How do I convince my 05 XK8 that my hood and trunk are closed, that my air bag is okay and that my brake lights work? I am starting to get random invalid messages that things are not right, but they are. Sometimes it will go several days with no messages, then one of the above will pop up and stay with me for a couple of start/stops and then go away? I suspect a loose connection somewhere?
Thanks, Grant

 

The usual suspect is a failing battery. Since these cars consume so much power, it doesn't take much of a voltage loss for random spurious messages to start showing up. How old is yours?

 

yes agree with jon look at the battery first either replace or clean and recharge the battery and see what happens . also check the ignition key flap and see if its closing... if it sticks open it will slowly drain power from the battery thinking the key is in the ignition.

 

Thanks very much. I am not sure of the age of the battery as there was no paperwork with the car, but it is definitely an OEM battery, so it might be 10 years old, which is not likely. I will put a good charge on it and have it tested.
Grant
2005 black xk8
2005 black PT Cruiser GT
2006 black Silverado Intimator

 

Keep in mind that a battery that old may no longer be able to hold a sufficient-enough charge to consistently power your car. And they sometimes test "good" even when they are in the process of failing. Start researching 49-series vented batteries so you'll be ready if you have to pull the trigger. Try NAPA, Pep Boys, Autozone, Advance Auto, etc. You'll find them in the $140 to $160 range (with exchange) and you can save $10 to $20 on the purchase if you check the stores' websites for the appropriate coupons....

 

Thanks for the advise. I have purchased a replacement battery ($150), but learned that changing it will cause my radio to crash. I don't have the book or code and and hoping someone can tell me how to get it and set it. Or, will one of those thingies that plug into the cigarette lighter keep it from dumping the information?
Grant

 

It is unlikely you will need a code. Only one or two reported cases. North American were not supposed to be delivered that way.

 

My 2005 S-Type surprised me by requiring the radio code when I swapped out the factory battery about a month ago. So don't pull your battery until you have your code in hand. Contact a Jaguar dealership with your VIN. They should be able to provide your code to you, but some refuse to do that unless you show up in person with proof of ownership....

 

Jon, you are one of the exceptions I was thinking of. Is this a NC thing? Or maybe S type. I know of no one in Georgia who has required a code.

gyoungwolf: You could connect another battery to the + and ground posts under the hood at the fuse boxes with jumper cables if you want to be safe.

 

Thanks very much for the prompt replies. I was going by the owners manual that said I would need a radio code. But, I will use an extra battery connection (didn't think about the connectors under the hood) since my luck usually leans toward the bad side. When I hook up a charger to the old battery is shows that it is only 75-85% charged. It only takes it 5-10 minutes to hit 100%, but hopefully that is the reason I am getting funny codes. The passenger air bag light is the current favorite.

 

Would a failing battery also account for the warning message "A: 35MLS"? BTW what does that normally indicate?

 

NO that just means ur in the TRIP data mode press clear to get out.

 

Whew, that's a relief. I haven't used "A:" since the days of floppy drives on a PC. To be honest, I have not pressed many buttons since I got the car a few weeks ago as I spent many hours sorting out the driver's window.
Thanks again

 

Congratulations on the Jag!

 

My '05 requires the code. And you'll have to reset the sound adjustments (e.g. bass/treble) but the station presets stay in memory.