I had a minor accident last night where the front end of my 2001 XK hard top was hit. No air bag deployed or anything like that and only a head light and front bumper/grill damage occurred... it was late at night and the car would not turn over or even go into neutral

It made me think there is an kill switch that goes off in an accident.

I didn't have time to go through the manual and had to have the car towed as it was blocking traffic. Basically, I could turn the key, it just would not even try to start the car.

From looking at it though there was no reason why it shouldn't have been drivable.

I looked in the trunk to see if there was a switch near the battery and couldn't find one. I also looked under the passenger side dash. Again, there was nothing obvious.

Since she has to go into a shop to get a new headlight and bumper assembly and paint, it's not a big deal, but if anyone can give me their thoughts on this, I'd appreciate it.

This was my first accident in over 30 years and sadly, it was to my favorite car.

 

Here you go:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-advise-47463/

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/a...-inertiasw.jpg

 

Thank you!

Question though... would the car "try" to start if it was tripped? because in this case it's not that it's even trying to start and just doesn't get fuel to the plugs... when you turn the key the instrument lights come on but it just doesn't even "try" to start. It's just dead. Thanks for the advice!

 

The inertia switch kills the fuel pump . It doesn't always reset as they are fickle and can be jumpered with a paper clip in the connector between wires White / Orange and Red / Green for a 2001 . See page 45 :

http://jagrepair.com/images/AutoRepa.../jagxk2002.pdf

 

As I posted in the other forum - locate the inertia switch, and reset it. Let's see what happens.


It may be that there might be more damage than you think behind the front bumper?? Let's check that inertia switch first though and go from there....

 

About finding the switch:

Is it in the fuse panel in the engine bay, or near the foot space... and is it on the passenger or driver's side? there seems to be different places for it based on year...

mine is a 2001 XK8 hard top

Thanks!

 

When you open the drivers door you should see a panel at the end of the dash. It is behind that panel.

Your post isn't clear when you turn the key does the engine Crank?

To check if the inertia switch is tripped you can turn the key to ON position and then turn it off. Go to the front of the engine and on the passenger side of the fuel rail you will find a valve that looks like a valve stem for a tire. With a rag over it press it down. If you get a burst of fuel the inertia switch isn't tripped and the fuel pump is working.

 

Lights come on in the dash, but it does not crank or even try to crank.

So this is on the driver's side in the area by the driver's feet?

 

On the engine rotation , does the starter relay click or by putting your finger on it ? You can swap the relay out for a easy try . Other then that the inertia switch location may match other pic .

Pic with the green circle below :

 

You haven't said what kind of minor accident you had. By chance did it involve a curb? You may have severed the ground lead that comes from the engine to the chasssis if so the starter will not engage. The ground cable runs from the cylinder block/trans connection to the chassis on the passenger underside.

 

Here's a photo of the front end damage- it mostly the driver's side headlight, bumper rash and the grill. She was towed about 30 miles from me- I should be getting her back on monday or tuesday and hope to get her to start up soon thereafter and get the bodywork done.

 

Left side of the dash!!!!!!!!!