The car warms up. Hot to the touch, but the fans do not turn on as one would expect. However the dash says it's not hot. Is this normal?

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2000 XK8 (added by GGG)

 

Bob welcome, & for the most accurate responses please include your car's details in your signature.

Do know the temp. gauges in these are notoriously inaccurate as they're so slow to register dangerous temps, it's usually too late once it does,so be aware.

 

+1 to need car details.
If the gauge is in the red it's dangerously hot. Was that just when standing still or also while driving? It would be best to avoid using the car until the problem is resolved as you may be close to blowing a head gasket or dropping valve seats. You can download electrical system diagrams at jagrepair.com to help locate the fuses and modules.

Please visit the new member area and introduce yourself and you car:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/n...-intro-must-5/

 

Read ECT via OBD to see what the dash really is being told. If not as hot as a hot engine should be, investigate sensor/wiring/etc.

It won't put on the fan(s) unless told the engine is hot.

 

At the time the car was not driven. Somehow the battery was drained and I jumped it off, let it run for 15 minutes and noticed the cooling fans not on. Also I get a coolant system low light.

 

Welcome to the forum Bob,

I've moved your question from X308 to X100 forum. This is the place to post questions about your model.

Graham

 

Bob, the fan always comes on when a.c. is on. I dont think anyone had a chance to mention that. Thought you might be able to use that as a quick test.

John

 

Thank you John! Nobody mentioned it.

 

yea if you turn the air on they fans come on, both I think. If at a an idle from cold for just 15 running time they prob won't kick on.
If you have a low coolant light on, let it cool off and take the the cap off the expansion tank, fluid should be up to the bottom of the opening of the tank. If lower fill to that point, see if light goes away.

 

There is a cooling fan module mounted on the shroud between the fans. If it has failed, the fans will not come on consistently. The module controls the fans from the ECU. Mine failed and the I found out when the ac got warm at stoplights.