Greetings,

I'm new here.
I posted my introduction yesterday.

I'd really like to buy a Jaguar roadster. A 60's/70's XKE is out of reach so I'm looking at XK8's.

My question is:

Are Jaguar computer system interfaces compatible like all US built cars after 1997? How restricted is their software?

My son had a 98 Acura that had to be taken to the dealer after a battery change, to reset codes. I live along way from a Jaguar dealer and I like to do most of my own service work; everything short of sheet metal/paint work.

This my first step in my Jaguar education. I build vintage British bikes and have been working on restoration of a 76 MGB.

Thanks for all replies.

Phil

 

Very similar to US. A generic reader will display engine or P codes, but you would need to translate them with tables available here. They can not read abs or body system codes. For that you need specific software, such as Autoenginuity, which I have, costing around $500 or the factory software. Many indy shops can read Jag codes.

 

XK8/R models have sensitive electronics, but the diagnostics codes work with simple OBDII readers like all other makes. The previous post is correct in that you will need special readers if you want more than just the "P" codes, but that is available as well.

If you have decent mechanic skills (rebuilding Brit bikes qualifies you), you will save tons of $$ by doing the work yourself. Once sorted out, these cars are very reliable and only require standard maintenance.

Jump in. The waters fine.

 

In fact, you don't even need decent mechanic skills. I've been able to fix and perform pretty much every job on this car with amateur mechanical skills. She's running a ok!

I'm pretty sure you'll be fine.

Here's what I do, whenever the CEL lights up, I take it to my local Pep Boys/Autozone/whathaveyou and ask them to read my codes. It's free at Pep Boys. Once, they give me the codes I just ask about them here on the forum. That has never let me down.

 

Hello, 10Drum! Well, you have come to the right place for Jag info! Anyone on here can help with your questions. Be sure to review the "Tips" at the beginning of the XK8 section for tons of info relating to "the good, the bad, and the ugly" when it comes to XK8 models. I am a vintage bike enthusiast as well! Glad to meet another one!

 

When I'm assessing a potential Jaguar purchase, I always hook up my AutoEnginuity to the diagnostic port.

This tells me a lot more about the vehicle than the owner or salesman ever will!

Graham

 

Hey Jag#4

'these cars are very reliable and only require standard maintenance'

That's what I've always felt. Constantly hearing non-Jag owners with all kinds of other BS opinions.

Thank goodness for this forum! Keeps me from getting all riled up. <smirk>

Sandy

 

I rather like the fact that people think that Jags are unreliable....that widespread perception is one of the reasons these cars depreciate so quickly....and that makes them quite affordable for those willing to buy a slightly used car...like me...:=)

 

I have owned my XK8 for a few months now and have fell in love with the car. It had a few issues when I bought it but I use it as my daily driver and it has not left me stranded.

 

+1

Bad reputations die a long and protracted death. But Jags are reliable and long lasting, and even Harleys don't leak oil and are very reliable! <SHOCK>

They don't make cars the way they used to ......... THANK GOODNESS!!!

 

Agreed. The longstanding reputation of unreliability means these cars become affordable for acquisition within just a couple of years. Our 2005 S-Type (purchased in December 2008) has been stellar since mid-2010 once I finally addressed all of the well-known gremlins. And now, my wife's 2006 XK8 (purchased in February 2012) seems to have had all of its little idiosyncrasies addressed as well. I'm furiously knocking on wood as I type....