Hi, I have a 1999 Jaguar XK8 with only 23,000 miles on it. The car looks and drives great, and it looks brand new.

Just lately, if I drive about 4 miles, the FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE comes on with an amber light, so the book says it's ok to drive with an amber light.

Does any one have any idea what this could be?

I know that Jaguar is famous for faulty electronics, and on occasion, my car does some very strange things electronically, so I was wondering if this might just be an electronic problem as the car is serviced regularly.

My nearest dealer is about 2 hrs away, and before taking it to the dealer, I'm wondering if I should be worried about this?

Thanks for any replies

 

There are several things that can cause the Fail Safe notice and without setting a OBDII code they are going to be hard to identify. Sooner or later you will probably get a Check Engine Light (CEL). Have a local auto parts store read the code(s) and post back here. We will then be in a better position to help.

 

XK8,

I had the same issue several months ago. I brought my 1998 XK8 to the Jaguar dealership. Prior to the codes being read, the service manager told me it was likely a brake switch. Sure enough, it was. He informed me that it is not that uncommon. I don't recall the cost, however I believe it was under $170.00. best of luck....

 

THANKS for the reply. I guess I'll just take the car to the Jag dealer and get this pain settled. I appreciate your input.

 

If the CEL is not on anything the dealer tech would do is a guess on your dollar. I would not worry about it until the CEL is set.

Let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks TEST POINT. I appreciate your advice. I have an appt at the Jag Dealer next Saturday. My concern was that the tech might guess what the warning light is, and charge me for unnecessary things. Being as I'm not mechanically minded, I'm at their mercy. I'll let you know what the results are. THANKS so much and Happy Memorial Day weekend

 

This message is for TEST POINT... I just came back from the Jag Dealer, and they ran the code on the CEL. The code number was P1571 which they said the following:

"Brake switch malfunction - Speed control is disengaged whenever the brake pedal is pressed. A disgnostic trouble code is logged if the brake switch malfunctions."

I'm glad I went in to get it diagnosed. They said it could have been a danger IF I had my cruise control on, when I would have stepped on the brake, the brake would not have engaged, so I'm glad I got it fixed.

I appreciate all of your help Test Point, and thanks to others that replied too.