I hadn't used my 2001 XK8 for three weeks, got in and it started first time, I drove to the supermarket, a coupe of miles. I came back to the car, used the remote to open the door, key in ignition, nothing! Error messages scrolling on the dash, "Engine in fail safe mode", "Traction control failure", etc etc. I waited 20 minutes, tried again, the car started right up! Any ideas? Security control module perhaps... Any help appreciated...

 

Most likely failing battery or poor power/ground.

 

Agreed.

You'd got beyond the Security Module stage when you'd opened the vehicle and got the ignition alive.

Not used for three weeks - was it on a tender?

If so, check cable connections to the main junction box are tight:



Graham

 

Thanks for the info, I did list my car in the body of my question 2001 XK8, as far as I know they came with only one engine option, as least here in the USA. Mileage on it is 81,000. As for not driving it for three weeks I do have three other Jags, a Bentley continental R, a Land Rover, and a Porsche so they all get a turn on the highways of Southern California! Thanks for your quick reply, much appreciated.

 

Thanks for the advice, and the photo, I did check the main junction box connections, all appears to be tight, the battery is only two years old. Anyway the car started up first time today so I'll drive it around and see what happens...

 

when sitting make sure to lock the car with the remote it will let the car go into sleep mode and not drain the battery as much. xk8's eat batteries like kids eat cheerios. a weak battery will make all kinds of gremlins appear. gauge should read close to 14 volts.

 

Thanks for the advice, I never realized how sensitive the battery is apart from to obvious, letting it go completely flat...