Got back yesterday from a week in the sun, tried to start the Jag, battery completely dead As I had left the car hard up against the garage door I was unable to enter the garage to get any tools out to manually remove gear selector out of park!! Next door neighbour has also gone away so am unable to cadge any of his tools. Will try again tomorrow. Is this a common fault with XK8's? Will charge the battery and get it tested. If U/S will replace and see how it goes. Still have U/S security module, could this have caused it? Hoping for some answers

 

When mine did that it turned out to be the audio power amp in the trunk had gone shorted so it wasn't shutting off and always drawing current and killing the battery. Its on the same fuse as the power antenna in the trunk fusebox. Of course there are many other things that can cause a draw that kills the battery but that is one to check.



Dave

 

Jagmg39.
You don't really need any special tools - assuming you have keys to get into the car, a suitably sized knife or spoon should be OK to remove the "star" shaped plastic nut - even a hexagonal pencil might do the job. Then use your key down the hole to bypass the solenoid. Then, with car in neutral, you should be able to manually push it back enough to get into the garage.

 

Thanks for info, got the car moved and battery now on charge. Are there any laymans tests for trying to find out what may be draining the battery? My XK does have a phone poss. cause of drain?

 

There is a small metal flap in your ignition switch that moves aside as you insert your key into it. That flap should move back into place and cover the keyhole whenever you remove your key. If that flap does not spring back properly, there have been reports of it causing a battery drain. Lubing your switch with a small shot of graphite powder for locks may help....

 

Jon89, cheers for that one. Will check that as well. Seems that Jags do'nt like being left for long periods. I have a neighbour who has an S Type that flattens its battery after a week or so