I have been noticing a couple of issues lately, and I need to track down the cause.

1. At times, the lights in the center console (radio, AC) will shut off and come back on a few seconds later. This is usually accompanied by the dash status indicator giving a Trac Off or Trac Not Available. It happens so quickly and catches me off guard that I don't catch the the actual message. Sometimes it seems that the entire car hiccups just for a second and has to re-boot.

The car doesn't usually completely shut off , but it has on one or two occasions.

2. The two front windows have been losing their position more frequently. Either they don't drop down when the door is opened, or they drop down an inch too far and don't raise back up to the correct position when the door is shut.

From reading the forum, I seem to recall that some of this behavior may be attributed to a low voltage condition with the battery. Is it likely that a fresh battery would solve this, or should I be looking elsewhere?

This is on a 2002 XKR convertible, 60,xxx miles that gets driven very regularly - at least, regularly since I've had her.

 

A load test on the battery would be a good place to start. Like you say, these cars are finicky about voltage.

Many auto parts stores can do it for you and then you would know if a new battery is worth the cost.

If you do get a replacement, make sure it has the vent tube, you don't want a boot full of hydrogen gas.

 

+1. Very similar circumstances on my 2004 and a new battery solved it. The battery tester at Auto Zone said my battery only had 265 cold cranking amps. Always started the car just fine, but the other issues caused me to change it...........and it worked.

Good Luck

Darrell

 

Just check the resting voltage of the battery with the engine off after sitting overnight. If it is under 12.4 or so it should be replaced. It can most definitely cause these problems.

 

I had to install a new battery this past week after various fault codes began showing up. They ranged from DSC and antilock brake warnings to Convertible Top Latch Not Closed warning to the trunk popping open all by itself with no one in the car at least twice....

The new Bosch 49/850B battery appears to have fixed all of these issues. Bought it from Pep Boys using a $20 coupon I found on their website (it expires tomorrow, Sept. 30th). Paid $89 plus tax using the coupon. 850 CCA. 3-year free replacement and 8-year prorated replacement....

 

Just measured the voltage after the car having sat overnight. Voltage is 12.47V. So, it is off for a new battery.

 

The battery was replaced on Saturday. It looks like the original Jaguar battery was still installed. 10 years old. Figure that.

It may be too early to tell on the console glitches - none yet, though - but the windows are working properly again. So for the moment, the battery replacement looks like the correct move.

After replacement, the radio held its presents. Idle was a bit rough but settled into place after a drive around the neighborhood.