New guy, searched battery drain and found a little into and a lot of references to battery tenders. The previous owner stated that the 1997 XK8 I bought from him had a starting problem after sitting a week, I haven't experienced this yet but it's not the first time I have heard about drains in these cars. Is it a common problem? The car has a new battery in it, less than six months old according to the receipt he gave me.

 

Battery drain is an issue on rarely used XK8/XKR and all later Jaguar models loaded with even more complex electronics but starting problems after one week is unusual with a recent battery in good condition.

Some members with secure parking were leaving the key in the ignition. This prevents the vehicle going into "sleep" mode and raises battery drain.

I alternate between two vehicles and just automatically put my CTEK tender on the one left standing in the garage. A simple preventative maintenance measure and I've never had any starting issues.

Graham

 

I had a non start battery dead issue once. It was an easy fix for me after looking on threads. Car was not used for 3 weeks or more. There is a small gate inside the key hole. When I took the key out this gate was stuck open preventing car from going to "sleep". I lubricated and it closes easy now. Has not happened since .

 

Battery would be dead on arrival after being parked for two weeks, found leaving headlight switch in off position has resolved that issue and my kitty fires up right away when I get home.

Hope that helps.