My 2000 XK8 occassionally issues a mild thump (as all systems shut down) and then the computer starts flashing all the worst warnings - transmission out, safety mode on, ABS out, etc. and goes into limp home mode which is simply idle power only. I need to pull off the road, turn everything off and then restart and everything is fine again. This is happening more frequently so I don't dare go anywhere far. I can't get any codes from an OBD scan. Suggestions? Anyone else have this problem?

 

first inclination, sounds like a ECU problem, throttle body, or related harness. Reminds me of the thread about the STR shutting off on the highway. Here's another link to browse.

You need a code, but from the sound of it, it sounds similar to their plight.

 

I would be checking the TB plugs first. I would be driving around 70mph when I would lose power and go into Fail Safe mode pull of the road turn it off and restart and back on the road for the next time. I have additional info on my page http://www.gusglikas.com/AutoRepTB.htm Give the plugs a try first. Your car fits the time for the TSB.

 

These cars remind me more and more of the old TV sets I remember in the house as a kid. When there was no picture or when the picture got scrambled, all you would need to do is give it a good whack and voila--back to normal.

Doug

 

Yeah, I was like that too!! When I got out of line, my father gave me a good whack and voila--back to normal!

 

OK if I use a rubber mallet to whack it? Would that work?

 

Thanks for the link on the throttle body - never thought of going through that but it makes sense. I believe all plugs are new last year.

 

Not spark plugs, throttle body plug.