It's very hot but it seems my new old 2001 XK8 takes a long time of driving to get cool air. Then finally it's very cold. But start out slow city driving I'm sweating. May it need a Little shot of freon?

 

Mark,

Not sure how deep you want to delve into this. So maybe a trip to the garage to top up the Freon will do the trick and you're on the way. If the problem re-appears after a few weeks, you probably have a leak or another problem.

If you have to delve deeper, and are DIY capable/interested, there are a few basic things to check. The Jag's AC is basic with a condenser, evaporator and compressor set up.

Firstly, if the Freon levels are ok, clean with a hose the condensor located in front of the engine coolant radiator. Simple really - hose water from bottom onto the front - you may be amazed at the rubbish that comes out.
Second - check fan belt is okay and tight. The compressor runs off a round pully and there should be no play.
Third - check pressures while running- there are two check ports - one on the high pressure side and one on the low pressure side. However not everyone has the test kit to do this easy check.

Could be that the pressure release valve is bad, worst case scenario is that the compressor is bad, and has to work harder and harder nowadays get the gas up to pressure. You definitely will need a garage to help you on this one.

 

Thank you so much. Lots of great Information.

 

Could be something wrong with one of the flaps redirecting air in the system. Try and activate the recirculation and/or the face vent vs auto. Sometimes the vent moving in their range make them seal better for a better end result.

Next step is to do a search and perform the A/C system self diagnostics. It can give you codes and point you towards a real problem.

 

Here's a link for the How to on pulling the climate control codes.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...l-codes-33067/