as soon as the ingition key is turned. Is this correct or do I have issues on that side as well?

 

twerth,
That's the way both of the harnesses work in my 89 xjs.

 

Yes and on my '91 facelift. As soon as the ignition is on.

 

Thanks for the input, guys. I'll let you know what I find once it get it apart.