Good morning gents -

My 1997 XK8's battery died after leaving it in the garage for about 2 months (I've now learned my lesson about not starting the car for extended periods of time). I replaced the battery but I have a few questions:

1. What exactly is a "vented" battery and how is it different from a non-vented battery?

2. Behind my old battery I came across two electrical connectors that weren't connected to anything. I've attached a photo. Do you have any idea what they could belong to?

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g...tery+photo.JPG

3. The drivers and passenger windows now sometimes (not always) go down when I am lowering the convertible top. This didn't happen before the battery went dead. How do I stop this?

Thank you all -

PKB

 

A vented battery has a vent tube that channels the dangerous outgasses to the outside. All batteries outgas. Not a big deal when the battery is in the engine compartment, but when the battery is in the trunk, dangerous levels of toxic gas can build up and affect the occupants as well as the electrical components. It is dangerous to install a non-vented battery in a trunk....

The spare electrical connectors you see in your trunk were used to maintain your battery during the trip across the Atlantic Ocean. Once the car arrived in the U.S., they are no longer needed. Feel free to ignore them....

You may need to do an electrical system hard reset with your new battery in order to get your top operation back in sequence....

 

You likely need to reset the windows as well as a hard battery reset. Turn the ignition to position 2, no need to start. With the top up and the the windows up, press the window switches up and hold until you hear a small click. Then press down and hold until it lowers all the way and you hear another click. Then back up to repeat step #1. Do this for both the passenger and driver's side.

 

Excellent, thanks guys.

Could someone please post a pic so I know what it is supposed to look like? I'll go home and take a photo of my new battery tonight. Thanks again -

PKB

 

Here's a link on the topic with pictures.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...achment-99550/

 

The connector on the left in your photo is as Jon89 described.

The connector on the right is auxiliary power for accessories monted in the trunk: Battery +12v, Ground, and switched +12v. To activate the switched +12v you need to add a relay in the missing position in the trunk fusebox. There is also an identical connector on the same circuit behind the glovebox.

 

I wanted to shed a little light on the venting. The battery produces hydrogen gas when charging. In the trunk, this lighter than air explosive gas can accumulate and make your car a close up study of the Hindenburg disaster with one spark. Be sure the vent is connected and clear.!

 

The vent tube on my '97 XK8 is inserted into a small plastic bottle between the battery and the right fender. Is the bottle supposed to be (partially) filled with water or something? I don't see the purpose of it otherwise, since anything coming out of the vent tube is going straight into the trunk (sorry, boot).

Can't thank you all for the awesome advice. I've owned this car for less than a month and you've already saved me thousands of ???s and hours of misery!

 

The vent tube should exit through a hole in the floor to the right of the front of the battery. If it isn't long enough find a piece at one of the parts stores.
If you haven't visited the new member area yet, please do so when you have time. Link below:
New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

Some people have also had problems with corrosion caused by the vented gases accumulating in the closed area.

 

That makes a LOT more sense than sticking it in an empty bottle! Like trying to cure obesity by buying a bigger pair of pants. Makes you feel better but doesn't solve the problem.
I'll get that fixed right away!!! Thanks again for the awesome advice.