Since buying 92 xjs last Jan, there's been intermittent problem where turning key does nothing, no sound, no cranking, just dead. Then after waiting a while, it starts right up.

I think, not sure, that last time it happened the idiot lights did not come on after key was turned. If so no juice at all was coming from battery but it was a bright day, had sunglasses on, so could be mistaken.

Any ideas as to possible cause?

 

You could check the ignition switch right behind the key cylinder and its connector tied on the steering column.
Mine was the same symptom, and the terminal was burnt in the connector.

 

Forgot to mention, last time problem happened, after car started it ran rough for first few minutes, acted like it was going to stall. Had to rev engine to keep it going.

 

Did your car start sometimes before you corrected the problem? Seems like this only happens occasionally.

 

Have you got an immobilizer fitted?

Sometimes when I turn the Key nothing happens, no ignition lights or anything.

But I only have a few Seconds to try it again or else the Alarm goes off!
which often happens in the garage, when I fill up with petrol.

Its all down to the 'Dongle' on the Key Ring, being in close proximity to the
ignition switch.

She usually starts second time though, so if you have an immobilizer, then maybe it could be that.

 

Mine was showing similar behavior (turn key...nothing happens).

I cleaned all the terminals on the starter relay, and replaced all the clips. The original clips were not in good shape and were hard to clean, so chopping them off and soldering new clips on seemed a good idea. I used shrink wrap to insulate them.

This fix has been in place for about 6 weeks and the problem has not repeated itself.

Thanks,

John
1987 XJ-S V12

 

Thanks John. Can you give me a more detailed description of where relay is located?

 

that is on the RH fender close to the firewall. There is a plastic cover on it

 

The starter relay is the middle of the three relays which sidescrollin stated.
However, even when the starter is down, you will see the instrument warning lamps when you turn the key. You didn't see them on, did you?

In my case, before I cleaned the terminal it happened sometimes. And when the symptom occurs it was really hard to turn the engine on. Like, turning the key million times then it came on.
I think it was from the oxide film on the terminal sometimes got broken through by the spark.
Finally, the car died while running. It must have been terrifying if I hadn't know about the car. All the instrument lamps were blinking, speedo and taco dancing, then suddenly died.
At the time I was knowing it was from the terminal oxidation, so I cleaned it up. The car was back on the road again and it never happened since then.

It is not a difficult task, all you have to do is open the driver side under cover and check the terminal inside of the big black tubular connector tied to the steering column. I don't think it is not an ineffectual job. At least you can reduce the fear of the symptom like mine.

 

'92 MY doesn't have the 'dongle' thingy........l think that came in on the '93 MY.


My '92 started doing the same thing a few weeks ago. I think its to do with the gearbox switch as it seems to clear after moving it back and forth.


It is nice to know that its not just my car that has these problems...
rear window decides when it will work, or not. Usually if it looks like rain...
nothing happens first second when the key is turned....
my headlights go out if I turn on the rear fogs......
not 100% sure the electric fan works everytime it should...
washer jets just dribble water.......
and on.........

 

Thanks to all who replied. Would it be easier to just replace the relay? Several ebay sellers have the correct relay at reasonable prices. In looking at the relay is it difficult to remove or is a special tool needed? Not much room on either side. I assume it just plugs in?

Also can you tell me what the other two relays are for on either side of the starter relay?

Basic questions I know, but this is a new adventure for me and I'm not the world's greatest mechanic.....

Thanks!

 

They are just plugged in, The other two are for the air con compressor and the horn.
I am sorry I mistook the order. the front side is the starter relay, the middle one is AC, the last (bulk head side) is horn.


Anyways, you can download the wiring diagram from

jagrepair.com

You can check identification of all of the relay + harness color, etc.

 

How to take out relay? http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e3...g?t=1413990951

Tried to paste image in window, had problems so pasted link instead.

Can't figure out how to remove relay without taking apart bracket assembly. Its lid does not give enough clearance to take relay out and lid is part of bracket.

I'm no doubt missing something basic here!