My 1998 XK8 learned a new trick.

I turn the key & nothing!!! I hear a click in the console but the starter doesn't engage. I sometimes have to turn the key on & off several times before the starter will turn the engine over.

Is there a relay that could be bad? or is it the starter it self?

It seems to start ok if I wait until the check the system lights go off before trying to start the engine. I know that really should not matter but it just works out that way.

Don't want to get stranded.

 

Check the FAQ's for a start (no pun intended) - this link:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/g...d-first-30792/

Also the 'Engine' section in the FAQ's.

Graham

 

The Battery is good and everthing works. The starter won't turn over the engine. It acts like a bad starter relay.

Good post, I too have worked on cars for over 30 years and know my way around (most) cars. I am still not sure what makes a Jag go as yet. They seem to have rules all their own. Ha Ha Ha. So I am still learning.

 

This is another No Start procedure that might help JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

Mr. Vette: Could it be a security glitch ? Try unlocking the car with the remote a couple times maybe?

 

The Battery is new and if you turn the key several times, the starter will work.

It is the internal selenoid that seems to have gone bad on the starter causing it not to engage the starter drive. I have been doing some more research.

Old Chevys have the same problem. Once you replace the punger or selenoid unit it will work like new again.

Engine heat really does a number on starter motors and their internal parts.

Thanks for the help.

 

It could be your Exciter Ring on the Ignition Switch ...........

Graham

 

How do I test for that?

 

Before you get deep into this did you check your starter relay and your shifter selector switch?

 

The starter relay is working. & the shifter is fine as well.

I believe that the exciter ring reads the key code and if it fails. the car would turn over but not start. This is not the case. in this case, the relay clicks but the starter fails to engage. I think I am still looking at a failing starter motor soleniod.

Car starts and runs perfect it is just that the starter fails to engage & turn the engine over so that it can start.

 

This link has a photo of the exciter ring https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...rk-71752/page4 Also I think you should read 34 ohms on the ring. Check your PM

 

Looks like Gus has got you progressed further............?

Graham

 

I had an opportunity to speak with Gus and after a wonderful conversation, He said that someone else had had the same problem & it was the new coded keys that was the cause. I had been thinking that the new key might be the prblem, I had just started using the new key and until then I had never had a problem. I went back to the old key and it seems to have cured the problem.

Thanks Gus, your the bomb!!

 

You were only getting the problem with a NEW key!!

It's always the little details left out that make the difference.
Pleased to hear you got the answer.
Graham

 

Just out of interest where did you get the new key?

 

I had the key made at the dealer and I am sorry to say changing the key did not cure the problem as I thought it had..

After several starts, I turned the key and no starter again. This time after the second attempt and no starter, I put car in neutral and it started right up.

I am back to square one. I guess I will have to test the neutral switch again and see if it is going bad. as well as relays in the fuse box.

The car will start several times and then it won't engage the starter and it seems to take two or three tries of turning the key to start and then it will start normally.

I think the car is playing with my head.

Car is garaged and never driven in bad weather. I find it hard to believe a relay would act this way. work several times and then fail only to work again several times and then fail again. Weird.

I think I should just go back to Corvettes, problem solved.

P.S. New key came from Jaguar dealer.

 

The neutral selector switch is a common issue in the no start situations. Keep using it in neutral and see if the problem goes away. That switch is a high dollar item and should only be changed if it is proven to be the problem.

 

Sounds like a game plan. Works for me. As long as it starts, I don't care if it is in park or neutral.

If it wasn't such a Huge safety issue, I would just bypass it.

Again, Thanks Gus for your help with this annoying problem.

 

I have a 1998 XK8 shifter assembly. I'd be glad to let you borrow it to see if the switch is the problem.

I agree on the Corvette, my 84 Corvette is my daily driver these days and has been a great car in the 15 years of ownership. The Jaguar is undergoing tensioner surgery, and I am waiting on the parts.

 

Thank you for the offer. I think that I will just see if going to Neutral will cure the problem(less work) and just go from there.

I am growning tired of playing games with this car.

The car only does this once in 12 starts so it hasn't gotten bad yet and if it does leave me stranded, it's GONE!!!!! Will look for another Corvette. Maybe a C5 this time

I am very disappointed in Jag and how cheaply made the parts are. They are very fragile for such a high price car.

The center dash vent is a real joke, I have never in the 45+ years of owning cars had one break. I have had 2 break in this Jag. They are real junk.

Thank you again for your kind offer.

I find there always seems to be more people on this XK8/XKR page than any other. hummmmmm I wonder if that is an indication we have more problems than the other models do.