Anybody? I have a 2007 XK coupe and have had a problem passing smog. Different codes pop up and I've had $$$ spent at a couple independent Jag shops in the general area. Still seems to show a different code at the smog test every time. Has anybody found a good, honest and reasonable Jag mechanic around LA? (Million dollar question, I know) I'd rather avoid going to a dealer if I can help, for obvious reasons.

I am extremely frustrated and would really appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

 

I dont know about LA, but if you are willing to travel to OC, mission Viejo....Look up British Performance, you wont be dissapointed 949 457 0680

 

Thanks, Badicedog, for your suggestion. OC is definitely not too far to get done what I need. I'll look into them.

 

You are asking probably the best troubleshooting reference for these cars who they'd take there car to? How about post the codes and see what others have dealt with.

 

So the shops you have been going to do not also do inspections?
.

 

Ok, Ranchero50, here you go. This last code up is P0308, which shows as "cylinder #8 misfire". It could be a result of a number issues. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind paying someone to track down the problem and fix it, but I just want an honest mechanic who won't replace everything unnecessarily run up a monstrous bill. I can poke around on my TR6 but these computerized systems have me stumped.

 

When I originally went to smog the car, it didn't pass due to code showing "secondary air system OBDII monitor not ready". Had an independent British shop look at it and the result was a new battery and throttle body replacement. The CEL was off but reappeared shortly thereafter. They said, just drive the car the recommended way and it would go off. Tried that a lot but still no go and still wouldn't pass.Took it to another independent Jaguar shop, recommended by another Jag owner. His diagnosis was that there was a short in the main module that was "pulling down the battery in minutes". Thying to save me money they replaced it with a good used unit. Everything seemed fine, but still wouldn't pass smog. So now P0308 is coming up. About $2200 and still not smoged. That's about all the info I can relate.

Thanks ahead to everyone.

 

First I would pull the #8 ignition coil and spark plug. If the plug looks good, try swapping the ignition coil with one of the others and see if the code follows it.

Years ago when I lived in the area, I used to go to North Hollywood Auto Repair. They were all honest and affordable guys there. But its been quite a while so I don't know if management has changed.

Also, Chris who runs Mina Gallery has a small shop over in Reseda.

 

IIRC Chris’s father has a shop right next door. He was incredibly expensive. Wanted to charge me $400 for a simple oil change and air filter change. British Performance has been incredibly honest and very reasonable. $85 for the oil change.

 

DugLA,
3 shops in southbay area of Los Angeles:
1) Al's Jaguar, (310) 373-8266, 3735 Newton St, Torrance, CA 90505, hours are from 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. - Believe owner name is Kent
2) SouthBay British Auto Repair, (310) 725-0075, 4738 W 156th St, Lawndale, CA 90260, hours are 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Believe owner name is Nigel
Also believe Southbay British operated under different name in the past.
3) Harry's Jaguar, (310) 318-1292, 505 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, Closes at 6:00 P.M., - Owner obviously Harry
4) Mitchell's British Automotive, (310) 306-4222, 12205 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230, hours 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

I am not necessarily endorsing any one of the above. I have had work done at the first two.
I do not know that there is such a thing as reasonable mechanic's costs of any car brand anymore.
Maybe someone else can give you a more solid recommendation.
But hope the list helps. Good luck.

 

Thanks, XJ8JR. It's funny. Just went to start her and she fired right up after sitting for over a month (I have 3 cars). And....no CEL!!

So, tomorrow, I'll go by the smog shop and see if anything shows up. If not gone, I'll try your suggestion.

 

Thanks, metoymi. If no quick solution, I'll try closer in southbay area. I live by LAX, so close.

 

I just remembered a place called Just Jaguar on Woodman and Riverside in Sherman Oaks. I've never been there myself, I just look at the cars out front as I pass by.

 

Thanks again, XJ8JR. I'll add that to my list.

 

The Jaguar shop on Woodman in Sherman Oaks closed several months ago and is now a Bentley and Rolls Royce service shop. The mechanic who has nursed all three of my Jags and who also does Smog Checks is Sako's Automotive on Parthenia St., just west of Reseda in Northridge. Sako is reasonable (he works on all of my cars as well as many friends' and family's cars) and he can usually diagnose the problem so that he has a plan for a fix. If you'd like a personal introduction, just let me know. I always have one or another car in there, so I see him on a regular basis.

 

Hey tberg. Thanks a lot for that info. And, VERY nice list of cars.

 

Thanks for this tip. Its hard to find good smog shops.

 

It's a dealer, so it's pricey, but I've always had excellent results from Rusnak Jaguar in Pasadena. And my "service advisor", Eden Esparza, ALWAYS gets the work covered under my warranty. If you want to go that route I highly recommend.
And I always see one or two other XK's there. They know the cars.

 

Thanks, pk4144. I would expect a dealer to get it right....but at at cost, of course.

 

And if you need a tune for your xk, I'm just short drive to San Diego I promise the difference in power is worth it