Went out to eat with my bride. Had a great time and a cocktail. Came out hit the remote and got in. Turned the key and nothing. Thought I hit a wrong button on the remote but still nothing. We look at each and laugh. Really! A few minutes later after playing with the remote,which I feel had no bearing on our problem, the car starts and we drive off. Got home and turned her off. Started her up and no clock or GPS. I'm guessing original battery? Damn fiddley cars.

 

Nothing is wrong with your car but you might not want to cheat on your kitty again.

 

probably the battery, yes. If it happens again, jiggle the gear shifter and try again. There is a history of the switch on the tranny not having a great connection telling the computer it is in P or D. I can't remember the name of the switch.

 

+1

Of course, I'd have to guess which MY you have because the info isn't in your Signature!

Battery is my first preference for the culprit. The transmission switch Matt mentions as another regular cause of this issue is the Gearshift Interlock Solenoid (item 1):


(click on the image to enlarge it)

This is for the 2003MY.

Graham

 

Thanks guys. Plan on replacing the battery soon. Probably original.
The car is a 03 XK8 convertible. Is gear shift switch hard to get to?

 

The Floor Console has to come out to access it.

JTIS - XK8 Floor Console.pdf


JTIS - XK8 Brake Shift Interlock.pdf

It's easier than it may sound from the JTIS description.

Graham

 

Thanks for the info.
So if it happens again is there a way to override it so I can get home?

 

If you can't move the gear shift, it's the Interlock (item 5).

If you can move the shift lever but can't get the gears, it's the Control Switch (item 3) or Selector Cable (item 6).




The Interlock can be overridden by removing the Blanking Screw (item 2) then using a suitable tool (the ignition key works for this), press and hold the brake shift interlock actuator manual override and simultaneously move the selector lever to the 'N' position.

Graham

 

So I get in it tonight and it starts right up. Warmed her up shut it down. Got back in it a few minutes later and nothing. Not the interconnect and not the control switch. The thing sat there making a clicking for hours. Tried to jump start it and nothing. Dash/ idiot lights come on but nothing else.

 

Check the main junction box in the luggage compartment (arrowed in blue).



The leads are known to slacken, corrode or partially break causing intermittent difficult starting.

Graham

 

Will do in the morning. Does anything I'm explaining make since or has happened before? I'm glad it's not a daily driver. Just sayin.

 

I still think the battery is Number One suspect. These vehicles have a lot less electrical issue when used as daily drivers.

If you use the vehicle infrequently, a battery tender is a good investment.

Graham

 

I agree somewhat,well not a daily driver I have been taking her out once a day for a short ride.About 10-15 miles. The battery was replaced in 2011. I a little confused why the jumper cables didn't work.

 

The battery was bought new in 2013. Not the battery. Checked every thing that you guys thought it might be.
Can't understand why sometimes it starts and twice now it wouldn't. And when I say won't start I mean the start doesn't turn like it's not getting any power.
I think it's either the park/neutral safe switch or the transponder sometimes not talking to the computer. Whatever it is I'm afraid of getting stuck with it.

 

Have you been able to determine if there are any noises/clicks coming from the engine compartment, when you turn the key to the start position.

 

It was clicking under the hood and in the trunk with everything off. I had to remove the negitive cable.

 

Sounds like similar symptoms to my XJR last week when the fuel pumps went, only difference is that it wold occasionally try to catch which it doesn't sound like yours is. Checking fuel pressure should be pretty simple though If you can't hear the pump then you can check it on the fuel rail.

 

The two times it happened it wasn't turning over,nothing when turning the key.

 

On the bright side, if your bride laughed when your Jag didn't start she's a keeper!

 

That she is. Married 34 years. Together 36 years.