Hello,
I had to replace the battery on our 2001 XK8 convertible today. Several things came up.

1. with the battery removed, can you close the trunk and get it back open? Is there a mechanical release somewhere that is accessible from outside the trunk? What happens when the battery is totally dead?
(I had to run to the store get the new battery while my wife stayed with the car and the trunk open ;-)

2. I found two connectors (one sheathed single female spade connector) and one larger female double connector with a brown wire and a greenish-brown with a white stripe) that were behind the battery but not connected to anything. I attached pictures of those two.
What are they and should they be connected to something?

3. After the new battery installation the car started fine, radio is working, but the check engine light is on. Is that related to the battery change?

Thanks so much for your help in advance!

 

1. Look carefully between the 'X" and the 'K' on the XK8 badge on the trunk lid. There is a hidden keyhole there! No battery needed.

2. The wires you referenced were only used during transport of the vehicle across the pond. They are not cause for concern.

3. Changing the battery should not cause a fault like this. If the check engine does not clear after 2 or 3 drive cycles, you can have the fault codes read for free at Autozone or Advance Auto. Post the fault code(s) themselves here (not the descriptions, which are sometimes not accurate) and we can help you interpret them.

 

Thank you so much!!!

Think it's OK to drive ~600 miles with the Check Engine light on? That's the length of the trip or we would need to use the other car...

 

Let the car warm up, then cycle the engine on and off 3 times. Allow at least a minute or so on and off each time. If the light does not clear, I would advise getting the codes read first to err on the safe side.

The light can stand for many different problems.

 

Thank you very much this is very much appreciated. Will report back with fault codes shortly.

 

Hello again, here are the fault codes:

P1230, P1582, B2290, B2291
Had the CE light reset at a local shop, they said all codes can be related to low voltage.
Light has not come on again since the reset.

 

I agree, those are uncommon codes and the fact that the car is running fine now indicates they were probably caused by the low battery. Enjoy your trip!