Failsafe Mode after I lost cruise control
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Failsafe Mode after I lost cruise control
Hi, I just bought my 99' XK8 w about 3K miles ago. It has 75K miles and it'sin pretty good shape, I'm very happy with it. I owned 84' and 86' XJ6's in the mid 90's pretty much working on them myself and couldn't wait to get back into Jag.It really has no rattles, shakes, unworking items (except interior trunk lights). I have had a momentary drain on the battery during 100 degree temps @ idle. If I rev the engine it compernsated for the load, and it does not seem to happen at exterior temps under 90. The previous owner (said he) replaced the Battery, which is an obvious concern. The lights in the trunk don't work, but I have full charge according to the guage on the dash. My major current concern is that today the "Fail Safe Engine mode" message came up on the dash and the Cruise Control would not work. I turned the car off and it was fine when I turned it back on for awhile, but it happened again and the cruise control won't go on or work.The car works fine in every other detectable manner. I have those scary thoughts of taking it to a Jag dealer, getting it back 2 weeks later with a $1,000 bill and all they really only changed the switch or something. Is it safe to think the cruise control is probably the culprit and start by try replacing the switch on the console, then maybe the accuator for the throttle, yadda yadda yadda??? I'll appreciate any responses.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Chicago/Carbondale
RE: Failsafe Mode after I lost cruise control
I'd be worried moer about the fail safe mode, doesn't that mean that it stays in one gear?
I'm guessing that the cruise control button is not the problem, but that's just a guess. Was the cruise control working before? Cuz if it was working before, unless u smashed it or something.
Is the button by the shifter lighting up, or is it the buttons on the wheel that aren't working for you
I'm guessing that the cruise control button is not the problem, but that's just a guess. Was the cruise control working before? Cuz if it was working before, unless u smashed it or something.
Is the button by the shifter lighting up, or is it the buttons on the wheel that aren't working for you
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RE: Failsafe Mode after I lost cruise control
Hi, the cruise worked fine before the message came up on the dash. The car worked absoutley flawless with the message on, the owners manual did make it sound like I'd only be in first gear, or couldn't get over 10 MPF. But that was NOT the case. I had an Audi that the engine light came on when a vacuum hose was lose. If you don't have an honest mechanic, you can be taken to the cleaners. I do not know, the car operates fine, it is just that the failsafe message is on and the cruise does not work.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Chicago/Carbondale
RE: Failsafe Mode after I lost cruise control
I'm guessing the cruise control just doesn't work when failsafe is on. I would just advice going to a jaguar certified dealer and getting the diagnostic test, cuz there's nothing you can really do without knowing what is wrong.
My dad's xk8 sometimes has the wierd things where for no reason stuff just temporarily doesn't work, and there's no physical way to figure out what it is without going to the mechanic. These cars are just high maintanance, definatly not a DIY car.
My dad's xk8 sometimes has the wierd things where for no reason stuff just temporarily doesn't work, and there's no physical way to figure out what it is without going to the mechanic. These cars are just high maintanance, definatly not a DIY car.
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RE: Failsafe Mode after I lost cruise control
I have a Brake switch on order, after reading many posts, it seems as if this might be the problem. For the past few days, I have not used the cruise and I have had no alerts.
I am pretty handy, even replaced a flywheel and exhaust on my 84 XJ6 w 200K on it many years ago. I'll feel fortunate if a $60 fix does the trick this time but I know I'll be at the doorstep of the "dreaded dealer" someday.I have come to learn the only choice us Jag owners have is the dealer for repair. I did not reallize that when deciding to buy.
When you say, "have someone scan it", I presume you mean a dealer. If there is anyone else that would, I'd like to know. I've never experienced a car that Mechanics visibily cower when you ask them if they'll work on it. I went to a Jag specialist I was counting working on the car and learned he does not touch anything younger than 94'.
I am pretty handy, even replaced a flywheel and exhaust on my 84 XJ6 w 200K on it many years ago. I'll feel fortunate if a $60 fix does the trick this time but I know I'll be at the doorstep of the "dreaded dealer" someday.I have come to learn the only choice us Jag owners have is the dealer for repair. I did not reallize that when deciding to buy.
When you say, "have someone scan it", I presume you mean a dealer. If there is anyone else that would, I'd like to know. I've never experienced a car that Mechanics visibily cower when you ask them if they'll work on it. I went to a Jag specialist I was counting working on the car and learned he does not touch anything younger than 94'.
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RE: Failsafe Mode after I lost cruise control
Thank you, I'll go to Auto Zonewhen the next message appears in the dash. I got the Brake switch yesterday and will try to put it in this weekend. I hope I find its' location, I believe it is near the actual brake pedal in the cars interior. I'm sure I'll find it.
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RE: Failsafe Mode after I lost cruise control
WOW, a $65 fix on a $500+ Jag repair!! It's been 500 miles since I put in the new brake switch, all systems are "go"!
Two people, 30 minutes and Part #LJB 6420BB. I hope everyone that has this problem sees this forum. Good karma means my next problem might be solved in a similar way. Of course I am taking the risk of posting this result and having a puff of smoke and having to call the flat bed tomorrow, let's hope not. Drive safe, be happy...........
Two people, 30 minutes and Part #LJB 6420BB. I hope everyone that has this problem sees this forum. Good karma means my next problem might be solved in a similar way. Of course I am taking the risk of posting this result and having a puff of smoke and having to call the flat bed tomorrow, let's hope not. Drive safe, be happy...........
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RE: Failsafe Mode after I lost cruise control
I recently bough a 2001 XKR and had a similar issue, and its not yet fixed :-(
Basically the "CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE" message was displayed after going over some bumpy ground, whilst braking. The cruise control was off in terms of not selected, and also off in terms of the button in the console not illuminated. After the braking incident, I drove up the road, and tried to engage cruise...and the message popped up.
I tried a hard reset by disconnecting the battery, and actually removing the Modules ASCM and ASCBM - thats the radar for active cruise control in the nose, and the booster module in the drivers bulkhead extension.
I have connected to IDS at the dealers and got P1696 as the fault code, and then later when we did a clear codes, it would not communicate with the module...but some of this communication stuff does sound variable-a bit like the errors in the display.
However the ENGINE FAILSAFE and amber light is now on all the time with the CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE, and also INCORRECT PART FITTED....well i am guessing that ENGINE FAILSAFE appears due to the CRUISE being quite dangerous if not functioning correctly...wrong part fitted...i am unsure - maybe the moduleneeds reconfiguring.
I would like any advice as to what to try next. Its a UK spec 2001 XKR. I am considering buying some OBD11 Diagnostic software and connections for a laptop, but how much can be controlled by this equipment, which is the best?
ildesign - failsafe means cc wont work! does that also mean that cc inop. could cause failsafe - like in my instance? If thats the case, what are the links between the two that i need to investigate?
jimzjag - Does your car have just standard cruise, or adaptive cruise where it measures distance between your car and the next etc etc....Have you pictures of the switch you replaced? Thank you
Basically the "CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE" message was displayed after going over some bumpy ground, whilst braking. The cruise control was off in terms of not selected, and also off in terms of the button in the console not illuminated. After the braking incident, I drove up the road, and tried to engage cruise...and the message popped up.
I tried a hard reset by disconnecting the battery, and actually removing the Modules ASCM and ASCBM - thats the radar for active cruise control in the nose, and the booster module in the drivers bulkhead extension.
I have connected to IDS at the dealers and got P1696 as the fault code, and then later when we did a clear codes, it would not communicate with the module...but some of this communication stuff does sound variable-a bit like the errors in the display.
However the ENGINE FAILSAFE and amber light is now on all the time with the CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE, and also INCORRECT PART FITTED....well i am guessing that ENGINE FAILSAFE appears due to the CRUISE being quite dangerous if not functioning correctly...wrong part fitted...i am unsure - maybe the moduleneeds reconfiguring.
I would like any advice as to what to try next. Its a UK spec 2001 XKR. I am considering buying some OBD11 Diagnostic software and connections for a laptop, but how much can be controlled by this equipment, which is the best?
ildesign - failsafe means cc wont work! does that also mean that cc inop. could cause failsafe - like in my instance? If thats the case, what are the links between the two that i need to investigate?
jimzjag - Does your car have just standard cruise, or adaptive cruise where it measures distance between your car and the next etc etc....Have you pictures of the switch you replaced? Thank you
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 729
Likes: 257
From: Cincinnati,Ohio USA
check your rear brake light bulbs, I had a corroding bulb, causing short spikes that destroyed my brake light switch and get had the same thing happen to me.
The brake light switch is an essential function to the transmission operation, Jaguar told me, and will present NO CODES.
The brake light switch is an essential function to the transmission operation, Jaguar told me, and will present NO CODES.
Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: Florida
My 98 did the exact same thing. I noticed it only happened when the cruise was on and touched the brakes. After it disengaged I would get the failsafe mode indicator and could not use cruise until the system recycled, which was typically several days. My solution is to simply turn cruise off on the console when it appears I am going to be using the brakes. On the open road it's not an issue - unless I have to slow down for a slower car.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 112
Likes: 12
From: New Jersey, USA
I had a similar issue several months ago in my 1998 XK8.
Driving on the highway, activated the cruise control, and the "ENGINE FAILSAFE" message came on and the cruise would not work.
I stopped the car, shut it off, waited about a minute and restarted. "ENGINE FAILSAFE" was gone, so I tried the cruise again with the same result. So I shut down again, restarted in a minute, and didn't use the Cruise Control for the rest of the day.
Since then, the cruise has worked fine and no warning lights of any kind.
Maybe my Brake Light Switch is on it's way out? Guess I'll replace it unless someone has another idea.
By the way, when I tried to engage the cruise and the "Engine Failsafe" came on, the car ran fine.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Dave B.
Driving on the highway, activated the cruise control, and the "ENGINE FAILSAFE" message came on and the cruise would not work.
I stopped the car, shut it off, waited about a minute and restarted. "ENGINE FAILSAFE" was gone, so I tried the cruise again with the same result. So I shut down again, restarted in a minute, and didn't use the Cruise Control for the rest of the day.
Since then, the cruise has worked fine and no warning lights of any kind.
Maybe my Brake Light Switch is on it's way out? Guess I'll replace it unless someone has another idea.
By the way, when I tried to engage the cruise and the "Engine Failsafe" came on, the car ran fine.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Dave B.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 107
Likes: 4
From: WV
Engine Failsafe / no cruise control
Hey all,
Having the same problem I figured I'd check it out. Getting to the brake switch is difficult for an old man with bifocals. So I removed the seat.
The two 8 mm nuts are hard to get to. The top of the switch is slotted so don't mess with the top nut. The switch will slide down once the bottom nut is removed and the switch pulled of the stud.
After removing the switch a quick inspection proved the switch to be functional.
I cleaned the contact points with electrical cleaner. I noticed I could hear the switch actuate when engaged with a nice click.
After reinstalling I would listen for the click of the switch which wasn't there.
If you have this ENGINE FAILSAFE and no cruise control. I would advise you put your foot under the brake peddle and pull up on the brake peddle. If this allows the switch to engage enough your in for a quick fix.
I put I scrap piece of wood between the steele rod (which is welded to the brake peddles connecting arm) and the firewall. This rod actuates the switch. Pushing the peddle down by hand so the rod makes contact with the wood (wedged) against the firewall. Push down slightly buy hand. I did this with the engine off. Now the switch will actuate every time the peddle is released. It only needed an ever so slight tweak to work properly again.
Had I tried pulling up on the peddle with my foot when FAILSAFE MODE appeared without the cruise control working, I would have known the rod tension needed tweaked.
Great time saver and a no cost repair.
I hope this helps someone. Luff
Having the same problem I figured I'd check it out. Getting to the brake switch is difficult for an old man with bifocals. So I removed the seat.
The two 8 mm nuts are hard to get to. The top of the switch is slotted so don't mess with the top nut. The switch will slide down once the bottom nut is removed and the switch pulled of the stud.
After removing the switch a quick inspection proved the switch to be functional.
I cleaned the contact points with electrical cleaner. I noticed I could hear the switch actuate when engaged with a nice click.
After reinstalling I would listen for the click of the switch which wasn't there.
If you have this ENGINE FAILSAFE and no cruise control. I would advise you put your foot under the brake peddle and pull up on the brake peddle. If this allows the switch to engage enough your in for a quick fix.
I put I scrap piece of wood between the steele rod (which is welded to the brake peddles connecting arm) and the firewall. This rod actuates the switch. Pushing the peddle down by hand so the rod makes contact with the wood (wedged) against the firewall. Push down slightly buy hand. I did this with the engine off. Now the switch will actuate every time the peddle is released. It only needed an ever so slight tweak to work properly again.
Had I tried pulling up on the peddle with my foot when FAILSAFE MODE appeared without the cruise control working, I would have known the rod tension needed tweaked.
Great time saver and a no cost repair.
I hope this helps someone. Luff
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,837
Likes: 458
From: Virginia Beach, VA
I don't like hearing the phrase "this is not a DIY car". OBDII scanners are not expensive, and with some research and help for the forum, just about any problem can be corrected. I had/have a problem with my brake switch. I have a new switch on order now. I get the "CRUISE UNAVAILABLE" and "CHECK REAR LIGHTS" messages. But, I check and all the lights work - which is very important ! There are two micro switches in the brake switch. One for the brake lights and park interlock and one for the cruise control cut off. Fortunately, on mine it is the apparently the latter. My previous Jag had the same issue. Not unusual for a ten year old car.