Help!

I have JUST bought a 97 XK8 off of co-parts, under the ride-n-drive light. I have owned it 2 days now.
I have a Stability Control Fail message on.
I have a GearBox Fault message on.

Car shifts into reverse with no problem. Car does NOT go into Drive at all. On the console are 2 switches (one with a S) the other switch does not have a cover on it. When I push the switch without a cover, it will go forward in a "safe" mode. The car has 109,000 miles on it.

I have a Owners Handbook, thats it. First time owner, no "qualified" mechanics in area. I have got to get this car fixed before my mid-life crisis is over....any ideas?

 

You will have to find someone with the equipment to pull the codes. It's really the only place to start that I know.

 

Optimistic screen name too. just wanted to say that, and good luck w/ your problem. It doesn't sound good.

 

not an expert and not sure if going to be any help here.

if its the two switches below the gear lever that brokenjag is refering to, then the one with the 'S' on it is the 'sport' mode ( put an extra pair of pants on before engaging this switch ). the other switch should have a picture which looks like a clock face. this is the 'cruise control' botton.

i also sometimes get the message 'stability control / traction control failure', i've read somewhere before that this could just be down to dirty/corroded sensors located behind the front wheels. believed not to be an expensive fix but i cant say how much.

it seems to me that if you've got a gearbox problem, then engaging the 'cruise control' will probably put the car into 'safe mode'.

as ken says, get someone to pull the codes for you, it'll save you a whole load of 'if's and but's'.

good luck and let us know the outcome.

tariq

***still with the elite 'cos i got an XK8***

 

Thanks!
I have finally found a transmission shop that can scan the codes for me! I love the car, it definately has attitude! Looks like this is my winter hobby...lol. I realize I have stepped into a new playground, just hope I can afford the lifestyle! May have to give up food for awhile, but the car is staying! Stay in touch folks, I am going to need all the help I can get! I have been reading the owners manual, but the service manual is missing. Any hints, tips are greatly appreciated.......
Thanks again!

 

Will you let me know what happened with this because the same thing just happened to mine. Been told it could just be a sensor. Having Jag Specialist take it away tomorrow morning to fix. Want to know I'm not getting ripped off if he tries to tell me it's something it aint.

Tar x

 

Hi!

Sorry to hear about your dilemna. I hope you have a much better experience then I am having. After purchasing a transmission, and a engine control module....I think I am actually getting closer....and broke. I finally broke down and dropped it off at the Jaguar dealership, my specific problem seems to be a power relay switch on the side of the transmission. 3 screws and a electrical clip and it comes out. The dealership said I was looking at $1300.00...I am taking the old one off my bad transmission and going to see if it will work.

I haven't even got to drive it yet........
Any loyal Jag fans out there that can empathize, I am going to start taking donations! I already have a sign that says " Will work for car repairs"

 

BrokenJag . . . chin up.

I would offer two comments. These cars are too complex to repair without computer assistance and also too complex to assume that the computer knows exactly what the problem is. Replacement of the indicated unit may only identify the real problem beyond.

The experience and advice of folks on this, and other forums, will serve you well. As well as belonging to an unique fraternity.

A third opinion: it's worth it.

 

Well, after my boyfriend heard about prob he went down and cleaned thewheel speedsensors inside the front wheelsand it hasn't returned since. Thanks to Jag Forumadvice that is.
Coil is still acting up tho. it's completely random. Sometimes i can go all week and runs sweet, but sometimes, like today i did 45 of a 180 mile journey at 50mph cos i had restricted performance. again. when it says coil B on the hand held computer thingy does that mean it's one of the coil packs on a particular side of the engine? and if so which side (with air filter or easy to get to side?) Or does it indicate a specific coil? I will get boyfriend to repair if i know which one has gone!

tar again peeps.

 

That's right, it is telling you which coil is having a problem. I don't know the alpha positions though, so maybe a techie will chime in.

 

When my car threw off codes for ignition on one bank of cylinders, it turned out to be a bad ECU.

 

The 'B' bank is the left side, from the inside, your passenger side I believe. The OBDII DTcodes are P0305 for the front cylinder B1, P0306 for B2, etc.

If you are logging other than the P0305 through P0308 let us know.