Current symptoms are:

Car was running one day, and would not start the next.
Ended up having a battery drain due to door not closed all the way.
Charged battery, no start, installed new battery (needed one anyway), still, no start!

What it does (or doesn't do):
When the ignition is on, the car performs all the self checks, gauges read out, interior lights light up, radio on, antenna up, all buttons work, etc. However, it will not turn over, start, crank, or do any action at all that gives me any sign that the engine is starting to crank or even attempting to turn over.

Attempted solutions:
Key programming methods did not work (with my equipment, or Jaguar dealers), finally took the 1998 XK8 into the Jaguar dealer after a few unsuccessful attempts to resolve matter myself, and through other repair shops. The initial diagnostics at Jaguar could not communicate with the ECU properly. I'm hoping its something as easy to replace (and cheap) as an ECU.

Has anyone else experienced such issues that ended up being non-key related that prevent the car from starting. (Note that I have no response from the engine at all). As the dealer put it, we're knocking and nobody is home.

Any thoughts/words of wisdom and encouragement are much appreciated.

Thank you, C.J.

 

Hmmm...others will chime in, but I suspect a blown fuse. If it were me, I would pull every fuse in the engine bay, one at a time, and inspect them.

Just my two cents.

 

Hope the fuse solution works for you

 

I am assuming from what you are experiencing is that the starter is not turning or engaging, is that correct? I am going to attach a few diagrams that should help. One of them I made up for a another year car but it will work for you. I would first check your fuses and relay for the starter, No power no start. Now when attempting to start the car I assume your shifter is in “P” have you attempted to try it in the “N” position?

Link to oneline http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto.../jagxk1998.pdf

 

What's the temperature in NC? I have the exact same problem with my '04 and had to start it by jumping the starter relay if I wanted to drive it last winter. It's been fine since February until a couple of days ago when the temp dropped below 40 and it wouldn't start again. No problem today, fortunately, for it was a beautiful top down day here in Northern VA.
I'm certainly interested in hearing what the dealer says. I'm afraid to take mine in for fear that the dealer would just throw parts at it - expensive parts like the neutral safety switch or an ECU.

 

You should also check all your ground connections. When I say check I mean unbolt clean and reinstall.

 

Here is some old info for the AJ26

bob gauff

 

Any update? I am having the same problem with my 96 XJS.

 

This thread is geriatric, I suggest you start a new thread with all your symptoms including any OBD codes so we can help.
I've locked this thread in the meanwhile - we don't want your answers arriving in two separate places!!