I was driving happily along the highway in my 98 XK8 on a beautiful, cool autumn day. Suddenly, without any precursor noises, smells or bumps, the red warning light in the speedometer came on with the message "ENGINE" glowing...I was alarmed and headed home immediately...in a few seconds the warning light went out and did not return during the few miles to my home.
I ran a diagnostic immediately and got no problem codes.
I've driven the car one time since without any problems. Vital statistics are normal...oil, coolant, battery... any ideas?

 

Steve, is that all she said ? I have a 98 too, but I never saw that one.

Sorry for your headache I know what that kind of thing feels like. Was performance affected at all ?

John

 

I think you just had one of those Jaguar "CTRL/ALT/DELETE" moments. Part of the fun !!

 

Do you mean the lit script in between the Red and Yellow lights at the top of the third gauge? I believe you have overheated the catalytic converter or exhaust system. Or, your converter is plugged, bent, dented, broken etc. That 'script' in between the two lights, warns of excessive temperatures in the exhaust system.

 

Hi Steve. If you reported accurately (no reason to doubt), this is what it is - the red CEL warning light with appropriate msg centre warning.

Steve, if so, still no cause to panic - especially in view of subsequent events or, more precisely, non events with no codes. I tend to agree with verdict of glitch but one not to be laughed at and a must to investigate carefully. OTOH, this could be pre-cursor to permanent failure of some internal engine sensor (eg timing) that can cause tears. I can't see that with your lack of codes . . . so, proceed with what YOU can do.

Start with your battery, power feed and ground connections, especially but not limited to boot/trunk, main cabin junction and/or fuse boxes, engine and transmission. Be armed with Wiring Diagrams, be methodical and make precise notes of all you check. Some have reported that removing/cleaning/spraying such connectors and especially body ground connections has exposed some corrosion that, once remedied, has eradicated problems. Fair bit of work in all that and I assume you are up to the "no cost" DIY approach . . . plenty to chew on . . . then report back with findings.

Cheers,

Ken

 

Did you get a chance to read the message clearly?

The only two RED warnings in the message centre with ENGINE displayed for a '96 are:



A spurious out-of-range signal from the notoriously unreliable coolant level sensor is a good bet for the cause.

Graham

 

Thank you all for some excellent direction...today, I will try to systematically go through the various areas of the car that were recommended.
I was thinking, that when the warning light came on I was so surprised and alarmed that I didn't read it carefully, I only remember seeing the amber "Engine" script, it might have read "Engine Coolant" for all I know, it was on for just a few seconds and I was half-panicked.
This is the first issue I've had with the car since I purchased it...it's been perfect and I love to drive it.

 

Ok, I went through all the systems, connections, fluid levels, etc. as recommended. I had checked the coolant level a couple of times and it looked all right to me, but I guess I was wrong. Anyway, when i looked at it again, I had to put about 5 ounces of distilled water into the fill tank. I then went for a 20 mile ride. It was the only thing I could find...car ran great, no warning lights. Thanks everybody

 

Hello again Steve,

IMHO, heed well the post from Graham [GGG].

There are numerous threads on the "Low Level Coolant" issue and most intermittent faults appear to hinge on the sensor in the reservoir. Some have reported ongoing success from delving into reservoir with swabstick to clean the sensor tip. Given relatively low cost, most opt to replace with new sensor.

Cheers

Ken