Recently had some service done where the immobilized was suspect - car wouldn't start - and dealer ultimately pulled and tested the immobilized and checked the keys and software. Finally found root cause in kinked wire to the immobilized. Less than a week later, I start the car, depress the brake to put the car in reverse and it just shuts down... Battery is good. Dome light illuminates brightly with an open door. Turning key to II the radio Ian's lighter are powered - no instrument cluster power. Turn the key to III and the instrument cluster is powered but no obvious power to selenide or starter. Regardless key position, unable to place car into neutral. HELP!?!

 

Commanderer,

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to XK8/XKR forum. Members here with the same model will be able to help.

Please help everyone to help you by adding vehicle details to your Signature.

Graham

 

Is it a 2002 XK8? Please remember to tell people what car you have, it makes life easier.

Looking through the wiring diagrams, I'd bet the problem is a bad ignition switch. A failure of the Position II contact will cause all of the symptoms you have.

Try turning the key off and on to the "II" position several times. It may illuminate the instrument cluster, if so, the switch is bad.

Let us know what you find.

 

Thanks much for the reset recommendation. I didn't think of that, though it did not solve the problem. I've tried disconnecting and reconnecting the battery without effect. It seems relay-ish to me. I suspect a fuse would not permit power to the cluster regardless ignition switch position. Make sense? Prepared to test relays this weekend if necessary.

 

+1 on bad ignition switch- I had a similar issue with an X300. Take the lower cowl off and remove the switch to check it out.

 

I didn't recommend a reset, I think your ignition switch is bad. Somewhere in the steering column, you'll find a connector like this; [IMG][/IMG]

Check for continuity between the white wire with a blue stripe, and the black with pink stripe wire. That's the suspect position II contact, seen here-

If you don't have a meter, connect a wire between the white/blue wire and a good ground on the car somewhere. If that turns on your instrument lights, then guaranteed it's the switch..Even a paper clip between the two pins in the connector will work.