Can't read OBD II codes???

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Jun 8, 2009 | 01:32 PM

dwafford4401

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Can't read OBD II codes???

I recently bought a 1998 XK8 that had been wrecked, hit on the driver's side just behind the rear wheel. No other damage anywhere on the car. The auction said the car was running and driving (I bought it remotely, so I didn't see it myself), but when it arrived it would crank but not run, and the shift lever refused to move out of park. When I plugged my scanner in, I got power through the connection, but when I tried to read the stored codes, the screen read "Trying to communicate with the car" for a few seconds, then I received an error message saying the scanner was unable to establish communication with the car. I'm stumped, so any suggestions from anyone would be very welcome! Thanks!

Jun 8, 2009 | 05:01 PM

test point

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From: Ellijay

WOW ! ! !

The forum has a new hobby car ! ! !

The 'too good to be true' answer is that there is a fuel shutoff switch located inside the fuse panel in the left dash valance. Kicks out in an impact.

There is an electrical interlock on the shift mechanism with a manual bypass on the shift console.

Beyond that you are going to have to start doing electrical checks, fuses, relays. I had a wreak in a XK8 and the impact dislodged several relays, and there many on this car.

I would start with finding a JTIS CD on eBay or elsewhere. That is the full repair manual used by the dealers up until 2003 that has electrical schematics and complete repair instructions for everything.

You are correct, getting codes is a great place to start.