Help. I can unlock the car, but when I put my foot on the brake it is VERY stiff. I can push it down very slightly, then when I press the start button, all the lights/settings turn on, but the engine won't start.

The Engine malfunction symbol shows up on the dash (the orange amber one). It's a 2008 XKR with very low mileage (20,000 km). And it was working perfectly before this vacation, with all proper service checks showing everything is fine.

What gives? Anyone have this issue before? And how do I fix it?

 

Don't panic, start with fully recharging the battery and try again. With that kind of lay up you have probably only got enough charge for the lights.

 

This is good advice.

Also you mentioned the brake pedal is very stiff - you may not be pressing the pedal down far enough for the engine ignition cycle to begin...

But charging the battery is definitely where to start, especially if you have not had a battery minder attached to it.

 

Ok, problem resolved. That was quick.

I pushed on the brakes way harder than before and it gave through and started up the engine.

I think there is a "stored vacuum" that faded away over time. And you need to recreate it.

 

Evasive,

Press the START button before you step on the brake. Starts quicker and easier that way.

Inadvertently pumping the brake pedal before trying to start the car will cause the brake pedal to feel higher up and rock hard. That makes it more difficult for the brake to make contact with the starter interlock switch, and you really have to stand on the brake pedal while keeping the START button depressed to get the car to start.

This happened to me shortly after I got my car in 2010. Fortunately, I was at the Jaguar dealer having warranty service done and when I picked up my car it wouldn't start. My service adviser explained that this is a common occurrence, why it happens, and recommended pressing the START button before stepping on the brake. You barely have to touch the brake pedal for the car to start if you press the START button first.

Stuart

 

Consider purchasing a CTEK battery charger/minder for about $55.00.....your battery will always be fully charged. It works great and is a 3-5 minute hookup. It will be the best $55.00 you have spent.

 

Good advice. Every Jaguar owner should use a trickle charger to keep their battery fully charged, since our cars are prone to a variety of problems caused by a low battery.

Another good choice is the slightly less expensive BatteryMinder #12117 for $49.99 from Amazon.com: I bought mine in October 2011 to replace a defective Battery Tender Jr.

I keep my BatteryMinder hooked up all the time when parked in my garage and so far it has worked flawlessly.

For details about trickle charger choices (12v/solar, brands) and how to hook them up, see this thread: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...lay-ups-73471/ for everything that you need to know and then some. See my post #21 for photos of how I hooked mine up.

Stuart