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Hello All,
Finally have had time to get familiar with the, new to me, '03 XKR. Curious as to how power should come on, as the XKR seems to have a very different power band than my XJR.
The Sedan upon acceleration, pulls like a freight train, whereas the Convertible seems to accelerate almost NA-like until kickdown.
Is this normal, or does an issue exist with the Convertible? I also, notice the S-mode does not seem to be functioning, as no RPM difference is recognized. Related issues?
Please advise, already dealing with the green shower, in this case a dribble, and need a pocket break, if possible...lol.
Also, has anyone had success with using lowering springs, in the rear only? Would like to reduce the rake and get a more neutral stance. H&R Springs? Open to recommendations/opinions.
Last edited by 2ndeagle; Jul 12, 2021 at 02:48 AM.
When I got my '03 it seemed not very responsive to throttle input and somewhat slow. It really is just the long throw of the peddle, if you just push farther it give you the power. It's just a bit odd to get used to but mine runs fine and will move out nicely when asked, I had to learn how to ask. None of my other cars are like this. Maybe this is what you are experiencing.
The S mode is just for the transmission, no affect on engine mode. Maybe your front springs are sacked out like mine were making the rear seem high. Yes, it looks better lower though. TM
Definitely second that gas pedal cable adjustment. There is a gas pedal sensor in the bin next to the brake booster. It is spring loaded. There is a semi-obvious adjustment where the slack in the cable can be adjusted. Take the fork off, adjust the slack, then put the fork back in. No tools, 2 min job. Once done, test the entire pedal travel to make sure you can get all the way down to the floor. Than let the ECU know/re-learn by doing several slow full pedal travel with the ignition on, engine off. On my own car, this adjustment resulted in a pretty dramatic response to throttle input. This feels like free power, in a way.
There is a more scientific way to test this. Get an OBDII reader on a mobile device and check the throttle percentage as you press the gas pedal. If there is slack, the percentage does not reach 100%.
When I got my '03 it seemed not very responsive to throttle input and somewhat slow. It really is just the long throw of the peddle, if you just push farther it give you the power. It's just a bit odd to get used to but mine runs fine and will move out nicely when asked, I had to learn how to ask. None of my other cars are like this. Maybe this is what you are experiencing.TM
That sums it up. Good to know nothing $$ wrong, in a kinda way...lol.
Definitely second that gas pedal cable adjustment. There is a gas pedal sensor in the bin next to the brake booster. It is spring loaded. There is a semi-obvious adjustment where the slack in the cable can be adjusted. Take the fork off, adjust the slack, then put the fork back in. No tools, 2 min job. Once done, test the entire pedal travel to make sure you can get all the way down to the floor. Than let the ECU know/re-learn by doing several slow full pedal travel with the ignition on, engine off. On my own car, this adjustment resulted in a pretty dramatic response to throttle input. This feels like free power, in a way.
When I got my '03 it seemed not very responsive to throttle input and somewhat slow. It really is just the long throw of the peddle, if you just push farther it give you the power. It's just a bit odd to get used to but mine runs fine and will move out nicely when asked, I had to learn how to ask. None of my other cars are like this. Maybe this is what you are experiencing.
The S mode is just for the transmission, no affect on engine mode. Maybe your front springs are sacked out like mine were making the rear seem high. Yes, it looks better lower though. TM
Yes, the S-Mode has no affect on RPM's or shift pattern, so I believe an issue exists. No codes, though.
29k miles. Front ride height at 14.5" and rear 16.5". Suspension is firm, no play or noises and very comfortable on reasonable potholes. Shock mount is centered and no 'visible' signs of deteriation, but from what I've been reading, the shock mount is a weak point. Ordered the Welsh replacements, but recently read I shouldn't expect much longevity.
Sounds like it could be multiple things. The springs may sack with age, not just miles. They are trapped and compressed just sitting in the garage. The top mounts (as you apparently read up on) account for some of the hight loss. TM
Sounds as if the throttle cable needs to be tightened up. Only takes a minute or so and well worth checking before you try anything else....
Thank you sir for the heads up. I now feel like an XKR owner. What a difference. Jaguar Growl is unleashed! I assume this was already done on the XJR, May dial that one down a bit. It's really touchy.
Definitely second that gas pedal cable adjustment. There is a gas pedal sensor in the bin next to the brake booster. It is spring loaded. There is a semi-obvious adjustment where the slack in the cable can be adjusted. Take the fork off, adjust the slack, then put the fork back in. No tools, 2 min job. Once done, test the entire pedal travel to make sure you can get all the way down to the floor. Than let the ECU know/re-learn by doing several slow full pedal travel with the ignition on, engine off. On my own car, this adjustment resulted in a pretty dramatic response to throttle input. This feels like free power, in a way.
There is a more scientific way to test this. Get an OBDII reader on a mobile device and check the throttle percentage as you press the gas pedal. If there is slack, the percentage does not reach 100%.
Thank you, sir for the how-to. Enjoying the XKR experience now.
Replaced the upper shock mount, rotors and pads, flushed the brake fluid lines, changed the oil/filter, adjusted the throttle linkage (🤣😂.
Ride height is now normal and the rake is not as obvious. Also, added 15mm spacers to the rear wheels. Seems to have improved handling and gives a better curb appeal, imo. Waiting on a pair for the front to arrive. Did I mention the throttle response.....lol.
Waiting on the gasket for the supercharger to arrive, then the anti-freeze will be changed.
Then the hydraulic lines for the top. Fortunately, i saw a small bit of moisture on the grill, near the dome lights just before I let the top down. So, I didn't get the shower. The lines have arrived and will be taking on the lengthy project soon.
Thanks to all for the words of wisdom.
Last edited by 2ndeagle; Aug 26, 2021 at 08:00 PM.
2nd Eagle, good luck w/ the hydraulic lines. Sounds like a major project. XKR experience sounds like a LOT of fun. Maybe I'll get to drive one someday.
Does normal ride height mean 15.75 center of wheel to inside of wheel well?
Have the same "feels slow" when accelerating my 00. Switch to Sport helped. How do I adjust the throttle response? Still a little worried about pushing the 5 speed hard because of reliability question.
Previous owner had a major cooling system failure. Maybe it's time for a compression test.
Test drove an 03 which feels a lot faster. Bigger engine, 6 speed, different power band all help.
Using the J-Gate helps a lot. Just put it into 3rd and leave it there so the car won't go into 6th gear whenever it can.
Yep. Saw a YouTube video on How To Drive or Enjoy, can't remember, an XK8/R. I found it helps quite a bit. Seems the modern above 4 speed are always searching for economy and with so many gears, you may be two gears short of what you want/need.... LOL. My Company vehicle is a 2020 Ford F-450. 10 speed transmission. Powerband grab is really slow. On take off it skips even gears upto 7th gear. I can be at 45 mph, 10th gear, 1600rpm.
So, once the car settled, the ride height was still off. Just replaced the front springs, as suggested and the problem is solved. Nearly an inch difference in the old vs new springs.
Power band
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