Just purchased 1998 XK8 convertible and I'm in love! One strange problem: of course the windows cannot be operated with the ignition turned off. When the car is parked, sometimes the front windows will be part way down when I return! Usually the passenger side lower than the driver's side. Do I need a mechanic or a Catholic priest? Anyone else ever experienced this problem?.

 

Start by re-setting the limits. From inside the car, door closed, roll the windows all the way down and maintain the button for a short bit. You should hear a faint click. Roll the windows up and do the same. This "teaches" the control module where the limits for these windows are. When the limits are lost, activating the door handle inches the windows down, but not back up.

These limits get lost with loss of battery power, or are the first sign of an aging/failing battery in need of replacement.

 

Thanks for your quick reply fmertz, I immediately went and tried t. I'll let you know if it holds. Tell Ethel I said hello.

 

+1

A failing or partially discharged battery causes countless weird electrical/electronic errors and faults on these cars. If it's more than five years old then worth replacing. Also, if the vehicle is not to be used regularly, a battery tender is a good investment. Most members use one from the CTEK range.

(Also interested to learn the US and Canadian spelling of aging is different from our ageing. Not something I'd previously noticed.)

Graham

 

OC, since this is new, you may not realize. You can open / close windows or windows and roof with the key in the driver's door.

In North America turn key clockwise all the way and hold. In Less than 20 seconds windows all lower followed by roof. Sometimes its just easier before you get in, especially if giving your dog a ride (im always watching out for her tail as roof opens!). Or quickly close windows in unexpected rain.

John

 

Thanks for the info, John. I'm always grateful for info tips. I have a lot to learn about "MY GIRL".

 

The windows are driven by the door control modules (one for each side of the car). If both windows are winding down then I would suspect some module further up the SCP bus, such as the Body Processor Module or the Security and Locking Module is possessed. Is the car unlocked or locked when this happens (or both)?

 

After my thread, I received many replies to my window problem .I tried teaching my windows up and down, but it didn't correct my problem. Many who replied emphasized the importance of a good battery delivering proper voltage. Not noticing any significant problems operating the car, I decided to get a new battery since I had no idea of the battery age as I had recently purchased the car. The old battery tested good, but after I did a hard reset and installed the new battery the results were immediate! The engine turns over at a much higher RPM when starting, the windows stay up, and now I noticed the windows go up to seal them when closing the door. My immense gratitude to all who responded to my thread. What a fantastic site this is. OldCoot

 

Now you're a believer, don't neglect the second recommendation to use a battery tender.

Graham

 

New batteries resolve so many pesky issues with these cars. Drive it often or as suggested, use a battery tender to keep it as fresh as possible....

 

I'd still stop by the archdiocese if I were you, just to make sure.

 

You're in the UK Graham, which do you use / recommend?

 

I use CTEK's but the fact that so many forum members around the World do the same is the best recommendation.
https://www.ctek.com/uk/battery-char...24v/mxs-5-0-uk





All the major European luxury vehicle manufacturers offer CTEK's with their own branding and put a massive markup on the cost. Buying direct from a CTEK distributor gets the same product at much lower cost.

Graham