Low coolant & minor issues
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Low coolant & minor issues
Hello all. I just bought a 2001 XK8 about a month and a half ago and am delighted with it.
Of course, as with any used cars there are bound to be some minor issues and I hope your collective wisdom can help resolve some of them.
Firstly, I got the 'low coolant' message yesterday, but it did go away and the temperature gauge itself has been steady as a rock. From browsing these forums it seems this is a relatively common occurrence, so I'm not too nervous. Apparently the reservoir is quite small. I'm just a little worried because I would have figured the dealer I bought it from would have filled it recently so there may be a leak. I guess my real question is should I panic and take it to a dealer right away or do I have a few weeks grace period?
Secondly, when I took it through a car wash some high pressure water leaked in from between the window and convertible top. Is this common? The car is under warranty so I may take the trouble to have this fixed if it's rare or easy to fix.
Thirdly, is it possible to get at least a 2006 navigation DVD? I went to Navteq, but it looked like they only have updates for 2007's on when the nav system changed.
That's about it, besides that my XK's been a dream.
Of course, as with any used cars there are bound to be some minor issues and I hope your collective wisdom can help resolve some of them.
Firstly, I got the 'low coolant' message yesterday, but it did go away and the temperature gauge itself has been steady as a rock. From browsing these forums it seems this is a relatively common occurrence, so I'm not too nervous. Apparently the reservoir is quite small. I'm just a little worried because I would have figured the dealer I bought it from would have filled it recently so there may be a leak. I guess my real question is should I panic and take it to a dealer right away or do I have a few weeks grace period?
Secondly, when I took it through a car wash some high pressure water leaked in from between the window and convertible top. Is this common? The car is under warranty so I may take the trouble to have this fixed if it's rare or easy to fix.
Thirdly, is it possible to get at least a 2006 navigation DVD? I went to Navteq, but it looked like they only have updates for 2007's on when the nav system changed.
That's about it, besides that my XK's been a dream.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: The Villages, FL
RE: Low coolant & minor issues
I've could have written this.
Same model/year, same experiences. I've needed to top off my coolant three times this year, but the engine has never run hot. I don't drive it hard, and in the summer, with the top down, I turn off the AC, yet the coolant level goes down. A responder to my post on this subject said it could be a leak, but it's not a major issue. I've never seen any indication of leaks on my garage floor. I'll take it up with the shop next time I have the cat in for maintenance. It doesn't seem to be a problem.
Likewise, I get some dripping during car washes coming in through the top of the driver's side window but not in heavy rain. I just hold a towel there now when going through the car wash.
As for the 06 navigation DVD upgrade, that isn't going to happen. The most recentrelease from Navteq that will operate in a 2001 XK is the 2004 generation. After that, Jaguar changed from Alpine to Denso for its navigation system supplier. The Denso discs, which Navteq also compiles, are not compatible with the Alpine system. From time to time you'll find the Jaguar Alpine navigation DVDs on eBay, but rarely at a reasonable price. If you're looking for one, make sure it is marked Alpine and has a serial number ending inthe letterD or E.
Same model/year, same experiences. I've needed to top off my coolant three times this year, but the engine has never run hot. I don't drive it hard, and in the summer, with the top down, I turn off the AC, yet the coolant level goes down. A responder to my post on this subject said it could be a leak, but it's not a major issue. I've never seen any indication of leaks on my garage floor. I'll take it up with the shop next time I have the cat in for maintenance. It doesn't seem to be a problem.
Likewise, I get some dripping during car washes coming in through the top of the driver's side window but not in heavy rain. I just hold a towel there now when going through the car wash.
As for the 06 navigation DVD upgrade, that isn't going to happen. The most recentrelease from Navteq that will operate in a 2001 XK is the 2004 generation. After that, Jaguar changed from Alpine to Denso for its navigation system supplier. The Denso discs, which Navteq also compiles, are not compatible with the Alpine system. From time to time you'll find the Jaguar Alpine navigation DVDs on eBay, but rarely at a reasonable price. If you're looking for one, make sure it is marked Alpine and has a serial number ending inthe letterD or E.
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RE: Low coolant & minor issues
A common place they leak from is the Thermostat housing....you wouldn't necessarily see anything drip on the floor since the coolant willburn up on the hot engine block and evaporate...however, you should noticetheodor of coolant if this is the case.....
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Oak Ridge, TN
RE: Low coolant & minor issues
Yah, very common stuff. My top sometimes lets in a few drops of water when I wash the car myself...and i'm shocked that you both actually let the auto washes touch your paint....(shivvvver)
On the coolant leak, mine, and several other owners, have had to replace the expansion tank for about $150 themselves. Mine cracked at the bottom of the tank, others have had their sensor go bad or stick, and the new tank comes with a new sensor and cap, so was a no brainer for me.
Sent you PM alwann on your NAV disc issue. Nevermind alwann, meant the OP noiseman. Sorry.
On the coolant leak, mine, and several other owners, have had to replace the expansion tank for about $150 themselves. Mine cracked at the bottom of the tank, others have had their sensor go bad or stick, and the new tank comes with a new sensor and cap, so was a no brainer for me.
Sent you PM alwann on your NAV disc issue. Nevermind alwann, meant the OP noiseman. Sorry.
RE: Low coolant & minor issues
YOULL SEE RED STAINING FROM A COOLANT LEAK, AND USEALLY AROUND THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING WHERE THE BYPASS HOSE CONNECTS TO IT AT THE TOP. YOU CAN SLIDE THAT OSE ON AND OFF USEALLY WITHOUT LOOSENING THE CLAMP SO YOU GET SMALL LEAKS. BUT TOP UP THE RESERVOIR WHEN COLD TO THE VERY TOP AND PUT THE TOP BACK ON AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. MAYBE THE FIXED A LEAK AND THE SYSTEM BURPED A LITTLE AIR AND IS ONLY IN NEED OF BEING TOPPED UP. LEAKS AT THE TOP IS NORMAL, ESPECIALLY AT THE QTR WINDOW AND FRONT GLASS, AND THE TOP LEADING EDGE A WINDSCREEN POST SEAL. ANY OTHER PLACE NO, WHILE YOU HAVE FACTORY WARRANTY, KEEP IN MIND THAT IT MAY NEED ADJUSTMENT AND JAGUAR DOES NOT COVER ADJUSTMENTS AFTER THE 1ST 12/12, SAME WITH SQEEKS ALTHOUGH I USEALLY DO I DONT GET PAID, SO MINIMAL TIME SPENT OR I HAVE TO FIND A PART TO REPLACE. SOMETIMES THE DEALER WILL EAT IT TOO
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RE: Low coolant & minor issues
ORIGINAL: Alwann
I've could have written this.
Same model/year, same experiences. I've needed to top off my coolant three times this year, but the engine has never run hot. I don't drive it hard, and in the summer, with the top down, I turn off the AC, yet the coolant level goes down. A responder to my post on this subject said it could be a leak, but it's not a major issue. I've never seen any indication of leaks on my garage floor. I'll take it up with the shop next time I have the cat in for maintenance. It doesn't seem to be a problem.
Likewise, I get some dripping during car washes coming in through the top of the driver's side window but not in heavy rain. I just hold a towel there now when going through the car wash.
As for the 06 navigation DVD upgrade, that isn't going to happen. The most recent release from Navteq that will operate in a 2001 XK is the 2004 generation. After that, Jaguar changed from Alpine to Denso for its navigation system supplier. The Denso discs, which Navteq also compiles, are not compatible with the Alpine system. From time to time you'll find the Jaguar Alpine navigation DVDs on eBay, but rarely at a reasonable price. If you're looking for one, make sure it is marked Alpine and has a serial number ending in the letter D or E.
I've could have written this.
Same model/year, same experiences. I've needed to top off my coolant three times this year, but the engine has never run hot. I don't drive it hard, and in the summer, with the top down, I turn off the AC, yet the coolant level goes down. A responder to my post on this subject said it could be a leak, but it's not a major issue. I've never seen any indication of leaks on my garage floor. I'll take it up with the shop next time I have the cat in for maintenance. It doesn't seem to be a problem.
Likewise, I get some dripping during car washes coming in through the top of the driver's side window but not in heavy rain. I just hold a towel there now when going through the car wash.
As for the 06 navigation DVD upgrade, that isn't going to happen. The most recent release from Navteq that will operate in a 2001 XK is the 2004 generation. After that, Jaguar changed from Alpine to Denso for its navigation system supplier. The Denso discs, which Navteq also compiles, are not compatible with the Alpine system. From time to time you'll find the Jaguar Alpine navigation DVDs on eBay, but rarely at a reasonable price. If you're looking for one, make sure it is marked Alpine and has a serial number ending in the letter D or E.
I am not very mechanically inclined, how easy is it to top off the coolant? Is it just a matter of pouring in more antifreeze when the engine is cool? If so, is there any particular brand? I've seen a couple of posts recommending Jaguar's brand despite the high price.
As for the car wash, I was thinking the same thing about just using a towel. I'll hand wash in the summer, but it's not possible in the winter here. The local wash is touch free, I definitely won't use the other kind because it turns out the dealer had one and managed to break off the antenna while I was filling out the registration paperwork... H2oboy's post was right on the money about touch washes!
I kinda thought it would be hard to get an updated Nav DVD. No biggie though. I do wish the nav screen was a little less bright at night. I've set it to 'always night' as it's plenty bright during the day in that mode.
Despite these minor problems I have no regrets getting the XK! I feel great every time I get behind the wheel.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Oak Ridge, TN
RE: Low coolant & minor issues
Noise, I have a tip for you on your screen. On your steering wheel column, just next to the 'auto return' button for the telescoping wheel is the dimmer control. If it is all the way on...clicked...then your nav screen will never go dim, it will also stay on the high brightness setting. When not set to 'on', you can let the NAV system also go on auto, when the lights go on, the screen will dim down. make sense? play with that and you'll have more flexibility with illumination levels.
Coolant is an easy item to top off. Don't mix the green and orange stuff, first find out which one you have and go 50/50 with some distilled water right there in the expansion tank.
Glad you like your car noise. I've had mine now for a year and a half, and I love it just as much as the first day I brought her home. It seems like yesterday I bought her. Have you named your car?
Coolant is an easy item to top off. Don't mix the green and orange stuff, first find out which one you have and go 50/50 with some distilled water right there in the expansion tank.
Glad you like your car noise. I've had mine now for a year and a half, and I love it just as much as the first day I brought her home. It seems like yesterday I bought her. Have you named your car?
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RE: Low coolant & minor issues
ORIGINAL: h20boy
Noise, I have a tip for you on your screen. On your steering wheel column, just next to the 'auto return' button for the telescoping wheel is the dimmer control. If it is all the way on...clicked...then your nav screen will never go dim, it will also stay on the high brightness setting. When not set to 'on', you can let the NAV system also go on auto, when the lights go on, the screen will dim down. make sense? play with that and you'll have more flexibility with illumination levels.
Coolant is an easy item to top off. Don't mix the green and orange stuff, first find out which one you have and go 50/50 with some distilled water right there in the expansion tank.
Glad you like your car noise. I've had mine now for a year and a half, and I love it just as much as the first day I brought her home. It seems like yesterday I bought her. Have you named your car?
Noise, I have a tip for you on your screen. On your steering wheel column, just next to the 'auto return' button for the telescoping wheel is the dimmer control. If it is all the way on...clicked...then your nav screen will never go dim, it will also stay on the high brightness setting. When not set to 'on', you can let the NAV system also go on auto, when the lights go on, the screen will dim down. make sense? play with that and you'll have more flexibility with illumination levels.
Coolant is an easy item to top off. Don't mix the green and orange stuff, first find out which one you have and go 50/50 with some distilled water right there in the expansion tank.
Glad you like your car noise. I've had mine now for a year and a half, and I love it just as much as the first day I brought her home. It seems like yesterday I bought her. Have you named your car?
I haven't named it, though it tends to be called 'little Jag' since my brother has a big XJ8. I discovered the XK when I dropped him off to have his car serviced. I had been looking at a Mercedes convertible since I have been pleased with my E320. I am so happy I got the Jag instead as it's so rare and distinctive. I waited months for the right model and colors to become available, and in that time I've only seen one other XK on the road.
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Oregon - We don't tan we rust
RE: Low coolant & minor issues
My 2000 leaked at the base of the housing. You could see it. You could also smell the coolant inside of the car.
In order to change the housing you have to remove or at least lift the intake manifold so you'll need a gasket for that. The two bolts towards the manifold will not clear the lip at the front of the manifold.
My dealer replaced the unit and the total cost came out to be $750. I didn't have to pay for it, I only had the car a day when I noticed the leak.
I've seen a metal housing that replaces the plastic one going for $65.00 USD on one of the Jaguar forums/web pages but I can't remember which one.
In order to change the housing you have to remove or at least lift the intake manifold so you'll need a gasket for that. The two bolts towards the manifold will not clear the lip at the front of the manifold.
My dealer replaced the unit and the total cost came out to be $750. I didn't have to pay for it, I only had the car a day when I noticed the leak.
I've seen a metal housing that replaces the plastic one going for $65.00 USD on one of the Jaguar forums/web pages but I can't remember which one.
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