Hello,

Purchased a 98 xk8 with 53000 mile on it in April. Rear back up and drive lights went out and also low coolant light was coming on and off. Took it to the dealer to have them look at it and change my oil. They told me I need a new Security Locking Module ($1400) and that they didn't see a coolant leak just topped off my coolant. Three weeks later my coolant light came back on. Had someone to check it was low again. Added coolant....coolant stayed in for about two days then this morning started leaking out a lot. Pissed! I had problems with the dealership diagnosis before with another jag I had so I don't know why I trusted them.

I found a jag specialist about 40 mins away that is will to fix the SLM for $800 but my question is should I have re-diagnose my SLM as well as see where the leak is coming from? Has anyone else had these problems?

Please help!

 

If you are loosing coolant, you have a leak. Usual suspect areas include the coolant tank and the hoses, but there are others of course. Assuming the leak is not visible, a pressure test is your best bet.

Start with that leak at the indie mechanic and then worry about the other issues. These cats do badly if they overheat.

There is a known issue with rear/brake lights. Search the forum. I believe it is a fix for bad wiring. I doubt you will need an SLM.

 

+1 on everything Mike said.
Link to ground wire problem: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...esolved-35083/

My 98 XK8 held water like a colander when I first got it.
Had to replace:
1, Tunnel Hoses, 2 hoses under the intake manifold
2. Thermostat housing, replaced plastic OEM with aluminum after market, with thermostat.
3. Water Pump
4. Coolant Tank, leaking at the seam
5. Octopus hose, just because I had the cat apart anyhow.
The only way to know where yours is leaking is with a pressure test. Do it soon overheating a Jag is a very bad thing.
BTW since doing all that mine runs and drives like a dream. No leaks!

 

I agree with all of the above. Try English Motors in Odenton Md...they are good and reasonable.

Expect to spend some money to repair the car unless it was exceptionally well maintained...it is 16 years old.